If You Smell Cucumbers in Louisiana, Watch Your Step

(KNGT) — As spring turns to summer in the Bayou State, gardens and wildlife make a beautiful combination. We also need to make the lawn ready for grilling in advance of our next outdoor adventure.

You should be mindful of an unwanted species in your house and yard that simulates the smell of cucumbers. Which species need our attention?

You guessed it, it's the elusive “Nope Rope” or for you “City People” a Copperhead Snake, which has oval, vertical pupils and broad, triangular heads and that beautiful copper color.

Read More: Officials Ban Snakes on Beach Popular with Louisiana Visitors

Where Can I Find Copperhead Snakes in Louisiana?

Typically found in throughout wooded and forested areas of Louisiana except for permanent swamps and coastal cheniers, Louisiana copperheads prefer damp, moist environments. They make use of hibernacula, or wintering burrows, which are found close to rivers, streams, swamps, and reservoirs throughout the winter. They may also live in quarries, fields, meadows, and damp forests.

Why Do Copperhead Snakes Emit a Cucumber-Like Scent?

Words Like Honey claims that when a copperhead snake senses danger, especially when a child is playing close to its territory, it releases odors akin to cucumbers. There are many more risks that still exist, even though very few of us are at risk of being bitten by a poisonous snake these days.
Since copperhead snakes are venomous, your best course of action if you come across one is to maintain a respectful and safe distance.

It's estimated that around 3,000 people get bitten every year by Copperhead snakes, so this is most definitely a problem that we need to address, so remember, if you are out in the woods and smell the delicious scent of a cucumber, its probably not Bigfoot inviting you over for lunch.