Unmistakable Smells That Can Alert You To A Nearby Snake

It's hunting season here in Louisiana! Dove season began on September 5th and teal season is set to begin this Saturday, September 19.

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And while deer season for archery won't begin until October 1, deer hunters are already spending pretty much every available weekend in the woods preparing for the upcoming season.

This annual ritual routinely brings a host of hunters into areas undisturbed for months and in close proximity to old "no shoulders". While most of us are mindful of where we put our feet, there's another sense that could clue you in to the fact there's a snake in your immediate path.

Obviously, our ears can alert us to the sound of a rattlesnake, but in some instances, and dependent on the species, our noses can alert us to a snake's presence.

I have personally demonstrated to other hunters the unmistakable odor of a cottonmouth. Once you've made the association, it's something you never forget and will immediately recognize it anytime you smell it.

I've been told by fellow outdoorsmen that you can also smell a rattlesnake and several other snake species, but I can't personally attest to the accuracy of that.

Scientists Say There Are Several Species of Vipers That Emit Recognizable Odors

Louisiana is home to seven species of venomous snakes, and while those are the ones we most want to avoid, research shows that a number of snakes can omit an odor when frightened.

Bestlifeonline says that copperheads (which is one of Louisiana's most aggressive snakes) can give off the smell of cucumbers.

Totalreptile.com says the same of rattlesnakes and that a den of these poisonous vipers will also have a smell just like a cucumber.

How Do Snakes Emit This Odor?

Looking at mysnakepet.com we learn just how snakes emit this odor: "Snakes have glands in their tails that contain a stinky liquid musk. They will expel this musk when they feel threatened, which will often repel the attacker due to the stinky smell."

Uniquepetswiki.com tells us that lots of snakes will omit this odor when they expel their musk due to being frightened. The site says that normally non-venomous water snakes will even omit the odor of an overpowering fishy smell. Once educated, a person can quickly recognize their odor.

So, YES, you can smell a snake and the best advice for those that smell one in the outdoors is to carefully move away. If the smell is in your home, it would be best to immediately contact an exterminator trained in snake removal.

Louisiana's 7 Venomous Snakes

Louisiana is home to 48 different species of snakes, but only 7 of those are venomous. These pictures give you a better idea what each of those 7 look like.