NOPE, NOPE, NOPE.

One Colorado couple recently had more than 150 snakes living beneath their deck, and we'll be honest, their story truly makes us a bit queasy.  

Located on the plains in Elizabeth, Shaynon McFadden and Royce Robbins started seeing a garter snake or two pop up between the deck's boards after they moved in about a year ago; however, that number quickly grew. As it warmed up, the slithery creatures were all over their backyard, around the home’s foundation, and Shaynon and Royce even found them inside the home as well, with one having a confrontation with their cat in the bathroom.

An exterminator was brought in and discovered a large snake den with over 150 snakes writhing around underneath their deck. The snakes were removed and relocated to a more suitable location. The couple spent around $8,000 to remove the snakes and repair the damage caused by the infestation and removal process.

Snakes in the backyard are a common sight here in Colorado, and most species are non-venomous and can be beneficial to people because they prey on rodents. There are a few precautions homeowners can take to prevent snakes from getting into their homes, including keeping food supplies covered and sealing holes in building foundations.

According to Colorado State University Extension research, most snakes in Colorado are harmless to people and venomous snakes can be easily distinguished from one another. It's recommended that anyone who is bitten by a venomous or possibly venomous snake get medical attention as soon as possible. Calling a hospital or medical services and driving to the emergency room is far more effective than any steps one can take at home when treating a poisonous snake bite. 

There are 25 species of snakes in the state, but only two species are venomous—the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) and the Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus). The Western rattlesnake lives in all areas of the state, while the Massasauga is usually seen in the southeastern grasslands. To determine a venomous snake from a harmless one, CSU advises the following six basic distinctions:

"Rattles at the end of the tail.

Fangs in addition to their rows of teeth.

Facial pits between the nostrils and eyes.

Vertical and elliptical pupils that may look like thin lines in bright

light. (Nonvenomous snakes have round pupils.)

A single row of scales between the vent and the tip of the tail. (Nonvenomous snakes have two rows of scales.)

Broad triangular head and narrow neck."

Snakes like cool, damp shelters, which is why they make homes under buildings, decks, and inside cool, darker spaces in homes.

These are good tips to know as we head into the warmer months of spring. Lots of creatures and critters will be finding their way back into our yards and homes, so it's good to be prepared for and try and prevent things like infestations.

Have you had any experience with snakes here in Colorado? Please share any tips you have in the comments!