the bethlehem star...church road, dula loop, ned herman road, poly bowman road, deal farm lane,...
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2 THE BETHLEHEM STAR, FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020
Now that the weather is warm, more people are starting to see snakes in their backyards, along trails, and in the woods. However, seeing a snake outside is no cause for alarm—if you see one, don’t panic. Leave it alone and walk away. That’s the advice biolo-gists with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission give to the hundreds of people who call the N.C. Wildlife Helpline each year, typically in the spring, wanting to know what to do about the snake slithering in their yard. “Whatever you do, don’t try to kill a snake — the majority of bites occur when people try to kill a snake or pick it up,” said Jeff Hall, a wildlife diversity biologist with the agency. “While it can be startling to encounter a snake in your backyard, it’s important to remember that most of the snakes people see in their yards are harmless and non-venomous.” Backyard snakes are useful, provid-ing free rodent or slug con-trol, depending on the spe-cies. Of the 38 snake species native to North Carolina, only six are venomous and of those six, only one — the copperhead — is found statewide. In many areas, including most of the larger urban regions, it is the only venomous snake. Because of their ability to live in a wide variety of habitats — from wooded areas to mountain ridges to subur-ban backyards — copper-heads generate the most phone calls from people who think, often mistak-enly, that they have one in their yard. “While it’s not uncom-mon for people to have a copperhead in their yard, usually what they have is a non-venomous and harmless species, such as a rat snake or a garter snake, both of which are commonly found in back-yard habitats,” Hall said. “Unfortunately, many non-venomous snakes, like the corn snake, are mistaken for copperheads and killed. “Copperheads are rela-tively easy to identify from a safe distance though – no handling or close-ups required. Just look for the distinctive hourglass- or Hershey-kiss-shaped darker markings on a light brown or gray body.” Killing a snake is not only unnecessary but also could be illegal. Four of the six venomous species found in North Carolina are protected. The pigmy and timber rattlesnakes are
listed as species of special concern while the eastern diamondback rattlesnake and eastern coral snake are state-listed endangered. None of these four species should be handled or dis-turbed without a permit issued by the Commission.Regardless of whether a snake is venomous or non-venomous, snakes pose little threat to pets and children — if left alone. When confronted or harassed, snakes are more likely to flee than they are to bite. However, if given no escape route or they are restrained, they will bite or lunge toward their per-ceived aggressor to defend themselves. Watching for snakes and giving them a wide berth is an easy habit to learn, and powerfully effective for preventing snake bites. To encourage a snake to leave your yard, Hall suggests gently spraying it with a garden hose. This tactic can easily, and from a safe distance, entice the snake to go elsewhere. The Commission does not send people out to trap and remove snakes; removing one snake is a short-term solution that will not pre-vent another one from tak-ing its place, and in the long-term does not reduce problems. However, Hall provides a few tips that people can follow to make their backyards less hospi-table to snakes.• Clean up clutter – remove hiding places like piles of rocks, wood and other debris that attract rodents and snakes.• Keep the lawn mowed. Snakes and their rodent prey prefer tall grasses where they can hide. They’re also easier to spot in shorter grass.• Discourage snakes from entering your home by closing gaps and holes, repairing damage to sid-ing and the foundation, and sealing openings under doors, windows and around water pipes. When it comes to snakes, Hall says the most important thing people can do is to educate themselves and others about these beneficial reptiles and learn to appreciate them as an important part of the ecosystem. “Snakes are strictly car-nivorous, preying on small-er animals such as rodents, slugs and insects,” Hall said. “Snakes also serve as an important food source for other animals like foxes, raccoons, eagles, hawks, and owls. Instead of being widely feared and unjustly persecuted, snakes should
be appreciated for the awe-some creatures they are and treated with respect.” For other questions regarding human-wild-life interactions, call the Commission’s N.C. Wildlife Helpline toll-free at 866-318-2401. The call center is currently open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., through at least May 31. For more informa-tion on snakes in North Carolina, visit the Commission’s snake infor-mation page, https://www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species#8682112-reptiles-snakes. For online help with wildlife problems, visit www.ncwildlife.org/have-a-problem.
Wildlife Commission offers advice when seeing a snake outdoors
A common snake to see in the backyard is a rat snake, which is non-venomous and harmless to humans. (Photo: Jodie Owen/NCWRC.)
AC southpaw Maddox Kerley has signed with CVCC.
• From Page 1broadcasting senior from Burlington.• Best Use of Social Media: The App Instagram account. Kiera Massi, a senior communica-tion, electronic media/broadcasting major from Charlotte, was recognized with the award.• Most Innovative/Creative Program: “Mountain Mama Radio Hour.” The show’s host, Lauren Wasmund, of Taylorsville, received the award. Wasmund is a senior double majoring in communication, public relations and communica-tion, journalism. The Appalachian news-paper received the follow-ing finalist awards:• Best Video Newscast: “The Appalachian Weekly News.” The show’s produc-er, Sadie Maddock, a senior communication, electronic media/broadcasting major from Pittsboro, and techni-cal director, Saniye Wilson, a junior communication studies and political sci-ence double major from Charlotte, were recognized with the award.• Best Spot News and Best Spot News Coverage: Justin Lundy, a senior communication, electronic media/broadcasting major from Raleigh, was recog-nized with both awards. Lundy is a field correspon-dent for The Appalachian, an AppTV intern and the assistant news director for The App.
Coming soon to Bethlehem Community: The Vault...
An establishment serving craft beer, wine, spir-its, and coffee, named The Vault, is preparing to open soon in the Bethlehem Community of Alex-ander County in the former BB&T Bank building on NC 127. The owners of The Vault also own The Coffee Lodge in Statesville (which just won Fin-est place for Coffee 2020 in Statesville). The Vault is now taking applications for servers, bartenders, and baristas. For more information, call 984-220-0692.
• From Page 1 In addition to his accomplishments on the pitcher’s mound, Kerley was a key member of the Alexander Central Varsity Men’s Basketball Team for three seasons. This past season, he led the team in rebounds and was voted to the NW 3A/4A All-Conference Squad. He is also a nominee for the Taylorsvilletimes.com Athlete of the Year Award. “Maddox is a fierce competitor who cares deeply about the team and his teammates. I look forward to watching him perform at CVCC,” Coach Pete Hardee stated.
CVCC: Redhawks ink Kerley
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Published monthly by: The Taylorsville Times
24 East Main Ave.,Taylorsville, NC 28681
PO Box 279Taylorsville, NC 28681
(828)632-2532(828)632-7438
Fax: (828)632-8233www.taylorsvilletimes.com
The Bethlehem Star
D.N. PENNELL, Jr. Editor
County provides update on water lineextension project, additional lines planned Work is progressing well on Alexander County’s current water line extension proj-ect. According to Buckeye Bridge LLC, con-tractor for the project, work should be “sub-stantially complete” in approximately three months. Also, the county has expanded the water line project to include additional roads once the current project is complete. Eight-inch water lines will be installed on portions of Zeb Watts Road, Liberty Grove Church Road, Dula Loop, Ned Herman Road, Poly Bowman Road, Deal Farm Lane, Kirkpatrick Lane, Espie Little Road, Icard Ridge Road, Teague Town Road, B&T Lane, and Fox Court. Within the next 30 days, installation should be completed on Fox Court, Liberty Grove Church Road, Dula Loop, Zeb Watts Road, Ned Herman Road, and Poly Bowman Road. As segments of the water line project get completed and tie into the county’s water system, the contractor will turn on the water, flush the lines, and perform water tests to ensure water quality. Residents who wish to tap on to the new water lines will pay a reduced tap fee of $541, which is a savings of $602 per tap courtesy of Alexander County Government and the City of Hickory. Residents should also begin contacting local plumbers to schedule the installation of their service lateral and con-nection to their home from the meter. The current water line extension project
will add 71,090 feet of new water lines that could serve 295 households. The project, which is being funded with zero-interest and low-interest loans from the North Carolina Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, is expected to be complete by September 2020. At the April 20 meeting, the Alexander County Board of Commissioners voted to expand the water line project to include por-tions of Sanchez Road, RZ Bowman Road, William Reece Road, Clouse Road, Friday-Cockrell Road, Rabbit Hollow Road, AL Fox Road, Crowson Road, Outrigger Road, and Drum & Hammer Road. These water line segments total approximately 12,250 linear feet of 6-inch and 2-inch water lines and would connect to the existing Alexander County water system. Easement acquisition is currently underway. County Manager French said that once the current water line is complete, the coun-ty would utilize the services of Buckeye Bridge for the additional water lines. The project will serve 50+ homes as well as agri-culture purposes, and creates the potential for future development. The water tap fee reduction will expire on December 31, 2020. Water connections may not be purchased for future use and immedi-ate connection is required. Those who are interested in tapping onto existing or new water lines on the Alexander County water system should visit Hickory City Hall or con-tact the City of Hickory at (828) 323-7427.
Robin’s Run rescheduled for June 20
Due to the current re-strictions of the Corona-virus, the Robin’s Run 5K race has been resched-uled for June 20. On that day, runners will take to the streets of Taylorsville for the 10th Annual Robin’s Run 5K Run/Walk and one mile fun run. The race is run each year in memory of Robin Rockett Bowen who was tragically hit by a car and killed while running on Christmas Eve 2010. This run is sponsored by the Robin’s Run Foun-dation. Proceeds of this race will be split between church missions and youth athletic scholar-ships in keeping with Rob-in’s passion for church and athletics. Race day registration and race packet pickup is 7:30 am – 8:30 am. on June 20. The 1 Mile Fun Run starts at 8:30 am, and the 5K race starts at 9:00 am. Start/finish line for both races is at Matheson Park in Taylorsville.