GASTONIA, NC (WBTV) -
It's hibernation time. The temperature is starting to drop and that means snakes and wildlife are on the move - looking for food and a place to stay warm.
Mandy Jordan, the Live Animal Manager at The Schiele Museum in Gastonia, says some snakes can venture into houses. She says "we may have some juvenile snakes come in - get confused - they go where there's warmth and food."
This is when snakes are born so there are some juvenile snakes around. Jordan says "the black rat snake babies are confused as copperheads".
It's not just snakes people have to be on the look-out for. Squirrels, raccoons, possums are also looking for warm places, and can burrow their way into houses. Experts say it has been a nice summer for these animals. There is a lot of food supply in backyards which will lead to more animal activity.
Wildlife experts say people need to be cautious. Jordan says residents can inspect their yards. "You can find actual tracks, foot prints, poop, evidence of raccoons in trash cans."
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