They are almost never seen in Indiana, even by specialists who know exactly where they should be. Thus, those water snakes people see while fishing around the state are simply common water snakes they are not venomous. Timber rattlesnakes are also rare, restricted to some of the forested hills in south-central Indiana. The most common venomous species is the copperhead, and even it has a restricted range in the hills of southern Indiana. Although thousands of persons are bitten by venomous snakes every year throughout the United States, such bites in Indiana are very rare.
Most bites occur when people are trying to kill or handle snakes.
Snakes will always flee an area rather than strike, unless they are harassed or startled. While the bite of a poisonous snake is dangerous, it is rarely fatal - more people die from bee stings and lightening strikes annually. Nevertheless, immediate medical help should be sought in case a bite occurs. Do not reach under rocks or logs, and not step over logs. Step on them, then over.