Safety and Awareness:

It’s that time of year again! is a big, warm state, and is therefore a native home to over 105 species and subspecies of . The majority of our native snakes are harmless and nonvenomous, and are even beneficial for pest control. Of those 105, only 15 are venomous. With some awareness and a healthy respect for our reptilian neighbors, we can live peacefully and safely with Texas snakes.

Snakes are very common, and become much more mobile in warmer weather. Naturally, more active snakes lead to more human to snake encounters. So what do you do in a snake encounter, and to avoid one in the first place?

Avoid the Situation: • Firstly, please never approach or kill a snake. Snakes are a valuable part of our ecosystem, and many bites happen because of people taking unnecessary risks. • It helps to learn which snakes are most common in your area, and to be able to notice and recognize a venomous snake. • Keep your lawn trimmed low. Snakes like tall grass. • Remove any brush, wood, rock, or debris piles from around your residence- snakes and their prey () both like to hide in these. • Always wear shoes while outside, and don’t put your hands where you cannot see them. • Be careful when stepping over fallen logs and rock outcroppings. • Take care along creek banks and underbrush. • Snakes do not chase people, and do not prey on humans. The danger comes when snakes are surprised or cornered, and react defensively. • Do not mess with or allow your pets near a dead snake. They have been known to bite even after death.

Common Saginaw Snakes (From Services Calls) • Gopher Snake (Nonvenomous) • Texas (Nonvenomous) • Rough Earth Snake (Nonvenomous)