‘Snakes, Baby Squirrels, Birds’: Grand Strand’s Snake Chaser Witnesses Surge in Animal Relocation Requests After Debby
Storm Aftermath Invites Unwanted Neighborhood Guests
Dramatic wind and water level rises in the wake of Tropical Storm Debby are causing a sharp increase in calls to animal trapper Hayden Cavender, whose job ranges from handling slippery snakes to frightened baby squirrels and displaced birds. Known locally as the ‘snake chaser’, Cavender has reported an increase in requests for his services of as much as 15-20% after such storms. “We’re prepared,” he said. “High winds knock animals out of their nests and rising waters push everybody up and out to higher land.”
Multiple Snake Sightings
Among the most unnerved are residents of the Cottages at Tilghman Beach in North Myrtle Beach. In less than two days, Cavender has removed four cottonmouth snakes from the community. Local resident Tim Frahm confirms that these disturbing sightings are notable but not unexpected. “That doesn’t surprise me,” he said. “Especially at night, you better be careful around the ponds or in your doorways.”
According to Frahm, the Homeowners Association regularly sends out precautionary notes to the residents after it rains, cautioning everyone about potential snake encounters.
Warning to Local Residents
Cavender anticipates these calls will rise over the next week as the water recedes, and animals search for new homes once displaced by the storm. He advises local residents to be careful but not to panic at the sight of snakes, some of which might be venomous.
“They won’t come and outright try to grab you or try to attack you or try to bite you,” he advised. “They will bite once they feel threatened, cornered, and like they don’t have any other option. They can’t run, they don’t have arms and legs to kick and fight, so their next option is to bite.”
Therefore, the snake chaser recommends keeping a safe distance from these reptiles or walking around them. Adding to his advisory, he insists people to wear closed-toed shoes outside, post-storm, to avoid potential run-ins with wildlife displaced by the storm.
Stay Vigilant
As the offenders slither, scamper, or fly into new neighborhoods, locals are urged to stay vigilant, stay safe, and trust in professionals to restore the natural order.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
