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FAQs about the Natural History of the Inside Passage
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There may be no venomous snakes in Alsaka, but
there are lots of mosquitoes!
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In the United States, about
25 species of snakes are venomous or have toxic salivary
secretions. However, there are no venomous snakes native
to Alaska. Although all 50 states have non-venomous snakes,
Alaska has the least. The range of only a few harmless
snakes, such as the garter snake, extend into the southern
sections of the Alaska Panhandle.
Multiple families of spiders
are native to Alaska but seriously venomous spiders, such
as the brown recluse and the black widow, do not occur
in Alaska. The most common spider bites reported in Southeast
Alaska are from the genus Callobius, occasionally mistaken
for the hobo spider. Bites from Callobius spiders cause
immediate pain and swelling which generally subsides within
a few hours.
The only major venomous
spider possibly found in Alaska is the hobo spider, Tegenaria
agrestis, that was introduced from Europe to the
Pacific Northwest in the 1930’s. While the range
of the hobo spider could extend into Southeast Alaska,
the hobo spider has never been positively identified anywhere
in Alaska.
Venomous insects of common
concern everywhere in North America include bees and wasps.
Cruisers and hikers in Southeast Alaska should also protect
themselves against mosquitoes and ticks.
Additonal Resources:
State
of Alaska Epidemiology — Spider Bites in Alaska
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