However, Corrine was the only one screaming. This story or similar versions of it are repeated each spring and fall as Utah's snakes emerge from hibernation or seek areas to hibernate. Unsettled spring weather may force snakes emerging from hibernation back into homes and other dwellings as they seek to escape unseasonably cold temperatures. This is when encounters of the snake kind occur. Unfortunately most snakes do not fare well in these encounters.
Snakes are probably the most feared and misunderstood animal known.
Utah is home to 27 species of snakes. Since these snakes are more abundant, chances are that when Utahns encounter a snake it will be non-venomous. Snakes are reptiles and are considered cold blooded animals, which means they maintain body temperatures approximately equal to that of their environment. When environmental temperatures drop below 50 degrees snakes seek shelter in areas where the temperatures are maintained above freezing. Suitable shelter areas may be found under rocks or rock piles, in holes, below ground, in or under tree stumps, wood piles, debris or many man-made structures.