Hello all, I am fairly new to SW Va and realized the other day as I stomped out to my local fishing hole that I am unaware of the local dangers that are in this area. What are to local snakes/ wildlife I need to be on the lookout for. I grew up in Missouri and was aware of what to watch out for but don't know if the same dangers are around here.

Timber rattlesnakes..they are all over the SW part

But dont worry, Va is a safe place

Check with your County's Extension Service.

There are bears and snakes that can cause heartburn in Southwest Virginia.

I doubt you will ever encounter any dangerous animal but you have to cognizant of where you are and what you are doing at all times.

I would worry about the State Troopers on I-81 more than any wild animals!!!

In your parts, timber rattlers mostly stay in forested areas, often up in the hills. Copperheads are often around the ponds and streams. There are black bears, but they generally steer clear of people (unlike brown bears). Snapping turtles are all over, and are far more cantankerous than you'd think.

Your biggest worry, in VA, should be ticks. Spotted tick fever is no fun (I had it as a kid) and Lyme disease seems to be increasing in frequency. Chiggers are a pain (google a plant called Queen Anne's Lace...they love to dwell in that stuff) and I guess all sorts of other biting bugs are to be avoided. Wasps tend to worry me...I went 25 years getting stung by all sorts of bees with only minor welts, then one stung me playing basketball one day and I had a horrible allergic reaction. Apparently our immune systems store up immunity, and one day it's all gone.

Biggest thing to look out for...POISON IVY!!!

definately watch out for the posoinous snakes...and wood boogers aka bigfoot