Huge snake population in Little Buffalo in Jasper

[Newton County Nube]

I looked out off my deck on the Little Buffalo this afternoon and was startled to see SWARMS of snakes in the water, on rocks, EVERYWHERE! Just surreal. Unbelievable. From the height of the deck and the clarity of the water there, it was full view of some of the largest snakes I have ever seen and the number was just amazing. I'm new to the area. Is this typical? Also, not sure what kind of snakes they were. One was the largest snake I had ever seen other than a Python. It was sunning on a rock and so huge and fat and so long..............three other snakes were lying with it. This is what got my attention...........and then when my eyes drifted down into the water all around..........it was stunning. I'd hate to jump into that! People from Newton County please respond! Any suggestions how i can get them to move away? Yes, I realize it is THEIR home.........but, still..............

[Danimal]

Probably a large rat snake on the rock. Snakes are concentrated (breeding) this time of year. They'll somewhat disperse in 2 or 3 weeks. But they're always there -- you just don't see them LOL. It's their turf. Please let them do their thing.

[Newton County Nube]

The largest snake was on a large flat rock in the river. After it left the rock, It remained in the water then in a vertical position looking like a stick with only its head slightly above water to breathe and would occasionally go into the rocks under the water to hide. I did not disturb it as I was above. Just Googled Rat Snakes and seems they are not water snakes.

But, that snake and its three smaller companions, caught my attention and drew my eyes down into the very clear water below........and thats when I saw so many snakes under water, then noted many swimming across the top, and many going under rock cliffs when my companions and I all gathered to watch. Probably our conversation got them stirring ............but, it was just amazing how many there were in that one spot. This spot on the river is between two small rapids and the water pools there deeper..........with one area going into an area that is fairly still. That area will probably be dry in summer.

I just want to be able to get into the water................

[Ham]

Those snakes have ZERO interest in you. They pose no more of a threat to you than the birds in the trees or the turtle sunning on rocks. Knowledge is power. Learn about them and you'll have nothing to worry about. Check out the Herps of Arkansas website.

I love Newton County. Enjoy it there.

[Newton County Nube]

Thanks, Ham. Really appreciate your information. I LOVE Newton County, Arkansas and Jasper in particular. I chose this place as been coming here for 30 years and has always been in my mind's view as one of the most beautiful places in the country! Pristine. Beautiful. Just breath taking. Nicest people--anywhere. I was just startled yesterday. Didn't mean this as a slam against this incredible place. I have lived on a developed lake (Hot Springs) and not been in a natural setting like this before. Before you tell me to go back to the lake (LOL), I can tell you right now this girl is not moving from Jasper, Arkansas! My companions (four of which live in the area) also saw the snakes and said they were harmless water snakes and found my reaction amusing.

So..........guess, from my research now.........and some comments...........I was a voyeur......actually watching snake mating rituals................ I'll get past it, I assure you. My friends are wiped away by this place!!! Now tell me how to keep them away..........LOL.

[Ham]

In no time at all, you'll be less bothered by the snakes and more bothered by the vacationing crowds that overwhelm the river on the weekends. We've all been parts of the crowd in the past so I get it. Long periods of off season though where you can have the river mostly to yourself. It's an amazing place. Round Top Mountain, Sam's Throne, Kings Bluff, Ponca, etc

[Feathers and Fins]

There is no way to keep them away, but why would you?

Snakes are apex predators that feed on a host of critters you would want less in your yard then them like (Squirrels that will tear up your house and yard ) Coons that do the same ( Mice and rats, we all know the damage they do ) and some of the snakes feed on insects that annoy us to no end.

Best thing to do is get a snake hook and learn identification. Harmless snakes enjoy them and venomous snakes have a trash can and the hook handy. Put the snake in the can move it off the property and let it go.

I am more worried about being hit by a car, struck by lightning and bit by a great white shark in the same day then being bit by a snake.

[Newton County Nube]

I really appreciate these informative and positive comments. Embarrassed now with my hysterical posting. Been on many sites and getting educated as recommended.

Thanks guys.

[Feathers and Fins]

Snakes of Arkansas is a decent book

Venomous snake keeping in Captivity is a good book.

Southeastern Hot Herp Society good site http://www.venomousreptiles.org/

as is

http://snakegetters.com/

For safety equipment go to

http://tongs.com/

[rhondafish]

Speaking of getting hit by a car, we were on 74 by Steel Creek heading towards Ponca Sunday afternoon (5/4). Were turned back to Jasper since was told a big truck had overturned on that bad hill leading down to Ponca and all traffic stopped. Went to Jasper and then North on 7 to Harrison. At Dogpatch we all got stopped again. This time a massive wreck on 7...But nothing on news, in news, or on State Police reports...What happened on these roads. Anybody know?