Snakes, pollen, wildfires: 8 stories on how to stay safe in NC this summer

Yahoo

3 days ago

Stories by News & Observer journalists, with AI summarization
Snakes, pollen, and wildfires are all safety concerns for North Carolinians during the summer. Venomous copperheads are common in central and eastern parts of the state, with copperhead bites sometimes requiring costly antivenom treatment. Wildlife experts recommend keeping yards clear of dense vegetation and debris to reduce snake encounters and suggest leaving snakes alone if you see them.
Wildfires have already burned more than 24,000 acres this year, so packing an evacuation kit and tracking fire maps are important steps for residents. Seasonal pollen counts are high in cities like Raleigh and Greensboro; taking precautions such as showering at night and keeping pets out of bedrooms can help allergy sufferers cope.
We may be more likely to see snakes this time of year, as the weather warms. Use this information to make encounters less scary. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted
For many people with seasonal allergies, spring is a difficult time. It's particularly hard in a few of our state's cities. | Published March 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted
If you live in the city, do you still need a wildfire kit? The answer is yes. We explain why. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Martha Quillin
Copperheads are the only venomous snake you're likely to encounter in the Triangle and central NC. Here's how to identify and avoid them. | Published April 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted
To identify a copperhead, you can't just go by color alone. Here's what gives some copperheads a different look. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted
So far this year, more than 4,000 wildfires have burned more than 24,000 acres of woodlands in North Carolina. Here's how to track them. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Martha Quillin
Thousands of Triangle customers lost power recently. Don't blame it on the rain or trees. | Published May 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted
To keep snakes out, you first need to know what brings them in. We have the details. | Published May 16, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.