Houston, Texas, is home to a variety of snake species, both non-venomous and venomous. The city’s diverse environment and warm climate create suitable conditions for these reptiles to thrive. Understanding their presence and how to interact with them safely is important for residents and visitors.
Snakes in Houston: A Local Reality
Houston’s ecosystem supports over 23 distinct snake varieties. The warm, humid climate provides an extended active season, and abundant water sources like numerous bayous and rivers offer ideal habitats. Houston’s landscape, including urban green spaces, sprawling suburbs, and undeveloped areas, provides diverse environments for snakes to find shelter and food. These reptiles contribute to ecological balance by preying on rodents and insects. While some species prefer aquatic settings, others are common in residential yards and even inside homes, especially if rodents are present.
Identifying Houston’s Snakes
Houston hosts both non-venomous and venomous snake species, making identification important for safety. Non-venomous snakes include the Texas Rat Snake, Eastern Hognose Snake, Rough Earth Snake, and various garter snakes. Texas Rat Snakes, often found in attics, can grow long and may be mistaken for rattlesnakes due to tail vibration when threatened. Eastern Hognose Snakes are known for their upturned snouts and a dramatic defensive display where they flatten their heads and play dead.
Houston’s venomous snakes are categorized as pit vipers or coral snakes. Pit vipers, including copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and rattlesnakes, possess heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils. Copperheads have a copper-colored head and hourglass-shaped bands, often blending into leaf litter. Cottonmouths are stout, dark-bodied snakes found near water; when threatened, they may display a white mouth interior. Rattlesnakes, less common in urban Houston, are identifiable by a segmented rattle and diamond patterns.
The Texas Coral Snake, a member of the cobra family, has distinct bright red, yellow, and black bands. The rhyme “red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, venom lack” helps distinguish the venomous coral snake (red bands touching yellow) from non-venomous mimics. Coral snakes are reclusive, possess small fangs, and need to chew to deliver venom effectively. Observe all snakes from a distance without attempting to handle them.
Staying Safe Around Snakes
Minimizing snake encounters involves proactive measures, especially around homes and in outdoor spaces. Maintain a tidy yard by regularly mowing grass and removing brush piles, leaf litter, and other debris, which eliminates potential snake hiding spots. Controlling rodent populations around your property can reduce snake presence, as snakes are attracted to areas offering shelter and prey. Seal cracks or openings in foundations, around pipes, and under doors to prevent snakes from entering homes or garages.
When outdoors, especially in dense vegetation or near water, remain aware of your surroundings. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and long pants when walking in tall grass or wooded areas. Avoid placing hands or feet into blind spots, such as under rocks, logs, or dense bushes, where a snake might be resting. Never attempt to handle, provoke, or kill a snake, as most bites occur during interaction. Giving snakes ample space allows them to move away naturally.
What to Do in a Snake Encounter
Encountering a snake can be startling, but remain calm. If a snake is seen, slowly back away to create distance, allowing it an escape route. Sudden movements can startle the snake and provoke a defensive reaction. Most snakes prefer to avoid confrontation and will move away if given the opportunity. If a snake is in an enclosed space like a garage, contain it to one room and call a professional snake removal service.
If a snake bite occurs, immediate medical attention is essential, regardless of whether the snake is believed to be venomous. Call 911 or emergency services promptly. While waiting for help, keep the bitten area still and position it at or slightly below heart level to reduce venom spread. Remove constricting items like rings, watches, or tight clothing from the affected limb before swelling begins. Clean the wound with soap and water.
Avoid actions that can worsen the situation. Do not attempt to cut the wound, suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, or use ice or heat on the bite; these are ineffective and can cause further damage. Do not try to capture or kill the snake for identification, as this increases the risk of additional bites. Providing a description of the snake can be helpful, but do not delay treatment to get a picture.