Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — As the weather turns warmer in the region, officials are warning residents about the increasing presence of snakes. New Mexico is home to more than 50 species of snakes. About 10 are venomous, with the most common being the prairie rattlesnake, found in grasslands throughout New Mexico, and the Western diamondback rattlesnake, found in rocky terrain in most counties. 35 year old snake wrangler Connor Sharp says frequent encounters between humans and reptiles increase particularly in relatively new communities sprawled out around Santa Fe, like Las Campanas and Eldorado. Relocating snakes to prevent conflicts with humans that could see the snakes harmed is a major part of his work. Two snake-handling certification courses, one later this month and one in July, will be held through the New Mexico Wildlife Center just south of Española. The classes, held for the last three years, fill up quickly. Handlers get a free snake hook and the wildlife center provides the protective leggings.
