Texas is home to over 100 species and subspecies of snakes. While most are non-venomous, a small fraction possesses venom that can cause severe injury or death. Understanding which snakes pose a risk is the first step toward safety for anyone living in or exploring the Lone Star State. Four main groups of venomous species are responsible for nearly all bites, making identification and preparedness important.
Identifying the Most Dangerous Threat
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is generally regarded as the most dangerous snake in Texas. It is responsible for the highest number of serious snakebites and fatalities in the state and across North America. Its risk factor stems from its wide distribution, large venom yield, and defensive nature. The Western Diamondback is found throughout most of Texas, thriving in arid and semi-arid environments, excluding only the easternmost regions and the northern Panhandle.
This pit viper is one of the largest venomous snakes in North America, averaging 3.5 to 4.5 feet, with some individuals exceeding seven feet. Its size allows for large venom glands and long fangs, enabling it to inject a significant amount of venom in a single strike. A full envenomation can deliver up to 800 milligrams of venom, a potent mix of hemotoxins, myotoxins, and cytotoxins. This venom attacks tissue, causes blood coagulation, and can lead to severe local tissue damage, hemorrhage, and permanent organ damage.
The Western Diamondback is characterized by distinct diamond-shaped patterns along its back and alternating black and white bands near its rattle. Rattlesnakes are not inherently aggressive but will strike if they feel threatened or are accidentally stepped on. The high frequency of human encounters, coupled with the large dose of destructive venom it delivers, solidifies the Western Diamondback’s position as the primary venomous threat in Texas.
The Other Venomous Species
Three other types of venomous snakes are common in Texas: the Copperhead, the Cottonmouth, and the Texas Coral Snake.
Copperhead
The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a pit viper known for its excellent camouflage on the forest floor. Its tan or brown body features darker, hourglass-shaped crossbands, making it nearly invisible among fallen leaves. Copperhead bites are typically less severe than rattlesnake bites due to shorter fangs and smaller venom delivery. Fatalities are rare, but the bite can cause significant pain and may require medical intervention to manage swelling and prevent secondary infections.
Cottonmouth
The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also known as the Water Moccasin, is a semi-aquatic pit viper found near water bodies in East and Central Texas. This snake possesses highly toxic venom that causes severe tissue damage and hemorrhage. The Cottonmouth’s bite is considered more dangerous than the Copperhead’s but is rarely lethal to humans. When threatened, they often stand their ground, displaying the characteristic white lining of their mouth.
Texas Coral Snake
The Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus tener) is an elapid, not a pit viper, possessing potent neurotoxic venom that affects the nervous system. It is brightly colored with bands of red, yellow, and black that completely encircle the body. The venom is delivered via a chewing motion rather than a quick strike. This snake is reclusive and nocturnal, making bites extremely rare. Despite the high potency of its venom, the infrequency of bites means this species rarely causes fatalities.
Prevention and Coexistence
The most effective strategy for avoiding a snakebite is preventing encounters by understanding their habitat. Snakes prefer cover in areas like tall grass, thick brush, rocky crevices, and piles of wood or debris.
Clearing your yard of clutter, including leaf piles, old lumber, and overgrown vegetation, eliminates potential hiding spots for snakes and their prey. Keeping grass mowed short and trimming shrubs away from the ground also makes your property less attractive to snakes.
When walking outdoors, especially in rural or wooded areas, remain aware of your surroundings and watch where you step. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots, particularly when moving through tall grass or handling yard waste, as most bites occur on the feet and ankles. Never reach blindly into areas you cannot see, such as under logs, into animal burrows, or inside crevices. If you encounter a snake, freeze to locate it, then slowly and calmly back away, giving it plenty of space to retreat.
Emergency Protocols
If a snakebite occurs, seek professional medical attention without delay, even if you are unsure whether the snake was venomous. Call 911 or the Poison Help Hotline immediately. Focus on remaining calm and still, as an elevated heart rate can speed the circulation of venom. Remove any jewelry, watches, or tight clothing near the bite area, as swelling begins quickly and can cause dangerous constriction.
The affected limb should be kept immobilized, ideally at heart level, to slow the spread of venom and reduce localized swelling. Gently wash the bite area with soap and water to prevent infection. Several common folk remedies must be avoided because they can cause more harm than the bite itself.
Do not attempt to:
- Cut the wound.
- Suck out the venom.
- Apply a tourniquet, as this worsens tissue damage and restricts blood flow.
- Apply ice or heat.
- Use commercial venom extraction devices, as they are ineffective and increase the risk of permanent injury.
Antivenom is the only effective treatment, and medical professionals will determine if it is needed.