They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and that is clear by the number and types of venomous snakes that the state possesses. No less than 15 different snakes that carry a poison in their body call the Lone Star state their home, making it one of the more dangerous states for these reptiles.
It makes sense that so many would live here. Not only do you have a lot of area in Texas as it is one of the largest states in the country, but you also have an environment that is perfect for reptiles. Thousands of square miles of desert make it the perfect location for venomous snakes to take up residence.
There are four different major classes of venomous snakes that are found in Texas. These include copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and coral snakes. Here are some examples of each.
Copperheads: while the toxicity levels in these kinds of snakes can be low, they are still quite dangerous if you are bitten by one. The Southern Copperhead is the most common type found. These snakes are frequently found under rocks or large areas of brush, so if you are doing some landscaping around your yard or have a great deal brush area to clear out, then you want to be very careful of what you do before making a move.
Western Cottonmouth: This snake is commonly called a Water Moccasin, and is very common in many parts of the country, but in many of the bodies of water that are located throughout the state, it is not uncommon to find these snakes around. Being bitten by one of these snakes can be very serious, so you should be really careful when entering any body of water. You may find yourself bitten and in a lot of danger.
Rattlesnakes: of all the snakes that seem common to Texas, this is the one that most people would commonly associate with the state. Rattlesnakes can be located in any place in the snake, with the Western Pygmy, the Timber Rattlesnake and the Western Diamondback being the three that are most commonly found. Being bitten by one of these reptiles is extremely dangerous and you need to be treated right away if bitten.
Texas Coral Snake: This is the most easily recognizable of the venomous snakes in the state. It is quite colorful in appearance with yellow and black bands circling its body throughout the length of the reptile. These are not as common as the other three, but are still found in many areas. This snake secretes neurotoxins, paralyzing whatever victim it bites. If you are bitten by this snake make sure you seek medical attention right off to avoid serious issues.
Read more:
Snake Control,
Venomous Snakes of Florida,
How to Identify Snakes,
How to Kill Snakes.
