🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🐍 Discover Cary: Copperhead Safety Alert for Cary Residents
• 📰 News: Youth Ages 8–12 Invited to Audition for Cary Arts Center Production
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• 🎁 Conversations that connect Cary: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.

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Local business in Cary? Stop being the best-kept secret. Let's position you as the community expert.

Copperhead Safety Alert for Cary Residents 

As summer winds down and Cary families head outside for football games, gardening, and backyard playtime, another seasonal resident makes its appearance: copperheads. A recent viral post about baby copperheads has raised concerns for parents and pet owners. Are they really born this time of year, and just how dangerous are they?

To get clear answers, Cary Spotlight spoke with Talena Chavis, Owner & Operator of NC Snake Catcher, who has safely handled more than 2,000 copperheads across North Carolina.

Are copperheads really born in late summer?

“Yes and no,” says Chavis. “In general, spring and summer are when most snakes have babies — whether hatched or live birth. That said, this August we saw more baby copperheads than I recall in years. Typically, it’s rare to find newborn copperheads, and even rarer to catch them with the mother. This year has been different, with multiple families reported.”

She explains why: “Snakes are running out of places to go. With more development and fewer woods, our yards become their de facto homes.”

Do baby copperheads have venom — and can their bite be worse than an adult’s?

“Yes, baby copperheads are born with venom,” Chavis confirms. “But no, their bite is not worse than an adult’s. The idea that babies ‘can’t control their venom’ is an urban legend. Venomous snakes can meter venom from birth — that’s how they capture and kill prey.”

She adds that venom is costly for the snake to produce: “Their venom ducts don’t refill instantly. If babies couldn’t control how much they injected, they wouldn’t survive. Mother Nature rarely gives second chances.”

Is there such a thing as a “dry bite”?

Chavis is skeptical of the term. “Not really,” she says. “What people call a ‘dry bite’ is usually just a bite with a small amount of venom injected. Symptoms vary depending on how much venom is delivered.”

She recalls a man who thought he had a dry bite until tingling symptoms appeared in his hand: “I urged him to get medical attention immediately. Copperheads almost always inject some venom — just in variable amounts. ‘Dry bite’ is more of a buzzword than a reality.”

How can people reduce their chances of running into snakes?

Chavis emphasizes simple precautions: “The number one rule is look before you reach. Don’t stick your hands where you can’t see — under bushes, rocks, firewood piles, or flowerpots. And wear boots when working in the yard.”

She also warns against trying to kill snakes. “Statistically, people are more likely to be bitten when attempting to kill one. Copperheads aren’t aggressive — they’re ambush predators. They rely on camouflage to stay still until prey passes by. We’re not on their menu, nor are our cats, dogs, or children.”

What about common myths? “Contrary to popular belief, copperheads don’t prefer damp areas under dog dishes or children’s toys. In nine years, I’ve never found one there. They actually don’t like water at all.”

Instead, Chavis recommends making small landscaping adjustments: “Keep grass trimmed, reduce clutter, and avoid creating hiding spots. There’s no magic spray, but you can make your yard less attractive to snakes in general.”

How can people reduce their chances of running into snakes?

Chavis emphasizes simple precautions: “The number one rule is look before you reach. Don’t stick your hands where you can’t see — under bushes, rocks, firewood piles, or flowerpots. And wear boots when working in the yard.”

She also warns against trying to kill snakes. “Statistically, people are more likely to be bitten when attempting to kill one. Copperheads aren’t aggressive — they’re ambush predators. They rely on camouflage to stay still until prey passes by. We’re not on their menu, nor are our cats, dogs, or children.”

What about common myths? “Contrary to popular belief, copperheads don’t prefer damp areas under dog dishes or children’s toys. In nine years, I’ve never found one there. They actually don’t like water at all.”

Instead, Chavis recommends making small landscaping adjustments: “Keep grass trimmed, reduce clutter, and avoid creating hiding spots. There’s no magic spray, but you can make your yard less attractive to snakes in general.”

The Bottom Line

Copperheads — even babies — are part of our environment, but they aren’t out to get us. As Chavis puts it: “With a little caution, people can coexist safely with these snakes. Awareness goes a long way.”

📞 Need help with a snake on your property?
Contact NC Snake Catcher, operated by Talena Chavis, for safe, humane removal and yard inspections. Call (919) 867-0173. Open 24/7

Just curious…

Youth Ages 8–12 Invited to Audition for Cary Arts Center Production

Cary Youth Theatre invites young performers to audition for The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, scheduled to run in late October. Auditions are open to children ages 8 to 12 and will take place September 8 and 9 at the Cary Arts Center. Interested participants must register in advance and bring a photo along with details of any scheduling conflicts.

Auditions include readings, group scene work, and possibly singing or dancing, depending on the nature of the production. The cast typically includes 15 to 20 roles.

Those interested in technical theater can apply for the Design Team, which supports the production’s scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, and props. Interviews for the Design Team are brief and allow students to present creative ideas using optional materials.

This opportunity is part of Applause! Cary Youth Theatre’s ongoing commitment to engaging young artists in all aspects of theater production.

Click here to learn more about the auditions.

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🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Today: Bands, Bites, & Boats 5:30PM-7:30PM
• Today: Movie Night: Inside Out 2 6PM-10PM
• Friday: Salsa Lesson with Norberto “Betto” Herrera 6:30PM-8PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Saturday: Grown Folk Funk & Classic R&B Concert 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Saturday: NC Courage v Utah Royals (Home Game) 7:30PM
• Sunday: Fine Arts League of Cary Art Swarm Reception 6PM-8PM

To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar