A copperhead snake looks up at the Nature Museum in Charlotte, N.C., in 2010. (AP Photo)

MORGANTOWN — As summer heats up, so does snake activity — but experts say there is little reason for alarm.

“Snakes are out and about now, but they’re more misunderstood than dangerous,” said Frank Jernejcic, a retired fishery biologist and longtime West Virginia snake expert.

Jernejcic has spent more than a decade monitoring timber rattlesnakes at Coopers Rock State Forest, documenting more than 1,600 encounters over the years. Despite those numbers, he said the risk of a dangerous encounter is minimal.

“They’re not a physical threat — they’re a psychological one,” Jernejcic said. “People are afraid of them, but in reality, you have to step on a snake to get bitten.”

West Virginia is home to two venomous snake species: the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. Rattlesnakes are typically found in rocky, high-elevation areas such as Coopers Rock, while copperheads can be found throughout the state, including residential neighborhoods.

A yellow-phase timber rattlesnake looks out from a grassy hiding place during the Cross Fork Snake Hunt in Cross Fork, Pa., in 2006. (AP Photo)

Both species are most active from April until October, when they enter winter hibernation.

Jernejcic emphasized that snake bites are exceedingly rare in West Virginia.

In 65 years, only 14 fatalities from snakebites have been recorded in the state, 11 of which occurred during religious ceremonies involving snakes. Of the remaining three, only two involved people bitten while outdoors.

“If someone is bitten, the best thing to do is call 911 and get to a hospital,” Jernejcic said. “About 25% of bites don’t inject venom at all.”

He advises hikers and outdoor recreationists to take basic precautions, such as wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes.

A yellow-phase timber rattlesnake looks out from a grassy hiding place during the 34th-annual Cross Fork Snake Hunt in Cross Fork, Pa., in 2006. (AP Photo)

“High-top hiking boots are great if you’re concerned,” he said. “But snakes typically avoid people.”

Pet owners should also be cautious. Dogs are naturally curious and more likely to investigate areas where snakes hide, such as rock crevices or underbrush.

“In 10 years at Coopers Rock, we’ve only had two confirmed cases of dogs bitten by snakes,” Jernejcic said. “But it’s still smart to keep them leashed and out of thick brush.”

Jernejcic has heard countless myths and misconceptions about snakes over the years, including confusion between venomous and non-venomous species.

“People misidentify black rat snakes and racers as rattlesnakes all the time,” he said. “Even the young black snakes look like copperheads.”

Black rat snakes can grow to more than 5 feet long and are often found in garages, sheds or climbing through rafters. Despite their size, they are non-venomous and beneficial for rodent control.

“There’s no reason to kill a snake,” Jernejcic said. “They’re part of the ecosystem, and they play a valuable role. Killing a harmless animal just because you’re scared of it doesn’t make sense.”

He noted that public attitudes toward snakes have shifted over the last few decades due to nature documentaries and wildlife programming.

“Snakes used to be seen as evil or dangerous,” he said. “Now, more people are learning to appreciate them — or at least respect their role in nature.”

Jernejcic’s advice for those exploring West Virginia trails this summer is simple: Be mindful, not fearful.

“They’re out there, but they don’t want anything to do with you,” he said. “If you leave them alone, they’ll leave you alone.”