17-year cicadas aren’t the only creepy critters making an appearance in Maryland this spring. They’re the perfect crunchy snack for an even more unnerving creature, the eastern copperhead. Read on to learn more and be careful in the coming weeks!

Spring 2021 will welcome the appearance of Brood X, a massive group of 17-year-cicadas that will cover many parts of Maryland.
Flickr / Rich Ogin
Although mighty in numbers, these beady-eyed creatures are harmless, yet loud. In mid-May, they'll emerge to mate, lay eggs, and die.
Flickr / Rich Ogin
They're merely a nuisance to humans, but make for a delectable snack for many local animals. Expect to see well-fed birds this spring...
Flickr / Ryosuke Yagi
...and well-fed eastern copperheads!
Flickr / smashtonlee05

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Usually, you'd find these venomous snakes in forested areas while hiking or camping. However, they've been known to slither a little further out when cicadas are on the menu.
Flickr / Andrew DuBois
Keep your eyes peeled -- if you have cicadas all over your yard...
Flickr / Amaury Laporte
...you may have another uninvited guest as well.
Flickr / Andrew DuBois
If you do see an eastern copperhead on your property, it's best to gather up the family and pets, and stay out of the area. Call a local wildlife removal company to take care of it. These snakes are extremely venomous and a bite can result in tissue damage.
Flickr / Mike K
Be careful out there, and to learn more about the Brood X cicadas that will be emerging soon, click here.
Flickr / FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute Follow

Have you ever spotted an eastern copperhead while out and about in Maryland? How about on your property? Share your experience(s) with us in the comments section!

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