By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK— Deputies with the Dale County Sheriff’s Office recently completed specialized training focused on venomous snake identification, safe handling techniques, and proper response procedures for snakebite incidents.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the training was designed to help first responders better recognize potentially dangerous snakes, understand appropriate safety measures when encountering them, and respond effectively to snakebite emergencies in the field.
The training was provided through the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University as part of an educational program developed specifically for first responders across Southeast Alabama.
Topics covered during the course included venomous snake identification, common non-native venomous snakes, general safety practices around venomous reptiles, proper handling and securing procedures, first responder medical and bite protocols, and expectations for hospital treatment following snakebite incidents.
The one-day training sessions were offered at several locations throughout Southeast Alabama, including Ozark, Enterprise, Troy, Luverne, and Dothan. Participation was limited to first responders, and the sessions included both classroom instruction and practical safety information aimed at improving emergency response capabilities.
In a social media post following the training, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University for providing the instruction.
“Yesterday, deputies completed specialized training on snake identification, safe handling practices, and proper response procedures for snakebite incidents,” the agency stated.
“Thank you to the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University for providing this valuable training and helping keep our deputies prepared,” the department added.
Alabama is home to several species of venomous snakes, including copperheads, cottonmouths, timber rattlesnakes, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, pygmy rattlesnakes, and coral snakes. Encounters with these reptiles are more common during the warmer months, making proper identification and response training an important component of public safety operations.
Officials said the training helps ensure first responders are equipped with the knowledge needed to protect themselves and the public when responding to calls involving venomous snakes or snakebite emergencies.
