The State of Texas is home to 15 potentially dangerous snake species or subspecies. Despite this, there have been more deaths each year in Texas attributed to lightning strikes than to venomous snakebites!

 

It is important to remember that not every snake is venomous, and that while the very mention of the word often sends chills up the spine of many people, snakes do have an important role in our Texas ecosystem. Their contribution in controlling rodents can cannot be overstated. Equally important is understanding that envenomation is a defensive mechanism for the snake:  snakes do not sit in the grass waiting for the unfortunate human to come by. Nor do they pursue or hunt humans. Bites are usually a result of the snake being surprised or cornered, or from someone handling snakes.

 

Because this subdivision is relatively new and was formerly virgin forest, there are still some wild creatures around that consider this area home.  Snakes are just one species among those wild creatures...

 

The best way to prevent these snakes from coming around is by not having places for rodents to live. Logs and lumber should be kept well off the ground and rocks should be stored spread out rather than piled up. Remove all debris and keep the yard mowed as far from the house as possible. If the yard has a 'privacy' or 'chain link' fenced, a barrier such as hardware cloth or fine mesh screen can be installed to physically bar a snake from crawling under or through the fence.

Below are some of the snakes that have been seen in our Arbors

Non-Poisonous Snakes

 

Texas Rat Snake

(Note the typical characteristics of a non-poisonous snake: a slim head and long tapering tail)

 

It is non-poisonous, but pugnacious and  will bite if handled.  Its tiny teeth, used to grasp prey can produce a series of punctures in human skin but are not any more serious than other cuts one may experience.

 

this is a harmless snake that should be allowed to do it's job in controlling the mice, rat, and gopher populations...

 

It has also been seen dining on those pesky grassh0ppers!

Non-Poisonous Snakes 

Garter Snake

(similar specimen found in

an Arbors backyard)

 

It is non-poisonous, Active during the day and most frequently seen amid moist vegetation where it searches for frogs, toads, salamanders, and earthworms.  Occasionally it takes small fish and mice.

 

Ill-tempered when first captured, it will bite or expel musk, but it tames quickly and soon becomes docile.

 

Garter snakes almost always have long stripes running the length of their bodies.

 

  

Non-Poisonous Snakes 

 

  

 

Hognose Snake

(found in an Arbors lot)

 

It is non-poisonous, comes in a variety of colors, and has the distinct up-turn at the end of the nose, from which it gets it's name...

 

It has an interesting defense mechanism:

When disturbed, it "hoods" its neck, inflates its body, hisses loudly, and postures like a cobra. (Note: there are NO wild cobras in Texas!).  If this fails to discourage a would-be predator, it rolls over and plays dead with mouth agape and tongue hanging out. It becomes limp and will remain "dead" when picked up;

 

however, if placed right-side up, it will roll over again, thereby defeating any semblance of being really dead!

Poisonous Snake:

 

Southern Copperhead Snake

(Note the typical characteristics of this poisonous snake: a triangular head and relatively thick tapering tail)

 

these snakes have been seen frequently in the Arbors subdivision as building here has disturbed their natural habitat.

 

But the good news is that while this snake is considered poisonous,  its venom is the least toxic of all the pit vipers in Texas and its venom glands are the smallest. 

 

reports of fatalities from its bite are rare.  Some Vets in this area will  inventory the anti-venom for the copperhead, but indicate that unless a pet is already sick or weak, it will recover from a copperhead bite.

 

Copperheads eat rats, mice, frogs, cicadas, caterpillars and moths.  In southern climes such as ours as much as 36% of their diet is composed of insects.

(You really don't want all those scorpions and grasshoppers around do you?)

Poisonous Snake:

 

.

 Coral Snake

 

"Red touching yellow kills a fellow;    red touching black is a friend of Jack".

(Note the poisonous Coral has a black head...)

 

there have been a few sightings of these snakes in the Arbors, and less every year as more development occurs.

 

It tends to be quite shy, and will flee quickly to avert an encounter.


this snake feeds on other small snakes or lizards. 

 

it is highly venomous and should never be harassed or handled.

***********

Be aware however, that there are some imposters in the coral group: snakes that mimic the coloring but are non-poisonous.

 

ie, the King snake & Scarlet Snake

(Average length 12 inches;

maximum length 18 inches.)
 

 "Red touching black, friend of Jack"

 

Poisonous Snake:

 

Rattle Snake

 

The Western Diamondback Rattler ranges well over central Texas and has been found in Bastrop County.

 

 

It is generally considered an  aggressive snake and a dangerous reptile.  Upon hearing a "rattle", stop and take a moment to observe the distance of the sound and from where it is coming. The snake may strike at movement.

 

This diamondback dwells in the desert brush, woodlands, grasslands, and river bottom habitats. They are nocturnal and spend their days coiled up in the shade.

 

Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes feed on various reptiles, rodents, birds, ground squirrels, and rabbits.

The Scarlet King snake is often called the "false coral" because of the similarity of many colors and patterns. BUT, the first color on the Scarlet/King Snake is RED;

 the Coral snake starts with BLACK.