The potency of their venom also comes into play. It’s not just their temperament and colouration that set the different species of Texas rattlers apart. The Blacktail Rattlesnake found in western Texas, for example, has a grey/green body with dark blotches and a dark black tail, while the Mottled Rock Rattlesnake is a light pink colour with dark bands. It’s quite easy to tell different species of rattlesnake apart as they have a wide array of markings.
They can both inject a huge amount of venom with a single bite and the Western Diamondback, as well as being the largest rattlesnake in the state, is responsible for more hospitalisations in Texas than any other. The Timber Rattlesnake and Western Diamondback are two of the most feared snakes in Texas because of their propensity to attack at the slightest sign of a threat. Others can be found across the majority of Texas, with species like the Western Diamondback being found everywhere aside from the most eastern recesses.Īs with all snakes, Texan rattlers are much more likely to sliver away unnoticed than to strike but a few species are notoriously aggressive, especially when threatened. Some, like the Prairie Rattlesnake, can be found in the state’s western grasslands while others, such as the Timber Rattlesnake are found in woodlands to the east. Ten separate species of rattlesnake can be found in Texas, each in their own favoured habitats. Pop culture teaches us that as soon as a rattlesnake is nearby, it will undoubtedly be hunting you down but the reality is very different. Rattlesnakes Image by Usman Khaleel (Moe) from PixabayĮven if you’ve never heard the noise in person, the unmistakable shake from a rattlesnake’s tail is enough to make your heart stop and your blood freeze. If you are unlucky enough to get bitten by a Texas Coral Snake, seek medical assistance immediately. They only strike if startled, handled or threatened so if you spot one of these guys, turn around and walk away. Coral snakes tend to be very timid and non-aggressive but their bite is lethal.
Make sure you can see what you are doing and don’t reach into any hidey holes without being able to see what’s inside. They are found in dense vegetation and leaf litter, where they can remain hidden as they hunt for their favourite food – other snakes!īeing nocturnal, it’s highly unlikely you’ll come across a Texas Coral Snake but after heavy rains, they can be spotted searching for new places to hide.Īlways be wary when in woodland or while moving log piles.
Don’t go around picking up snakes you find because you think they’re safe to handle or you could be in for a nasty surprise! Image by mgrpowerlifting from PixabayĬoral snakes live predominantly in the southeast of Texas, as well as in the central areas. A few corals have been found with slightly different markings, often caused by genetic mutations. Both have the same coloured banding but the coral snake has its red and yellow bands touching, whereas milk snakes do not.Īlthough this is an easy way of helping you avoid the nasty blighters, you shouldn’t rely on it 100%. This is an easy way to distinguish coral snakes from the harmless but very similar looking milk snake. You may have heard the rhyme ‘red and yellow kill a fellow’. Growing to around 70cm long, coral snakes belong to the same family as cobras and are one of the most venomous snake species on the planet, let alone in Texas! One of the most recognisable snake species on earth, the Texas Coral Snake has red, yellow and black banding along its length. Coral Snake Photo credit: Kersti Nebelsiek By knowing what to look out for and using a dash of common sense, these snakes are easy to avoid. More deaths in Texas are attributed to lightning strikes than to snakes. Before we dive in too deep, it’s worth noting that even though the venom from these reptiles can cause a range of symptoms, from painful swelling to death, it really isn’t common to have your day ruined by a snakebite.
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