MT 9617 Snakes  Document Sample scope of work template  MT 9617
Agriculture  Coping With Snakes in Montana by James E. Knight,
Montana State University Extension Wildlife Specialist  Snakes
are one of the most feared animals in Montana, but people’s fear
of snakes comes from lack of understanding and superstition.
Snakes are not mysterious at all, and these fascinating
creatures don’t deserve the anxiety many people feel about them.
Of the 10 snake species found in Montana, only one, the
rattlesnake, is poisonous and potentially dangerous. There are
many benefits from having some snakes around the yard or garden.
Snakes are one of nature’s most efficient mousetraps, killing
and eating a variety of rodent pests. While snakes will not
eliminate pests, they do help keep their numbers in check. Some
harmless snakes eat other snakes, including poisonous ones.
Although you wouldn’t want a poisonous snake around your home,
snake venom can be beneficial and has been used in developing a
variety of human medicines. On