Texas A&M AgriLife experts share how to avoid bites and coexist peacefully
As temperatures warm across Texas this spring, you may start seeing more snakes around your home and outdoor areas.
These reptiles become more active as they emerge from brumation — a state similar to hibernation in mammals. While encounters may increase this time of year, understanding snake behavior and following a few simple safety tips can help reduce fear and lower the risk of a bite.
Experts from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences share five essential tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Tip 1: Stay aware of your surroundings
In Texas, snakes often begin appearing in search of food and shelter in February and March as temperatures warm.
“The best way to avoid snake bites is to be aware of your surroundings and recognize the scenarios that lead to them,” said Toby Hibbitts, Ph.D., instructional assistant professor in the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology. “If you spot one, the best thing to do is leave it alone and let it go its way.”
Hibbitts, also a research scientist with the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, NRI, said snakes are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, meaning they rely on outside temperatures to regulate their body heat. Early in spring, they are commonly seen sunning on rocks and logs, but as temperatures rise, they become more active at night or in the twilight hours.
He recommends wearing closed-toe shoes and carrying a flashlight when walking outside at night to avoid surprising a snake and reduce the risk of getting bitten.
Tip 2: Learn how to identify snakes in your area
Texas is home to roughly 75 snake species, but only about a dozen are venomous.
“If you know which of these snakes live in your area, then it may ease your fears and increase appreciation for your ecosystem,” said Danielle Walkup, Ph.D., NRI research assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.
Common nonvenomous species found in Texas include:
- Garter snakes, often referred to as garden snakes.
- Rat snakes, also known as chicken snakes.
- Bull snakes.
Common venomous snakes in Texas include:
- Copperheads.
- Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins.
- Coral snakes.
- Several rattlesnake species, including western diamondback and timber rattlesnakes.
Many Texas rattlesnake species are in the Trans-Pecos region, in the far western part of the state.
Tip 3: Make the area around your home less inviting to snakes
Hibbitts said no chemical repellants have been proven to deter snakes. However, you can make your yard less attractive to snakes with simple maintenance.
To discourage snakes from visiting your yard:
- Keep grass short and trim overgrown vegetation.
- Remove woodpiles, debris and clutter where they could hide.
- Control rodents and insects, which attract snakes looking for food.
Some species, like rat snakes, seek food in chicken coops, barns or outdoor sheds. Securing these structures can help keep snakes out.
Tip 4: Ignore the myths and appreciate snake benefits
Walkup said snakes are not naturally aggressive and prefer to avoid humans.
“You may periodically hear stories about a snake ‘chasing’ someone, but in reality it is most likely trying to flee,” Walkup said. “The person may just be standing in the way of its closest cover.”
Snakes also play an important role in nature by helping control insects and small mammals. Understanding these benefits can help reduce fear and encourage people to leave them alone.
Tip 5: Understand snake habitats and behaviors to protect you and your pets
Hibbitts noted that learning where venomous snakes typically live can help you watch out for them to prevent close encounters.
Examples of where venomous snakes are commonly found:
- Copperheads often blend into leaf litter and can be found in woodlands and grasslands.
- Cottonmouths are usually found near water, such as creeks, ponds and springs.
Pet owners should also take precautions to reduce the chance of their pets encountering a snake, such as keeping them on a leash during walks.
Snakes typically bite only as a last resort when they feel threatened. Even when venomous snakes bite people, about half of those venomous bites are “dry,” according to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. A dry bite means no venom was injected, as snakes often conserve their venom for prey.
Despite this fact, Hibbitts emphasized that all bites should be taken seriously. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately, especially if the species is unknown.
– Sarah Fuller, Texas A&M AgriLife