Common venomous snakes include western diamond-backed rattlesnakes, copperheads and the cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin. This species is known for living next to water sources. However, amputation cases following a bite are reported. Wash the bite area with a disinfectant soap. Click through the photos above for 11 snakes you actually want in your backyard One harmless snake common in Texas is the eastern hognose snake. There are many different kinds of snakes in Texas, but only rattlesnakes (Crotalus spp. Part of the garter snake genus, the Western Ribbon Snake is identified by its small green body with yellow-white stripes. For some, coming across a 72-inch snake can be a terrifying experience, but Houstonians don't have much to worry about. . They are typically 30 inches to 4 feet in length. Get medical attention as soon as possible. The Rough Greensnake is a slender species that grows up to 45 inches. *Note: Although there are only 4 species of venomous snakes in Texas, there are several subspecies of these snakes (11 rattlesnakes, 1 cottonmouth, 3 copperheads, 1 coral snake). The Diamondback Watersnake is highly aggressive towards people. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes. They do this in common nests where other females of their species lay eggs as well. Snakes of this species are known to live in desert and arid climates around the state. 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! A common sight in Texas and Mexico, these snakes can sometimes be handled as they have a more docile nature compared to other Ratsnakes. The Central American Indigo species is one of the largest in Texas. They can sometimes grow to more than 8 feet. It has a yellow body with brown H-like markings. Common name: Flat-headed snake, flathead snake. Snakes of this species are secretive and nocturnal. If you still have questions about what species you saw or just want more info, please send an E-mail to contact@texassnakeid.com . Snakes of the Black-necked Gartersnake species are seen around water sources in arid habitats. Theres little to fear about snakes if a few basic precautions and principles are applied before and during an encounter. Texas indigo snakes are found in south Texas, in brushy habitat near a watersource. Common name: Ring-necked snake, ringneck snake. In contrast, cottonmouths have a wide head but narrow neck. Fred McClure broke ground in 1976 when he became the Texas A&Ms first Black student body president. They reach an average of 2 feet long but can get up to 3 feet long. They are brown or tan with wide, dark crossbands and the tail is entirely black. The species is known for its reduced size as adults can measure up to 50 inches. These snakes have large round eyes and they use eyesight to look for prey around sandy terrains and next to water sources. It also features a lighter brown-gray stripe on its ventral side. Treat overturned boats, tarps and similar objects as potential shelter for transient snakes moving through the area. Common name: Western rat snake,black rat snake,pilot black snake, simplyblack snake. Others, such as garter snakes and hognose snakes, have very mild venom that doesn't harm humans. Common name: Mississippi green watersnake , green watersnake. However, they havent seen hunting or moving around during the day as they only come out at night. Themojave rattlesnake is similar to the western diamondback in markings, but smaller and more slender and found only in extreme West Texas. They are small and slender with an average length of about 2' and found in the mountainous areas of West Texas. Common name: Broad-banded copperhead, copperhead moccasin, copperhead snake, dry-land moccasin, highland moccasin, moccasin, rattlesnake pilot, red eye, Texas copperhead, and thunder snake. Sometimes these snakes are just called Hognoses. Rapid urbanization and higher-than-normal amounts of rain were blamed for the spike in bites, especially since they were occurring more frequently in suburban areas. Reduced body size also means theyre prey is small. While theres no specific antivenin made against Broad-banded Copperhead venom, people bitten by this snake should seek medical attention. This snake lives at various altitudes and its one of the most venomous snakes in the US and the most venomous Rattlesnake in the country. Frank said the victim should remove clothing like socks if bitten on the foot and items like rings on fingers if bitten on the hand because of swelling. Adaptations allow these snakes to dive their heads underwater looking for fish. Survival chances are high, but only with medical attention. Many of these snakes can be found outside of North TX. Most Gopher Snakes are diurnal. Its my recommendation to take your pet to a vet sooner rather than later if there is a suspicion that your animal was bitten by a venomous snake. In the spring, they can be found along streams and rivers, as well as in weed-covered vacant lots. Western Ratsnake Scientific name: Pantherophis obsoletus Common name: Western rat snake, black rat snake, pilot black snake, simply black snake Venomous: No Western Ratsnake The Western Ratsnake is the most common snake species in Texas. Small salmon-hued, 3 to 10 long. Common in deserts and grassland, the species is known for its ability to live underground. Freeze still when snakes are known to be nearby until you know where they are. A Texas A&M AgriLife-led study will look at increasing populations of the endangered cat. Coachwhip snakes are identified by their black body which turns tan gradually towards the tail. These 9 non-venomous snakes are the most common ones found in Texas. The Eastern Patch-nosed Snake gets its name from the large scale on the top of its snout. Tourniquets and suction devices or using other mythologized methods to remove snake venom could do more harm than good, she said. Never put an arm or leg into something if you can not see the bottom. First, try to identify the snake species, Frank said. The sole exception to its solitary life is during the mating season. They can be aggressive and may strike and bite, but do not have any venom. Rough green snakes are most common in areas of Central Texas, and they are easily identified by their unique coloring and slender body shape. Still, even a small amount of venom is painful to humans. They grow to around 40 inches. This family of snakes is known for living next to forests in grasslands. Subscribe to the Texas A&M Today newsletter for the latest news and stories every week. They just need a decent description of the snake, or take a photo of it with your cell phone if its safe to do so. Venomous and non-venomous snake species are the most common in Texas as follows. Snakes of the species are also known for consuming a wide number of eggs of various species. [RELATED: Venomous snakes in Texas you need to know about], Distribution: Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, South, Distribution: Southeast, Northeast, South, Midwest, Distribution: Southeast, Southwest, Canada, Midwest, Northeast, Northwest, South, Distribution: Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Northwest, South, Canada, Distribution: Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, South, Southwest, Distribution: Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, South, Canada, Distribution: Canada, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, Northwest, South, Distribution: Southwest, Midwest, Northwest, South, Distribution: Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, South, Northwest, Distribution: Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, South, Northwest, Canada, Distribution: Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, Northeast, South, #saltmarsh snake! Rough Green Snake: These thin, smaller snakes have a green coloring that fades to yellow with a white belly. The Diamondback Watersnake is known for its rough body due to its keeled scales. Juveniles are known for eating other animals such as lizards. Venomous Snakes In Texas. Texas is home to four venomous snakes: copperheads, rattlesnakes, water moccasins (aka cottonmouths), and coral snakes. Slugs and salamanders are among the favorite species these snakes eat. The species spreads to multiple habitats South of the border in Mexico as well. The snake is also venomous. Producing venom is an energetically costly process, and they only have so much. Earth snakes and other snakes adapted to digging are the primary species the Texas Coralsnake is interested in. First things first. This is especially important for coral snakes because the treatments differ significantly from those to treat copperhead, cottonmouth or rattlesnake bites. Most members of the species live on the East Coast of Mexico. Our number 5 pick is the rat snake, which is large in size, very common, and mostly harmless to humans. Credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, SHERIFF: East Texas man arrested after reported active shooter, barricade situation, CBS19 WEATHER: Few storms today; much stronger storms tomorrow. This snake has a common appearance for snakes in Texas as it has a brown-gray body. Bites to dogs typically occur on or around the head, while cats are typically bitten in the front paws. The emergency room doctors dont need it. This snake is closely related to the Diamondback Water Snake. Eastern Yellow-Bellied Racer: These snakes have olive brown to gray coloring with bright yellow bellies. Known for its tan-gray marks, this snake is common around Texas grasslands. Most bites occur when a person is trying to handle the snake or trying to kill it. Copperheads have thicker bodies and no rattle. While these snakes dont chase people, they represent one of the fastest snakes in Texas. If someone else tries to get the snake, you run the risk that the doctor may be dealing with two snake bite victims.. One of the easiest ways to differentiate similar species is by taking the faded color of the Glossy snake into account. They can. Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes are venomous and dangerous. While its venom is potent and requires medication, the species is not considered as threatening as other Rattlesnakes. The western diamondbackis brown with diamond-shaped markings along the middle of the back and alternating black and white rings on the tail. These snakes are known for their orange and yellow marks on their dark body which makes them easy to spot. Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes live long lives. Read More Thamnophis Proximus - Western Ribbon Snake They also eat frogs and various lizards. However, when a large animal is bitten, a bite to the face is the most common. These snakes help tremendously with keeping rodents and pests away and are essential to balancing ecosystems. Adult Texas Patchnose snakes can be between 2 and 3 feet long. Many can even be found outside of TX. Most Ground snakes eat insects and spiders. These snakes are known for having a docile temper and they can be handled without biting. This is because they will eat the eggs laid by the chickens. Venomous snakes of the species dont lay eggs. Although water snakes are not venomous, they can deliver a strong, painful bite. The mottled rock rattlesnake is light bream or pink with widely spaced, dark crossbands and mottled areas between the crossbands. While common in Texas, people rarely get to see these snakes due to their remote habitats. Texas Snake Identification Guide (With Pictures & Charts) by Snake Identifier Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus) Source: Natalie McNear - Under Creative Commons license Diamond-backed Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer) Source: Natalie McNear - Under Creative Commons license Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus) Despite this, each year, there have been more deaths in Texas attributed to lightning strikes than to venomous snakebites. They can survive up to 20 years. Learn about the non-venomous and venomous friends that live with us. This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It grows to a maximum length between 30 and 42 inches. For instance, its much more likely to see a cottonmouth around bodies of water, like ponds, lakes or creeks, as well as bottomlands that maintain high levels of moisture throughout the seasons. The range of hog-nosed snakes covers most of Texas. Coral snakes are found in the southeastern half of Texas in woodlands, canyons and coastal plains. Prairie Kingsnakes arent venomous. These small snakes are found all around Texas. The snake can grow up to about 4 feet. Snakes are typically not aggressive and will escape an area if they hear someone approaching. They can be as short as 10 inches with the largest individuals measuring 15 inches. Keep the victim as calm as possible. Discover how snakes help gardeners by keeping rodents and other pests under control. Cutting the grass, removing brush and debris, and trimming the lower branches on bushes and trees will go a long way in reducing the places a snake might want to hide.. Hog-nosed snakes do not have venom glands, nor do they have rattles. All species designated as Threatened or Endangered, whether federally or state listed, may not be harmed. They squeeze prey until their cardiovascular system is suppressed, killing the prey before eating it. Eastern Hognose snakes have a unique defense mechanism where they will roll over, pretending to play dead, if faced with a major threat. Common non-venomous species found throughout Texas include garter snakes, which people also refer to as garden snakes; rat snakes, also known as chicken snakes; and bull snakes. They usually give warnings like rattlesnakes rattling before they strike. The coral snake is slender with a small indistinctive head and round pupils, and is usually is 2.5' or shorter. Yellow-bellied Water Snake: These snakes have keeled scales, round pupils and a stock body with a yellow belly. ), copper- heads (Agkistrodon contortrix), cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) and coral snakes (Micrurus spp.) Frank said the best ways to avoid snake bites is to watch where you step or reach and to keep your distance if you see one. This is a potent snake that hunts and night and maybe in the morning. 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. Keeping these things in mind provides us with guidelines to help prevent snakebite around the home. The average length is about 3' and is found in the grassy plains of the western third of the state. They are found in the eastern third of the state in wooded areas in wet bottomlands. They are typically 4 to 5 1/2 feet in length. Click to see full answer Also, what snakes can you not kill in Texas? They are identified by a mostly orange body with black banding. 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. These snakes have some of the longest fangs of all Rattlesnakes. Common name: Texas blind snake, theTexas slender blind snake, theTexas threadsnake. People find Texas Blind Snakes when they make it out of the ground, particularly after the rain has stopped when the soil is humid. 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. Common name: Pacific gopher snake, coast gopher snake, Western gopher snake, gopher snake. This snake is diurnal. This is a carousel. Blotched Water Snake: These snakes are not venomous but will bite if they are harassed. Remember snakes are adept at finding their way through small openings. Know and treat for any symptoms of shock. It expands the skin around its head mimicking an attack and trying to appear more threatening. The Broad-banded Copperhead snake is a brown and tan banded venomous species also found in Texas. They venture out for food rarely at night. This is believed to have no other effect than to try and scare potential predators away. These snakes are harmless to humans, even if their bites hurt. Western Ribbon Snake: These harmless snakes have slender necks and bodies, with brown to black coloring and three lines running down the back, with the boldest yellow to orange stripe over the spine They are typically 20 to 30 inches in length. Its highly likely to see this species around water sources during the summer. | rebecca.hennes@chron.com | Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message. The desert massasaugais lighter in color than the western massasauga. Its not perceived as the most dangerous species because it inserts less venom compared to Rattlesnakes. One of the most common snakes that can be found across all of Texas is the Checkered Garter Snake. Distinguishing a bull snake from a rattlesnake is easier when the snake is not coiled. When it cannot find burrows and nests of other species its still found under piles of leaves, rocks, and ornamental stones in gardens. Common name: Prairie rattlesnake,great plains rattlesnake. Displayed are species of venomous and non-venomous native snakes in a safe environment. They are commonly mistaken for cottonmouths, which are venomous. Read her on our breaking news site, Chron.com, and on our subscriber site, houstonchronicle.com. This snake has a potentially-fatal bite with venom. This article by Adam Russell originally appeared on AgriLife Today. There are dozens of snake species that call Texas home, and many of them are non-venomous. They may be difficult to identify as they come in multiple colors with or without stripes. This species of multicolored snake lives in arid terrains and rocky habitats in Texas and neighboring states. It would rather flee than fight. Common name: Timber rattlesnake,canebrake rattlesnake, banded rattlesnake. While the species is terrestrial, it possesses very good climbing abilities. snakes come out first. Their diets consist of insects and small rodents, as well as frogs. Rutter said it is nearly impossible to totally prevent snake/pet encounters outside the home. Just focus on getting to the hospital quickly but safely, she said. The brightly colored Texas coral snake is the state's only member of the Elapidae family, which includes the cobras of Asia and Africa. Michael Morrison observes bat populations at the Mojave National Preserve and other locations used as seasonal shelter, providing helpful information for both conservation efforts and public safety. The Texas Department of Health Services reported that half the reported bites by venomous snakes were dry, meaning no venom was injected into the victim. Even though these snakes like to eat birds and eggs, they also prey on rats, squirrels, and mice. It can release a musky odor as well to repel predators. Diamondback Water Snake: These snakes are typically found in and around near bodies of water and will bite if they feel threatened. Milk Snakes can be found all around the state of Texas. The species is known to lay eggs. Known for living around the Chihuahuan Desert, this species is recognized for its distinct coloring. The snake is known to feed on several insects. The versatile nature of the snake is also seen in its habitats which range from rocky mountains to woodlands. 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