Snakes are found in every conceivable habitat throughout the state, from wetlands to dry uplands, with many species thriving in urban and suburban areas.

You can expect to encounter an occasional snake wherever you live or travel in Indiana.

But some people would rather come face to face with a grizzly bear than see a snake slithering toward them. Superstition and misinformation cause many people to regard any snake, venomous or not, with feelings close to terror.

No animal has been the victim of more outrageous tales than the snake.

In fact, many of the stories are quite silly -- stories such as: Milk snakes can milk cows. If a snake's head is cut off, it will continue to live until sundown. Snakes hang from tree limbs to whip a passerby. Snakes swallow their young to protect them. There are snakes that roll downhill like a hoop. Snakes can hypnotize people and other animals. Every snake on Earth is venomous.

These statements are false.

Many people believe it is natural to fear snakes because they are supposed to be slimy, venomous, repulsive reptiles. Actually all snakes have scales and dry skin. Only a few species are venomous, and if you take the time to look, snakes are colorful and attractive creatures that have a bad reputation. A reputation not deserved.