Texas is home to various wildlife, including several species of venomous snakes. Understanding their types, habitats, and appropriate responses to encounters is important for safety. Most snakes are not inherently aggressive, and bites are uncommon, often occurring when a snake feels threatened or is handled.
Texas’ Venomous Snakes
Texas hosts four primary groups of venomous snakes: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins), and coral snakes. The first three belong to the pit viper family, characterized by a heat-sensing pit between their eye and nostril, and possess triangular heads with slit-like pupils. Coral snakes are part of the Elapidae family, featuring slender bodies, small heads, and round pupils.
Rattlesnakes are identified by the rattle at the end of their tails, vibrated as a warning. Several species inhabit Texas, including the widespread Western Diamondback, with diamond-shaped patterns, and the Timber Rattlesnake, found in eastern Texas with dark bands and a rust-colored stripe. Their coloration varies, from browns and grays to olive green, allowing them to blend into diverse landscapes.
Copperheads are 2 to 3 feet long and display a copper-colored head with dark, hourglass-shaped crossbands on a lighter body, providing camouflage in wooded areas. Three subspecies exist in Texas, with variations in coloration and band patterns depending on their region. These snakes are ambush predators, remaining still.
Cottonmouths, or water moccasins, are heavy-bodied snakes, dark brown to almost black, with wide, dark bands more distinct in juveniles. They display a white interior lining of their mouth when threatened, giving them their common name. Cottonmouths are semi-aquatic, observed swimming with their heads held high and most of their body above the water’s surface.
The Texas Coral Snake features bright red, yellow, and black alternating rings that encircle its body, with red and yellow bands touching. This pattern differentiates it from non-venomous mimics where red and black bands touch. Coral snakes have small fangs and a neurotoxic venom, affecting the nervous system.
Where Snakes Reside
Venomous snakes in Texas inhabit a variety of environments, from arid deserts to lush wetlands, reflecting the state’s diverse geography. Their presence in an area is linked to the availability of food sources and suitable shelter. Snakes seek refuge in places offering cover from predators and thermoregulation.
Rattlesnakes are widespread across Texas, adapting to various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and developed areas. Western Diamondbacks prefer desert and semi-desert regions, while Timber Rattlesnakes are more common in eastern Texas’s forested areas, near fallen logs and rocky outcrops. Copperheads inhabit forested areas, wooded suburbs, and rocky bottomlands across most of Texas.
Cottonmouths are found in and around water sources throughout East Texas, the Gulf Coast, and the Hill Country. They frequent wetlands, swamps, rivers, bayous, and are found in suburban areas close to water. Coral snakes prefer forested habitats, including wooded suburbs, found in leaf litter and under rotting wood in the southeastern half of Texas.
Minimizing Encounters
Reducing the likelihood of encountering venomous snakes involves being aware of surroundings and modifying habitats. When outdoors, wearing closed-toed shoes or boots and long pants provides protection. Paying attention to where hands and feet are placed, when stepping over logs, rocks, or reaching into brush piles, is important.
Maintaining a tidy yard deters snakes by removing their hiding spots and sources of prey. This involves regularly mowing grass, clearing brush piles, and removing debris like lumber, rocks, and firewood. Controlling rodent populations around homes also reduces a primary food source for snakes. Avoid handling or provoking any snake, as most bites occur during interaction.
Responding to a Snakebite
In the event of a snakebite, immediate action is important. First, move away from the snake to prevent further bites. Call 911 or emergency medical services immediately, as professional medical attention is necessary. While waiting for help, remain calm and still, as movement can accelerate the spread of venom.
Remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the bitten limb before swelling begins, and keep the affected area as still as possible. Clean the bite wound gently with soap and water, then cover it with a clean, dry dressing. Do not attempt to cut the wound, suck out the venom, apply a tourniquet, or use ice, as these actions are ineffective and can cause harm. Medical professionals are equipped with antivenom and other treatments to address venomous bites.