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Expert calls 2015 ‘worst year’ for copperhead snakes

Posted at 4:09 PM, May 29, 2015
and last updated 2015-06-02 13:38:55-04

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — Neighbors in Central Virginia are reporting a recent surge in copperhead snake sightings.

Richard Perry, who has been in the animal and reptile removal business in Virginia for ten years, is not surprised. He said 2015 has been the busiest he has ever had for copperhead removals.

“This is the worst year I’ve seen. We are averaging 12 to 15 calls per week for snakes,” Perry said. “Last week I had a half dozen, if not more.”

Perry’s days have been filled with making house calls, setting traps and removing snakes.

Now is a good time for all homeowners to give their properties a once-over to make sure there are no easy entry points.

“They’re getting in through foundation vents,” Perry said. “Black snakes are also tremendous climbers so they can scale the side of your house and get in through the attic. They go through gable vents, chimneys and ridge vents.”