Exploring Texas' venomous snakes: A "what to know" guide for locals

Central Texas weather provides outdoor activities all year round, prompting state and local authorities to issue snake warnings and precautions for residents. Increased snake sighting education has been attributed to a variety of factors, including the heavy migration of people moving to Texas and changes in the local ecosystem.

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Officials from Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical System (ATCEMS) advise residents on social media to exercise caution, especially in outdoor areas with tall grass and around bodies of water where snakes are more likely to congregate. Four venomous species of snakes call Central Texas home including rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths and coral snakes.

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“Snakes are like broken beer bottles, they’re everywhere and you don’t know where the pieces of glass may lay,” said Paul Crump, a herpetologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “But that doesn’t mean that you should let the idea of a snake ruin the (outdoor) experience. If you encounter a snake on the trail, slowly go around or turn around.”

Crump explains that snakes move to certain places for a reason, often in search of food or shelter. These species play a crucial function in our ecological food web system. Snakes eat rodents, frogs and birds which helps minimize the spreading of diseases. Without them, we would see a major imbalance within our ecosystem.

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Some would think that native Texans have an extensive background or familiarity with venomous snakes in the area but that’s not always the case, explained Leigh Masterson, a Houston, Texas native.

“I don’t remember learning about venomous snakes from school or my parents. Only in Boy Scouts. The most I learned about snakes is from hearing stories from peers,” Masterson said. “I heard a story once about a guy who waterskied into a nest of water moccasins (cottonmouths). He ended up having over 10 snake bites and ultimately died from the incident.”

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As a response to increased population growth in the Central Texas region, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends using an app called iNaturalist. This citizen scientist application allows people to take a photo of plant and animal wildlife and have it identified by another user or scientist. This is to raise awareness about the importance of snakes and other wildlife in the ecosystem and offer practical tips on coexisting safely with these reptiles.

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To keep potentially dangerous snake encounters away, state and local experts recommend keeping yards and outdoor spaces well maintained, using caution when walking in tall grass or near water sources, always keeping pets leashed on the trail and educating children about snake safety. Additionally, make sure that you thoroughly look around the ground or when reaching into an area. Wearing protective clothing such as boots or gloves may reduce your risk of danger.

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“There’s no snake proofing but the best thing you can do to minimize contact with snakes in or around your home is to keep organized,” Crump said. “Make sure bird seed is tightly stored, no dripping faucets or broken old boards from sheds are laying around.”

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In the event of a snakebite, ATCEMS advises residents on what and what not to do.

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What to do:

• Seek medical attention or call 911 immediately. Antivenom is the only treatment available.

• Take a picture of the snake, if possible. Identifying the snake may help with the treatment process.

• Lay down, maintaining heart level if bitten by coral snake. Elevate affected area around 60 degrees for other snakebites.

• Remove rings or watches before swelling occurs.

• Mark the leading edge of swelling or tenderness with a time stamp.

What not to do:

• Drive yourself to the hospital. Dizziness is common and there is the possibility of passing out.

• Don’t wait for symptoms to appear, seek medical attention immediately.

• Do not apply a tourniquet.

• Do not slash the wound or cut it any way.

• Do not attempt to suck the venom out.

• Do not apply ice or submerse the affected area in water.

• Do not drink alcohol as a pain killer or take pain relivers such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen.

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As Central Texas continues to experience this growth in population, residents are encouraged to stay informed, remain vigilant and take the necessary steps to coexist safely with these crucial but potentially dangerous species.