If you see the slithering or hear the hiss or that distinctive rattle, step back to stay safe, a snake expert told members of Warren County Homemakers Association last week.

The program by Steven G. George, a biologist with the Corps of Engineers, was part of George’s ongoing effort to educate the public on the misunderstood serpent.

“I used to be terrified of snakes,” George said. “The fear of snakes is learned. The only way to overcome your fear is by knowledge.”

Snakes don’t chase people and are rarely aggressive unless threatened, he said.

“The only way you’re going to get bit is by touching them or sitting on them. About 95 percent of snakebites are on the hand or ankle and most of the other 5 percent are on the rump from sitting on a snake,” George said.

Still, most members of the homemakers group wanted to stay far away from George’s slithering friends that he brought as part of the demonstration.

Marilyn Geary was one of the brave few, and she’s had plenty of experience with the slithering reptiles.

“I loved it. One of my sons was always fascinated by snakes. He always had them, so I’ve been very interested in them,” she said.

Mississippi is home to six species of venomous snakes, but only three — the cottonmouth, the copperhead and the timber rattler — live in Warren County, George said.

The snakes are usually easy to distinguish from their nonvenomous counterparts. Venomous snakes in Warren County have a stout body, a pair of fangs, heat sensing pits and a single row of scales on the tail. “They also have eyes like a cat,” George said. “Nonvenomous snakes have eyes like a dog.”

For those who would rather stay away from snakes, regardless of the limited danger they pose, George offered a piece of advice — keep the grass cut and don’t leave the critters a place to hide.

“If you don’t want snakes around the house, don’t set up habitat for them,” he said.