Few animals can evoke such an emotional response as a snake found in the woods or around the house. People have been attracted and repulsed by snakes ever since the dawn of time.

Snakes are part of the landscape. Without them, even venomous snakes, we would have greater problems with an overpopulation of rodents and other pests.

There are more than 50 kinds of snakes in Georgia, and only six are venomous. The most common venomous snakes in this area are the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake.

Snake bites are a rare occurrence. Fewer people are killed by snakes than by lightning. The best defense is being able to identify the snakes of the area. Snakes feed on a wide variety of small creatures.

Some species only feed off warm-blooded animals like rodents and birds, while others feed on toads, frogs and fish. Some of the smaller snakes feed on a variety of creatures like earthworms, slugs and soft-bodied insects.

If you have an unfortunate encounter with a venomous snake and get bitten, there are a few things you can do to reduce the severity of the snake bite.

First, you should remain calm. Excitement does not help the situation for you or the people who are trying to help you. It increase blood flow, which spreads the venom faster. Get to medical help quickly. Never try to suck the venom out of a snakebite. That is an outdated method that can cause more harm.

Also, plan ahead. Ask your doctor what he advises regarding snake bites if you know you are going to be in an area known to have snakes.

Encounters are becoming more common as more people encroach on the native habitat of snakes. If your property is surrounded by countryside or woods with rock piles, streams and wetlands, snakes may be seen more often. Natural landscaping, piles of debris and deteriorating outbuildings may harbor snakes as well.

There are no chemical controls for keeping snakes at bay. The best way to reduce the incidence of snakes is to keep landscaped areas and structures unattractive to them. Do not allow the areas around the house to become overgrown with vegetation or weeds.

Think like a snake. Look for sources of food and other places to hide. Snakes can fit into some very small places so pay attention to the details. If you reduce any food sources, habitat and places to hide, you are more likely not to have many problems with snakes.

Michael Wheeler is county extension coordinator for the UGA Cooperative Extension in Hall County. Contact him at 770-535-8293, www.hallcounty.org/extension. His column appears weekly and on gainesville times.com/life.