Snakes occur throughout Texas; you cannot get away from them. They are a vital part of the
Gulf Coast ecosystem. Snakes have a role in maintaining a balance of nature and eat
everything from worms to small mammals (think rabbits or smaller), and especially rodents.
If you really do not like rats and mice, a snake is your best friend. Snakes are cold-blooded
(exothermic). They hibernate during the winter and are active in warm months, but during
extreme heat (think every day in August in Rockport) confine their wanderings to early morning,
late evening, and nighttime. In general, snakes avoid animals and people, and are not
aggressive, but slither away if given the option.
There are 76 species of snakes in Texas, and 115, if you count both species and subspecies ,
which is the highest in the USA. (Take that, Alaska). The vast majority (85%) are non-
venomous, with four categories that are venomous: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths
(water moccasins), and coral snakes. Sometimes people call snakes “poisonous” when they
mean “venomous.” Something is poisonous if you bite it and it makes you sick. Something is
venomous if it bites you and makes you sick.
Learn to identify the snakes in your area. Not all 115 species/subspecies will be there, so
concentrate on learning about the ones that are around you. This article has a link at the end to
help in identification and knowledge. Take a minute and check it out. If you see a snake and can
SAFELY take a picture, compare it online with other pictures. Grocery stores, convenience
stores, and outdoor supply stores may also have pamphlets which you can carry to help in
identification.
Remember the snake is more scared of you than you are of it (hard to believe, I know). There
are three key things you can do for protection: take preventive measures around your property,
wear protective clothing, and maintain situational awareness when outdoors.
Snakes like to inhabit crevices, holes, and other animals’ burrows, but they also like to be in
clutter: leaf litter, rocks, fallen limbs, piles of lumber in your backyard for that project you mean
to get to but haven’t. Around your home, try to avoid clutter on the ground. Hang as many yard
tools as you can, and keep other stuff (pots, plant supplies, etc.) on shelves or racks.
Although you can go all-out and buy expensive gear, for most people wearing long-sleeve
shirts, blue jeans/leg coverings, and boots/sneakers and socks will be sufficient.
Never, ever stick your hand into something until you have checked it out. If you must pick
something up (a pot, anything else), use a rake or broom to turn it over to make sure no snakes
are in it. While walking outdoors, know your path and be alert. Snakes like to hide in tall grass,
so be very aware of where you are stepping, and try to touch the ground in front of you with a
stick if you are not on a clear path. If you must pick up or otherwise move something on the
ground, turn it over with a stick or rake first.
If you see a snake, stop, back up very slowly, and avoid the area. If you hear a rattlesnake,
stop, and do not move until you ascertain the direction the snake is in. Then move away from it.
In the unlikely event that you are bitten, REMAIN CALM. Call 911 immediately, do not wait for
symptoms to develop. The sooner anti-venom is received, the less severe the damage. Driving
yourself is not a good idea, you may become dizzy and pass out. If possible, take a picture of
the snake or try to remember details about the snake. This can help in treatment. While waiting
for help to come, sit or lie down in a comfortable position and keep the affected area below the
heart level. If the area bitten is constricted by anything (shoes, watch, ring) remove it as soon
as possible. If soap, water, or some other cleaner is readily available, clean the area. There is
old-fashioned folklore about treating snake bites. Do not use it, none of it is good, and can
cause more harm than good.
For very good information, go to:
tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/snakes-alive/venomous-snakes-
texas
https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/snakes-alive/venomous-
texas-snakes