Fences are no match for MS snakes. They can climb better than you think
Summer is snake season, and keeping them out of your home and yard may seem fairly simple, but not for the snakes in Mississippi. There are over 55 species of snakes in the state and a few of them can climb.
Snakes use their muscular bodies and scales to grip surfaces and propel themselves upward and some can even climb vertical surfaces if they have enough texture to their grip, says the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
While this may seem like terrifying news, snakes are not routinely aggressive, nor do they often chase humans, says Mississippi State University. They actually prefer to avoid human contact altogether.
The good news for both human and snake is that the likelihood of you having to climb a tree to flee from a snake is pretty low because you simply cannot climb faster than a snake.
Which snakes can climb in Mississippi?
According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, (MDWFP) there are 55 species of snakes in Mississippi and only six are venomous.
- Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
- Pygmy Rattlesnake
- Copperhead
- Cottonmouth (also known as Water Moccasin)
- Eastern Coral Snake
- Timber Rattlesnake (also known as Canebrake Rattlesnake)
Of those six, several of these venomous snakes are able to climb as well.
Otherwise, if you see a snake heading skyward, it’s probably one of these non-venomous varieties:
North American Racer
Gray Rat Snake
Rough Green Snake
Eastern Milk Snake
How can you keep snakes from climbing over your fence into your yard?
Snakes climb trees for a variety of reasons, including searching for bird or frog eggs or to escape potential threats. It is important to remember that they eat a lot of pests we want to eliminate anyway, and, according to the MDWFP, having them hanging around isn’t always a bad thing.
However, if you need to keep your space snake-free, there are a few ways to discourage them from climbing and making a home in your backyard.
Install a barrier with a smooth surface such as vinyl fencing or metal sheeting. This is not foolproof as some snakes are just strong enough, but it could discourage a lot of them.
Attach a mesh or hardware cloth to the bottom of your fence, extending it at least a foot high and burying it several inches underground.
Create an outward-facing ledge on the top of the fence. This makes it hard for snakes to climb over.
The best way to keep snakes away is to make your yard as inhospitable as possible. Eliminate their food source, like rats and mice. Keep your grass short and remove any underbrush. Clear away ground cover like pine straw or leaves, and eliminate hiding spots like wood piles or debris.
Have you ever seen a snake climb? Sound off in the comments, or email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published June 27, 2025 at 2:49 PM.
