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https://ag.purdue.edu/btny/weedscience/documents/donttouchmeplants.pdf

http://wkdq.com/afraid-of-snakes-a-hoosiers-guide-to-the-poisonous-snakes-of-indiana/

http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/mosquitoborne/diseases.html

http://news.discovery.com/adventure/survival/desert-survival-8-simple-tips-that-could-save-your-life.htm

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David McNew / Getty Images

Some people have a fear of snakes. I am one of those people. Well, actually I'm not as much afraid of snakes as I am afraid of being bit by one. It's sort of like being afraid of heights, but in reality it's really about not wanting to fall...or maybe it's simply a control issue. Who knows? I'm sure there are many psychological theories out there to explain why some people are afraid of snakes, heights, the dark, or whatever, but when it comes down it - who really cares why? I know that I am and if you are already cringing while you are reading this article, chances are you feel the same way.

This time of year people are starting to do more outdoor activities. In the past I've always approached activities like hiking, fishing, or just playing softball in the field behind the house with extreme snake caution. I don't know why. I've never had a bad experience involving a snake, but I have always felt like there was an absolute risk of being attacked by one if I chose to have a little outdoor fun where those nasty suckers might be hanging out. And if I did happen to encounter one of these beasts, would it be poisonous?

So in an attempt to educate myself on the subject, and in doing so hoping to ease my fear of snakes (Ophidiophobia), I did a little research and quickly found out that I didn't really have much to worry about.

Most of Indiana's snakes are not poisonous. Actually there are only four venomous snakes in the state. All of them belong to the pit viper family. This means they have heat-sensing pits near the eyes to help them locate warm-blooded prey. Other snakes lack these sensory pits. So if it looks like your snake has four nostrils, it's a pit viper. It is well advised to not get close enough to the snake to find out for sure. To be safe it is recommended never to get closer than the length of the snake.

Indiana's poisonous snakes are all very heavy-bodied. They look "fat". They also have broad, spade-shaped heads that are distinctly wider than their narrow necks. The heads of nonvenomous snakes are typically about the same width as their bodies. The pupils of the venomous snakes of Indiana are vertical slits rather than round. This does not hold true everywhere, but it does in Indiana.

Snakebites in Indiana are very rare. Most bites occur when people are trying to kill or handle snakes. Snakes will always flee an area rather than strike, unless they are harassed or startled. While the bite of a poisonous snake is dangerous, it is rarely fatal - more people die from bee stings and lightning strikes annually. Nevertheless, immediate medical attention should be sought in case a bite occurs.
The following information was obtained by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The following is a list of Indiana's four poisonous snakes:

1. The Northern Copperhead is Indiana's most common poisonous snake. It is sometimes confused with the water snake. This nocturnal reptile lives in dry, rocky areas, but can also be found in old outbuildings and barns. The bite of this snake is extremely painful but rarely life threatening.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

2. The Timber Rattlesnake is endangered in Indiana. This grandfather of all poisonous snakes lives on dry forested hillsides and hibernates in dens. Colors and patterns vary from almost black to yellow with dark blotches.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

3. The Massasauga Rattlesnake is a small-endangered pit viper found only in Northern Indiana in marshy, swampy areas and bogs. It may be found in woodlands and old fields on occasion. This "swamp rattler", is generally mild mannered and rarely strikes unless stepped on.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

4. The Water Moccasin is not likely to be seen in Indiana. It is a distinctly southern species. One small population is known in the south central portion of the state. The water moccasin is recognized by the distinctive white mouth lining that it displays when it gets annoyed. The color patterns are easily confused with those of the northern or midland water snake.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

For more information on Indiana's 31 species of snakes visit the Department of Natural Resources website: http://www.in.gov/dnr/files/snakes.pdf

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Afraid of Snakes? A Hoosier's Guide to the Poisonous Snakes of Indiana

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Some people have a fear of snakes. I am one of those people. Well, actually I'm not as much afraid of snakes as I am afraid of being bit by one. It's sort of like being afraid of heights, but in reality it's really about not wanting to fall...or maybe it's simply a control issue.

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This webste lists the snakes. There is also a video on te website about the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous.

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Department of Natural Resources - DNR 2017

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This picture shows the venomous snakes.

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Venomous snakes bite over 7,000 people each year.

In an effort to help bring awareness, United Regional is trying to educate the public.

Trauma Surgeon, Ann Rizzo says that shes already seen her first round of snake bites ,and with the onset of spring-like temperatures she anticipates even more.

She says since children are out of school for spring break, and may be spending more time outside, now is a good time to educate the community.

She says the first thing a person should do if they are bitten is to wash the bite with soap and water.

"Even if it's a venomous snake, sometimes they give what is called dry bites, and you don't actually get any venom," Dr Ann Rizzo Trauma Surgeon at United Regional said.

She says it is still key to seek medical attention immediately.

Animal Service Administrator, Katrina Mitchell says her office has also seen an increase in snake incidents.

She encourages people to watch the animals movements. Until her staff arrives.

"A lot of times if people aren't watching it, the snake will slither off and so were searching their back yard and never being able to find it we definitely want to be able to find it," Katrina Mitchell Animal Service Administrator said.

She encourages people to remain extremely vigilant when near water. Which is where these snakes like to hide out.

Here are some more tips to keep you and your family safe:

1.) Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
2.) Look where you are walking.
3.) Monitor where your children are playing.
4.) Look inside sandboxes and playhouses.
5.) Keep grass and vegetation cut short.
6.) Trim grassy borders along sidewalks and flower gardens to no more than six inches wide and keep low limbs cut three feet off the ground.
7.) If you need to retrieve something from an area you can't see such as behind shrubs or under a foundation, use a stick or shovel, not your hands.
8.) Steer your pet clear of long grasses, bushes and rocks.
9.) Remove debris piles branches, leaves, boards, logs) seal off spacing under a/c unit slabs, landscaping rocks, etc.
10.) Seal area around a/c lines, electrical and plumbing going into the building.
11.) Snakes can strike across a distance equal to about half their body length. If you see a snake, go the other direction.

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area health officials: how to avoid snake bites

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Area Health Officials: How to Avoid Snake Bites

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Venomous snakes bite over 7,000 people each year. In an effort to help bring awareness, United Regional is trying to educate the public. Trauma Surgeon, Ann Rizzo says that shes already seen her first round of snake bites ,and with the onset of spring-like temperatures she anticipates even more.

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There are only a few dangerous snakes. Most are safe.

Below is a list of safe vs. dangerous

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The official website for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

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A list of dangerous snakes in Indiana below.

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IPFW Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management

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There are four species of venomous snake native to Indiana and vicinity that actually pose a threat to persons who are bitten. They are all "pit vipers" of the subfamily Crotalinae, and have heat-sensing structures in pits on the front of their faces.

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Dangers of Bee

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African honeybees, also termed 'killer bees,' have reproduced in great numbers in the Amazon rain forest, forming aggressive swarms that are blamed for nearly 1,000 deaths. Now, these dangerous swarms have moved to the U.S.

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Mosquitos can carry very serious diseases. Some can be deadly. Some include West Nile Disease, Malaria, Dengue, and other serious, fatal diseases.

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Diseases that can be Transmitted by Mosquitoes - Minnesota Dept. of Health

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While mosquitoborne disease is not as common in Minnesota as it is in tropical climates, there are several diseases that may occur within the state. Minnesota residents who travel to other countries can also return with tropical diseases such as malaria or dengue.

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If you get bitten by tick you should do these steps to protect you from the bite. One step is to use tweezerss to pull the tick out.

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1. Remove Tick

If the tick is attached to the person's skin, remove it immediately:

Wearing gloves, grasp the tick with clean tweezers as close to the skin as possible to remove the head and mouthparts. If some mouthparts remain, do not try to remove them, as your body will expel them naturally.

Pull the tick straight out gently and steadily. Do not twist.

Do not try to remove tick with a hot match or petroleum jelly. This could cause the tick to regurgitate infected fluids into the wound.

Save the tick in a container of alcohol to show the doctor.

2. Cleanse and Protect the Area

Wash hands and clean the bite area with warm water and gentle soap.

Apply alcohol to the bite wound to prevent infection.

3. See a Health Care Provider

See a health care provider immediately if the tick has burrowed into skin or if the head, mouthparts, or other tick remains cannot be removed.

Otherwise, see a health care provider if:

You think it might be a deer tick, which is especially prevalent in the Northeast U.S. Your doctor may prescribe a single dose of an antibiotic to help prevent Lyme disease.

You develop flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches, or a rash within one month after the bite. Take the tick to the health care provider's office or the hospital if possible.

The bite area develops a lesion within 30 days. A sign of Lyme disease infection is a "bullseye" rash in which the center becomes clearer as the redness moves outward in a circular pattern.

There are signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or inflammation.

Sources

SOURCES:

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: "Tick Bites."

KidsHealth: "Tick Removal, A Step-by-Step Guide" and "Tick Bites."

CDC: "Lyme Disease Symptoms;" "Lyme Disease: Treatment and Prognosis;" and "Tick Removal."

Wormser, G. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 2006.

FamilyDoctor: "Lyme Disease."

UpToDate.

Ticks Information from eMedicineHealth.

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If the tick is attached to the person's skin, remove it immediately: Wearing gloves, grasp the tick with clean tweezers as close to the skin as possible to remove the head and mouthparts. If some mouthparts remain, do not try to remove them, as your body will expel them naturally.

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This video will help you avoid those stingers.

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How To Avoid Stinging Wasps, Hornets And Bees

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Subscribe to MonkeySee for more great videos: http://goo.gl/Py1pN0 Missy Henriksen with the NPMA discusses the stinging insects and how to avoid them.To view over 15,000 other how-to, DIY, and advice videos on any topic, visit http://www.monkeysee.com/

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How dangerous a mosquito could be to you. Mosquitos carry many disease that an be transmitted to humans.

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As a mosquito flies closer to its target, it looks for the movement of dark objects. Once it finds you, it lands, inserts its proboscis and probes for blood vessels beneath the skin. When it finds one, it injects saliva into the wound. The saliva contains an anticoagulant that ensures a steady, smooth flow of blood.

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This is a list of insects to avoid

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Poisonous Berries! (WK 194.6) | Bratayley

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Pre order Kiki or pledge as little as $10 to help support our wonderful friends' kickstarter! kck.st/1tWY37d Order your official Bratayley backpack and lunchbox now! http://bit.ly/Bratmerch Bratayley "Baked Potato" shirts are finally here! http://www.rodeoarcade.com/collections/bratayley Subscribe! Its free, ya know! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=bratayley Most of you may know that Annie is a gymnast.

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This poisonous plant is not safe to eat or touch.

There are any side effects like  rash or coughing. They Live in OH, IN, and other places.

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Holly is a plant. There are many types (species) of holly. English holly, Oregon holly, and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. The leaves of other holly species (especially Ilex opaca, Ilex vomitoria, and Ilex aquifolium) are used to make medicine. The berries are very poisonous and should not be swallowed.

Historically, Ilex opaca fruit tea was used as a heart stimulant by American Indians. Ilex vomitoria was used to cause vomiting, and Yaupon tea (mixed leaves of Ilex cassine, Ilex vomitoria, and Ilex dahoon) was used as a ceremonial "cleanser" in South America.

More recently, preparations of holly leaf have been used for coughs, digestive disorders, water retention, and yellowed skin ( jaundice). Ilex aquifolium leaves are used for treating fevers that come and go, joint pain (rheumatism), swelling, water retention, and chest congestion. Ilex opaca leaves are used to empty and cleanse the bowels, stimulate the heart, and increase urine flow. Other holly species are used for treating heart disease, dizziness, and high blood pressure.

How does it work?

There isn't enough information available to know how holly works.

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Holly is a plant. There are many types (species) of holly. English holly, Oregon holly, and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. The leaves of other holly species (especially Ilex opaca, Ilex vomitoria, and Ilex aquifolium) are used to make medicine. The berries are very poisonous and should not be swallowed.

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The rule is three leaves let it be.

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Inedible and Poisonous plants with Side Effects 

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Inedible and Poisonous plants with Side Effects 

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Dangerous plants hat bloom near yards and forests.

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What plants are inedible

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Blackberries can be harvested in the wild

Before there were supermarkets or farmer's markets, people foraged for food. Wild berry identification is a wonderful skill that can take you back to your roots. It's fun to enjoy the sweet taste of freshly picked berries while hiking or even while foraging in your backyard. In a survival situation, the ability to identify berries could mean the difference between life and death.

Wild Berry Identification Chart

While many wild berries are edible and all appear tempting, they are not created equal. Some are poisonous or contain properties that make you sick, so it's important to know which ones to avoid.

The table below can help you learn about berries that grow wild in the United States. The chart is four pages in length with images, descriptions, and what you should know about the berries themselves. Some of the information in this table was adapted from, A Pocket Naturalist Guide to Edible Wild Plants: An Introduction to Familiar North American Species.

If you need help downloading the printable, check out these helpful tips.

Tips for Foraging

Never eat a berry unless you are completely sure it's edible.

If you see a bird eating a wild berry, don't assume that berry is safe to eat. Birds eat many wild berries that are toxic to humans.

If you're just learning how to identify wild berries, always carry a field guide with color photographs to help you safely identify berries.

Avoid foraging for berries in locations that have been sprayed with pesticides or near heavily-polluted rivers, roadways, or industrial areas.

Children are especially susceptible to the temptation of eating wild berries, so it's important to teach them to identify berries commonly found in your yard or local area -- especially those that are poisonous.

Summer and fall are the best times to find ripe berries, ripe berries are easier to identify.

Before foraging for berries in any area, be sure it's legal.

Many state parks offer foraging classes. Contact your local state park to see what they offer.

Your local university, botany, or horticulture group may offer foraging field trips to help you learn to identify wild berries and other edible plants.

The Joy of Foraging

If you love the outdoors, you'll love learning to identify wild berries. Foraging for berries is a wonderful family activity that helps foster an appreciation of nature. When you know what to look for, and take your time to carefully study each berry plant, you'll be able to enjoy a safe and rewarding wild berry picking experience.

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Before there were supermarkets or farmer's markets, people foraged for food. Wild berry identification is a wonderful skill that can take you back to your roots. It's fun to enjoy the sweet taste of freshly picked berries while hiking or even while foraging in your backyard.

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Poison plants to avoid

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This is an edible, and safe plant. It is in most of the United States.

They are found on road sides in plains.

Most of them live in and Michigan Lake. they bloom in the spring.

The roots ad leaves are the edible parts. It is pink and has a bitter taste.

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Arrowheads are found in pond edges and shallow water.

It is an edible plant around Indiana and Michigan.

They are small aquatic plants with three white pedals.

They are safe plants and could be eaten.