Copperhead snake Copperheads Agkistrodon contortrix Copperheads have chestnut or reddish-brown crossbands on a lighter colored body. But the most distinctive trait of the species is the ability to release blood from its cloaca to appear dead. Rodents and frogs are commonly consumed by the species, together with occasional small birds. If you do come across a venomous snake, the chances of being bitten are low; only two, to three, deaths are reported in Texas each year from snakebites,according to the TPWD. They are 2' in length and found through the middle of the state in grasslands, marshy and swampy areas. It grows to a maximum length between 30 and 42 inches. Identify the species of venomous snake with care. These nocturnal snakes can still bite. Discover and encounter Texas Garden Snakes at Texas Discovery Gardens. This is a potent snake that hunts and night and maybe in the morning. Black-necked Gartersnakes are frequently seen around water sources. However, they havent seen hunting or moving around during the day as they only come out at night. Rebecca Hennes covers community news. Its venom attacks the circulatory system and it often prompts muscle catabolism, a process where certain proteins in the muscles are destroyed. It tends to drop into the water to escape when seeing people. They enter hibernation in the fall, next to the water sources they use for food in the spring and summer. There are a lot of venomous snakes in Texas, but most of them are rattlesnakes. It feeds on various amphibians and juvenile snakes. The desert massasaugais lighter in color than the western massasauga. These snakes feed on aquatic prey such as fish and frogs. Eastern Yellow-Bellied Racer: These snakes have olive brown to gray coloring with bright yellow bellies. This snake doesnt have an indigo color as its mostly olive-green with a yellow underside. Several harmless snakes are similarly marked, but never with the red and yellow touching. Some of the rarest snakes in the country are found here. Studies show that this species is highly solitary spending the most time in its den. Common name: Ring-necked snake, ringneck snake. However, the red bands on both of these non-venomous species touch the black bands. "Texas is home to over 105 different species and subspecies of snakes. These snakes are harmless to humans, even if their bites hurt. The Diamondback Water Snake is quite defensive, just like the Blotched Water Snake, and is likely to strike out if approached. Raptors and weasels are among their most common predators. The species is known for its reduced size as adults can measure up to 50 inches. As far as venomous snakes are concerned, Darvin says there are three that are most likely to be found across East Texas. The Southeast Texas poster displays the subspecies found in that area. Keeping control of your dog on or off leash can also help, she said. In Texas, we have 3 groups of these snakes: Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and Rattlesnakes. Snakes of this genus are known to feed on desert vertebrates. Rough Green Snake: These thin, smaller snakes have a green coloring that fades to yellow with a white belly. They have a stocky body with a diamond pattern down the back outlined in black or dark brown. Prevent movement of the bitten extremity. Water snakes can flatten their heads when threatened, but their necks are not easily distinguished from their bodies in that posture. On scarlet snakes, the red and black bands do not continue all the way around the snake, and the white of the belly is visible. They prefer to live near the water and are frequently found in neighborhoods. Get medical attention as soon as possible. This snake is also found in rural areas that are close to water sources. But, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, only 15 of those are potentially dangerous to humans. Symptoms of the bite with venom include headaches and tingly fingers. Common thorough the state, this species is known for mating in the spring. Yellow Bellied Water Snake. Racers, Coachwhips, and the venomous snakes seem to come out when it gets above 75 F. When it gets above 90 F, most of the snakes go nocturnal. Its one of the most dangerous venomous snakes living in Texas. Keep the victim as calm as possible. Non-venomous rat snakes are widespread in Texas, pose no threat, and are good rodent predators. Previous: Bites and Stings Next: First Aid But turning on lights at night, checking the backyard area and/or making noise to announce your presence and giving snakes 20-30 seconds to leave are good starting points. This snake has a potentially-fatal bite with venom. Texas is home to four venomous snakes: copperheads, rattlesnakes, water moccasins (aka cottonmouths), and coral snakes. Texas has two. Adult Texas Patchnose snakes can be between 2 and 3 feet long. Maureen Frank, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service wildlife specialist, Uvalde, said snakes, whether we like them or fear them, are active around the house and in their natural habitats this time of year. Identifying the snake will help veterinarians with treatments, but agitated snakes can be very dangerous, and owners should not attempt to handle or kill them. Adaptations of the species also allow it to live in woodlands. Snakes and frogs are the main part of this snakes diet. This species of nonvenomous snake is known for its large body. Still, even a small amount of venom is painful to humans. Continue clicking to see the snakes that have been found in southeast Texas, both venomous and non-venomous, and some of their key features. Treat overturned boats, tarps and similar objects as potential shelter for transient snakes moving through the area. The versatile nature of the snake is also seen in its habitats which range from rocky mountains to woodlands. It represents an agile non-venomous species. These snakes are known to prefer saltwater habitats and areas near saltwater. This is the reason why Northern Cottonmouth snakes can live both in fresh water and saltwater habitats. Use tools like a shovel or the tip of a boot. Like bull snakes, a hog-nosed snake will mimic a rattlesnake by coiling its body and flaring the sides of its head. They can survive up to 20 years. They can be aggressive and may strike and bite, but do not have any venom. First, try to identify the snake species, Frank said. Common name: Ground snake, Western ground snake,variable ground snake. It also eats earthworms, particularly in high humidity habitats. These snakes are found in rocky areas and wooded bottomlands and are rare in dry areas. Survival chances are high, but only with medical attention. Look for the upturned scale at the end of a hog-nosed snakes nose, which is a feature rattlesnakes lack. They are typically 30 to 48 inches in length. Hog-nosed snakes do not have venom glands, nor do they have rattles. For example, it likes to thrust its head into a fake strike in multiple directions when planning to provoke frogs to exit their hiding spots. The sole exception to its solitary life is during the mating season. PHOTOS: Venomous or not?>>>Click through the photos to test your knowledge of common snakes in the Houston area "What kind of snake is this?" Farmers and ranchers will make their land hospitable to snakes by making sure there are plenty of loose rock piles, large brush piles or hollow dead logs lying around, according to TPWD. Broad Banded Water Snakes: They stay around water. Milk Snakes can be recognized by thin black bands near their red markings. These nests are typically in the ground below rocks or logs which protect the nest from invaders. Its distinctive pattern is a broad black ring, a narrow yellow ring and a broad red ring, with the red rings always bordered by the yellow rings. It would rather flee than fight. Just focus on getting to the hospital quickly but safely, she said. Great Plains Ratsnakes that live in agricultural fields make the most of the presence of rats and mice. However, its venom is considerably more toxic than the venom of Rattlesnake. Common name: Blue rattlesnake, Eastern rock rattlesnake, green rattlesnake, little green rattlesnake, pink rattlesnake, rock rattlesnake, Texas rock rattlesnake, and white rattlesnake. They need to know they shouldnt reach into a place if they cant see what might be in there, she said. This is due, in part, to increasing awareness of snakes around us, developing and improved first aid and medical practices, and excellent educational and outreach efforts by herpetologists and snake enthusiasts across the state. Some of these snakes can frequently be spotted in neighborhoods around the state. It has a yellow body with brown H-like markings. Bull snakes have more slender bodies than rattlesnakes and have rectangular, instead of triangular, heads. To avoid snake bites, Frank said people should consider their location and be cautiously aware of where they step or reach, such as picking up a log for firewood. A close up of a Western Rat Snake, scientific name Elaphe obsoleta, on top of a goat skull on dried leaves. This common species lives in deserts. Theyre identified by their dark grey body. Common name: Brown rat snake, chicken snake, Eastern spotted snake, Emorys Coluber, Emorys pilot snake, Emorys racer, Emorys snake, gray rat snake, mouse snake, prairie rat snake, spotted mouse snake, Texas rat snake, Western pilot snake, great plains ratsnake. It has a yellow underside with a greenish/black skin with no pattern. One of the common snakes in Texas, the Western Diamon-backed Rattlesnake is responsible for most bites around the country. Suzanne L Collins/Getty Images/Science Source, Nature's Images/Getty Images/Science Source, Millard H Sharp/Getty Images/Science Source, Jack Goldfarb/Getty Images/Design Pics RF, Danita Delimont/Getty Images/Gallo Images, Joseph T & Suzanne L. Collins/Getty Images/Science Source, Visuals Unlimited, Inc./Michael Redmer/Getty Images/Visuals Unlimited, Joseph T Collins/Getty Images/Science Source, Claudio Contreras / naturepl.com/Getty Images/Nature Picture Library, Watch: Astros SP Luis Garcia debuts new windup after rule changes, Oops! While the snake is more docile than other venomous snakes in Texas, it can still bite. The largest individuals may reach lengths over 8 feet. Known for its small to medium body size, this type of snake has a diet based on slugs and snails. Frank said venomous snakes typically do not want to use their venom as a defense. An antivenin is among the medical treatments recommended against its potent venom. 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