the flora & Fauna in alabama
It might sound scary at first, but as in almost every place, there are certain flora and fauna that should be avoided, even in Tuscaloosa. Just to remind you that it's not a real threat if you compare it with the fact that the IAMAT (Int. Ass. for Medical Assitance) warns about the Lyme Desease from the bad ticks and the unhealthy smog in South Germany. I'm still laughing... It may be not as healthy as it should but it isn't really a threat!
Knowing about the different toxic plants is especially important if you have young children. Children are often drawn to plants' bright colors as well as the seeds and flowers that come from them, even if they are toxic, and there are quite a few toxic plants in Alabama. You can find a list with photos and descriptions here.
Animals, on the other hand, pose less of a threat with 56 animal-related deaths in Alabama from 1993-2003. Despite these low numbers, there are many animals that bite and sting, so it is important to be avoid them and know what to do in case something does happen.
poisonous insects
The Children's of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham recommends the following in case of bites and stings:
Treatment for bites and stings varies greatly depending on what caused the symptoms. Therefore, it is always important to call the Poison Center for specific treatment.
If the person is not breathing, start artificial respiration and call 911.
- Move the person to a safe area away from additional harm.
- Identify what caused the bite or sting and when this occurred.
- Identify symptoms the person is having.
Then call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. The poison specialist can determine if further treatment is needed.
Alabama Snake Removers
- Have you spotted a snake in your propertie?
- Then give Alabama Snake Removers a call.
- They remove all types of snakes without killing them.
They are a snake conservationist community. Offering safe removal and relocation of unwanted snakes as well as general education.Then call the Poison Center at Phone 2566268807.
alabama Scorpions
Their sting is not dangerous unless you have an allergy.
They sting with their tail. Scorpions are active at night and live in mixed hardwood and pine forests as well as in rocky areas around ponds and lakes. Scorpions are sometimes found in houses in dark, moist places.
wasps, bees & hornets
Stings are not fatal unless the person has an allergy. They often build their nests in the eaves of houses, in barns, and other areas.
They are a threat year-round, but are a bigger problem in the fall when their numbers are high.
brown recluse spider
The Brown Recluse is found throughout Alabama, but most common in the northern part of the state. It has a violin-shaped (or fiddle) mark on the backside of the cephalothorax. and are usually found indoors in basements and closets. They may hide in boxes, clothing, folded bedding, under furniture, and in areas that are warm and dry.
black widow spider
Red, orange, or yellow colored hourglass shape is on the underside of the abdomen. Webs are usually spun in quiet, dark, and undisturbed areas such as woodpiles, under rocks, or around houses. They can also dwell in barns, garages, cellars, storage sheds, rain spouts, crawl spaces, in electrical, gas, and water boxes, and under park benches.
saddleback caterpillar
Have poisonous spines, which once brushed upon result in stinging, burning sensation, swelling and other symptoms. May be found in trees - apple, basswood, cherry, dogwood, elm, maple, oak plum - shrubs and corn. Most common in the late summer and autumn.
fire ants & Red velvet ants
Fire ants are everywhere in Alabama. They are a highly structured insect that build huge subterranean homes with hundreds of tunnels. They have a very nasty bite that can leave red welts. Some people are highly allergic to fire ant bites.
Red velvet ants are actually Wasps and not ants. The female is wingless. Found in lawns and pastures.
venemous snakes
The Children's of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham recommends the following in case of bites:
Initial First Aid for Snake bites
- No tourniquet
- No ice
- No cutting
- Remove Rings & Constrictive Items
- Immobilize extremity
- Keep patient calm & warm
Transport to emergency department ASAP!
Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222.
The poison specialist can determine if further treatment is needed.
copperhead snake
Description: The head is triangular with a facial pit and elliptical pupils. The body is pinkish-buff, russet, or orange brown with dark brown to reddish crossbands. The top of the head is yellowish to coppery-red and the sides are paler. The end of the tail is yellow in the young, black to dark greenish or brown in the adult. The crossbands with an hour-glass configuration are narrow in the center of the back and wide on the sides. It is the least dangerous of venomous snakes in Alabama.
Range: Statewide.
Average length: 2 or 3 feet; maximum slightly over 4 feet.
Timber rattlesnake
Description: The body is a yellow, gray, buff, or pale brown with sooty black crossbands or chevrons narrowly edged with pale yellow or white. An amber, pinkish or rusty stripe can be seen down the middle of the back. It has no light stripes on the side of the head. Adult snakes have a black tail.
Range: Statewide but less common in south Alabama.
Average length: 3 to 4 feet; maximum a little over 6 feet
cottonmouth / water moccasin
Description: The heavy triangular head with facial pits, elliptical pupils, and less prominent eyes help distinguish this snake from harmless water snakes. The body is olive or dark brown with wide blackish crossbands. There is a dark stripe behind the eye and the end of the tail is black. It may not try to escape and will open its mouth widely showing the white interior.
Range: Statewide, usually near water.
Average length: 30 to 45 inches; maximum about 6 feet.
pigmy rattlesnake
This small 14–22 in (38-56 cm) rattlesnake belongs to the genus Sistrurus and is commonly referred to as a pigmy rattler or ground rattler. Unlike the larger rattlesnakes of the genus Crotalus, this species has nine large scales on top of the head and a tiny rattle that can seldom be heard.
Range: Statewide
e diamondback rattlesnake
Description: The body is olive green to dark brown. Darker, diamond-shaped blotches outlined with cream or yellow and a lighter center can be found on the body. There are diagonal, whitish stripes on the side of the triangular head. It has facial pits and elliptical pupils like the other pit vipers. This snake is the most dangerous of venomous snakes in Alabama.
Range: Southern third of the state.
Average length: 3 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet; maximum 8 feet.
eastern coral snake
Description: The body is completely encircled by black, yellow and red rings with the red and yellow rings touching. The snout is black with a broad yellow band across the base of the head and a wide black neck ring. Bites from this snake are rare and usually only occur is the snake is handled. It is an elapid with venom similar to a cobra. Remember, "Red touch yellow will kill a fellow."
Range: Mostly confined to the two tiers of counties in extreme south Alabama.
Average length: 23 to 32 inches, maximum 47 inches.
