What to DO If you See a Snake Identifying Traits

If you spot a snake in your backyard or your house, call 911 to catch and release the snake in wild away from human habitat. This would be a lot better than trying to kill the creature and get- Nacogdoches ting bitten instead. Many people are bitten because they try to kill a snake or get a closer look at it. Fire You should also teach your children to stay away Department from different types of snakes in the wild.

Highlights Venomous Snakes of Nacogdoches

After a natural disaster (i.e. hurricanes, tornados, floods), snakes may have been forced from their natural habitats and move into areas where they would not normally be seen or expected. When you return to your home, be cautious of snakes that may have sought shelter in your home. If you see a snake in your home, immediately call 911 to catch and release the snake in wild away from hu- man habitat.

Nacogdoches Fire Department CALL 911 214 E Pilar St Nacogdoches, Texas 936 559 2541 What to DO following Nacogdoches Venomous a snake bite! Snakes Statistics and Myths

Do Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) Snake Bite Statistics  Found in wooded areas and along creeks.  Remain Calm  Light brown with dark brown to red-brown  About 7,000 people are bitten by venomous  Immediately call 911 saddle-shaped cross bands. snakes in the U.S. annually.  Easily blends into surroundings due to  Immobilize the bitten area unique camouflage ability.   Keep affected area at or below the heart  Adult size 20-36 inches. Only 0.2% (1 out of 500) venomous snake  Limit victim’s movement bites result in death.  Remove all jewelry (i.e rings, bracelets, watch, etc.) restrictive clothing and any con- Water Moccasin/Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)  On average, 1 to 2 people in Texas die each

strictive item before swelling occurs. year from venomous snake bites in Texas.  Found near bodies of water.  Safely try to observe snake’s identifying  Colors vary from black to gray to brown traits (i.e. colors, patterns, size) with dark brown markings on its heavy body.  Roughly half of all venomous snake bites are  Distinctive patterns appear on juveniles. "dry." That is, the snake does not inject venom Don’t  Known for holding its ground, and when disturbed will often into the victim. give an “open mouth display”.  Don’t use a tourniquet  Adult size 3-4 feet. Common Myths About Snakes  Don’t drink or apply alcohol 1. Coral snakes have rear fangs.  Don’t cut or suck the wound Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus tener) Coral snakes actually have front, fixed and

 Don’t apply ice grooved fangs which provide a primitive delivery  Colorful red, yellow and black thin bodied of venom (compared to the pit viper).  Don’t attempt to catch the snake snake  Don’t attempt to kill the snake  Can be identified by the rhyme “red on  Don’t touch/handle a dead snake yellow, kill a fellow, red on black, venom lack. 2. Coral snakes can only bite small, thin areas.  Adult size 2-3 feet. Coral snakes can bite anything its mouth can grip. Prevention Tips Its mouth is larger than it appears. Timber Rattlesnake/Canebrake (Cortalus horridus)  Be cautious around shrubs, tall grass and 3. Coral snakes have to chew to inject their areas surrounding creeks, lakes and  Found near moist lowland forest and edge venom. of clear cuts. Coral snakes bite and hold on to inject their marshes.  Heavy-bodied tan snake with black cross  Always wear protective gloves and shoes bands and black tail with rattle. venom. when working outdoors. Adult size 40-60 inches.

 Look before sitting, stepping or reaching 4. Cottonmouths cannot bite underwater. Pigmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) near or around logs or rocks. How do you think they catch water prey, such as  Avoid placing hands in areas that are hidden  Also called the “ground rattler”. fish? or concealed.  Found in wooded or lowlands.  Use caution when cleaning up debris after a  Gray in color with brown or dark gray 5. Snakes always chase you when they are scared. natural disasters (i.e. hurricanes, tornados, blotches and red highlight from head to tail. If a snake comes quickly in your direction, it is floods) for displaced and frightened snakes.  Due to its defensive behavior, this snake is a most likely because it is confused. Its goal is to frequent offender. get away from you.  Adult size 15-20 inches.