Snake Season in Texas

When rising temperatures surpass 68°F, it is the start of snake season. There are a total of 12 species of venomous snakes of the 75 snake species in Texas. 

​However, the top four contenders are:

1. The Cotton mouth also known as a ‘water moccasin’
2. The infamous Rattlesnake
3. The Copperhead
4. The Coral snake​​​

Something really important to consider about these venomous snakes are the myths about them still perpetuated today.  Not all snakes are the same, some hide amongst their more innocuous looking fellows. A good example of this is that, all venomous snakes have a spade shape head. ​

CORAL SNAKE, IMAGE COURTESY OF SCOTT DELONY

That is not true, in fact the 2nd most venomous snake in the world, the Coral Snake, has a rounded head. 

​The coral snake pattern is red, yellow, and black bands, but is often mistaken for the milk snake, and while the milk snake is a great pet, the Coral snake is not. 

Coral snakes are about 3 feet long with the longest on record reaching nearly 4 feet.  In Texas, they measure between 20-30 inches. The weights were not given.

An easy way to identify coral snakes is the rhyme, "Red touches yellow kills a fellow. Red touches black, and it's a friend of Jack."

Did you know? Almost all venomous snakes have elliptical eyes (cat’s eye pupils), except (again) the Coral snake. 

​I, personally, do not wish to get close enough to see their eyes to make this distinction especially since other things like running away will be foremost in my mind but some of you may need to know this if you have a snake that has taken up residency, say under a pot maybe, and you wonder is it venomous?

COPPERHEAD, IMAGE COURTESY OF TEXAS A&M TODAY

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Copperheads have a unique ‘dorsal’ pattern in the shape of a belled hourglass marking. The crossbands tend to be reddish coloring that can also vary from dull to a stunning deep orange and red pattern. The Northern copperhead can come in a stunning blue-gray coloring with almost black patterns. 
​
Copperheads are about 3 feet long.
The largest copperhead on record, a Northern Copperhead from Texas was 4 feet in long.  Weight was not recorded. ​

Copperheads like semi-aquatic habitats as well as wooded areas and swamps and debris.  Even though they spend most of their time underground the habitat for a corral snake is mixed from a water-related environment to a desert including wooded areas and under debris in the suburban areas.
​

RATTLESNAKE, IMAGE COURTESY OF TEXAS A&M TODAY

 Rattlers have beautiful diamond patterns that vary in color for camouflage from tans and creams to much darker colors. Rattlesnakes are reasonable swimmers and can live happily in a variety of habitats from swamps to deserts, forests, rocky areas, and grasslands.  

​In length, rattlesnakes are 3-6 feet and about 2-4 pounds.  The largest on record was over 7 feet long.  

COTTONMOUTH, ALSO KNOWN AS WATER MOCCASINS, IMAGE COURTESY OF A-Z ANIMALS

Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins are about 3 feet but have grown as long as 6 ft and 10 pounds in weight. The habitats for cottonmouths are mostly water oriented.  Ponds, rivers, lakes, ditches, and so on are their favorites. 

Cottonmouths also like to bask in the sun whether that means resting on a branch of a tree or on a log.  Something very recognizable about cottonmouths is when swimming they can hold their head up several inches out of the water as they go. ​

The Cottonmouth pattern is considered a crossband with 10-16 repeating patterns. It’s coloring can vary from brown, tan, yellow-olive, gray or black.  It is possible for it to appear almost totally black. 

At first look, all three of these snakes have similarities.  The water moccasins and the rattlers have thick bodies.  Their patterning is similar in that it is not a solid color or banning.  The coral snake and copperhead have slender bodies.  The crossbands are often more brilliant than the softer tones of a rattler.

So how do you minimize the danger of snakes in your yard? 
Eliminate standing water and food sources such as rodents and insects. Don’t forget bird feeders can feed the snakes, too.  Do not leave any pet food outdoors.  Tidiness helps to reduce clutter or debris for snakes to hide in or under. Well-trimmed bushes and regular mowing discourages snakes to visit. 

Check your plumbing and gutters for any leaks or dribbles. Moist, shadowed areas are choice spots. Rock or wood piles need to be redistributed.  Although koi ponds are beautiful the snakes will love them, too. Check your home and garage for access through cracks or broken seals.   There are plants such as marigolds, holly or lemon grass and others that repel snakes naturally. 

Have a wonderful and hopefully snake-free season! 

REFERENCES:
About the Author Bethany McKay      Bethany is a professional copywriter and editor, et al. “Harlequin Coral Snake.” AZ Animals, 1 Apr. 2023, a-z-animals.com/animals/harlequin-snake/.


Clark, Caitlin. “Snakes Are out in Texas- Here’s How to Reduce Encounters with Them.” Texas A&M Today, 13 July 2020, today.tamu.edu/2020/06/18/snakes-are-out-in-texas-heres-how-to-reduce-encounters-with-them/.


Peshek, Sam. “Warmer Temps Means Snakes Are Moving, Say Texas A&M Experts.” Texas A&M Today, 30 Apr. 2019, today.tamu.edu/2018/02/26/warmer-temps-means-snakes-are-moving-say-texas-am-experts/.


Ward, Hannah. “Cottonmouths in Texas: Where They Live and How Often They Bite.” AZ Animals, 2 Dec. 2022, a-z-animals.com/blog/cottonmouths-in-texas-where-they-live-how-often-they-bite/.