It gets its name for its preference for living in rocky areas. This common species lives in deserts. Rough Greensnakes reproduce once or twice per year, depending on the weather in the fall. Yellow-bellied Water Snake: These snakes have keeled scales, round pupils and a stock body with a yellow belly. Living in grasslands, the Lined snake is known for its dark green body with bright yellow lines that run from head to tail. Eastern Hognose snakes live in areas all over the state of Texas. Common in deserts and grassland, the species is known for its ability to live underground. Joe McDonald/Getty Images/Visuals Unlimited, Suzanne L & Joseph T. Collins/Getty Images/Science Source, Rick & Nora Bowers/Visuals Unlimited, Inc./Getty Images/Visuals Unlimited, with the boldest yellow to orange stripe over the spine. They are commonly mistaken for cottonmouths, which are venomous. While not deadly if medical care is attributed following a bite, its venom is still highly dangerous. Ring-necked snakes show their bright-color underside by curling up their tails in a defensive position. They might not be seen easily during the day in some habitats as they prefer to rest in shaded spots. When she is not writing about dogs or animal welfare, she covers anything Houston-related, including crime, entertainment, education and politics. These bands are wider in the central parts of the body. It comes out on warm roads at night. Venomous and non-venomous snake species are the most common in Texas as follows. While nocturnal, the snake is still seen around Texas, particularly on roads that pass through rocky terrains. Milk Snakes can be found all around the state of Texas. It lives a secretive life underground. TYLER, Texas Texas is home to more than 105 different species and subspecies of snakes. Common non-venomous species found throughout Texas include garter snakes, which people also refer to as garden snakes; rat snakes, also known as chicken snakes; and bull snakes. They are brown or tan with wide, dark crossbands and the tail is entirely black. A message from Texas A&M Student Body President Case Harris. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. Many can even be found outside of TX. They can be aggressive and may strike and bite, but do not have any venom. Common name: Prairie rattlesnake,great plains rattlesnake. The coral snake is slender with a small indistinctive head and round pupils, and is usually is 2.5' or shorter. The mottled rock rattlesnake is light bream or pink with widely spaced, dark crossbands and mottled areas between the crossbands. Lizards and amphibians are part of their preferred diet. Common name: Broad-banded copperhead, copperhead moccasin, copperhead snake, dry-land moccasin, highland moccasin, moccasin, rattlesnake pilot, red eye, Texas copperhead, and thunder snake. A close up of a Western Rat Snake, scientific name Elaphe obsoleta, on top of a goat skull on dried leaves. It would rather flee than fight. They enter hibernation in the fall, next to the water sources they use for food in the spring and summer. They are marked with wide, dark bands, which are more distinct in some individuals than in others. This one is tricky because the snake bears a striking resemblance to several other species, including Scarlet snakes and Milk snakes. Speckled Kingsnakes are further identified by their midrange size. Frank said the victim should remove clothing like socks if bitten on the foot and items like rings on fingers if bitten on the hand because of swelling. Previous: Bites and Stings Next: First Aid Cottonmouths can be dark brown, olive-brown, olive green or almost solid black. These snakes are found in rocky areas and wooded bottomlands and are rare in dry areas. The black snake is known for its quick movements and the ability to catch fast-moving prey. Common name: Bairds rat snake, Bairds ratsnake, Bairds pilot snake, Bairds Coluber, Great Bend rat snake. Coachwhip snakes are often subject to legends such as chasing people. It . Often, the pale bands are white, cream, or pale yellow, instead of the bright yellow of a coral snake. The species is mostly diurnal and it can be frequently seen around Central Texas. The average length is about 3' and is found in the grassy plains of the western third of the state. Water snakes can flatten their heads when threatened, but their necks are not easily distinguished from their bodies in that posture. Recorded deaths following its bite are rare. Keeping control of your dog on or off leash can also help, she said. The warm Texas climate is home to rare US species such as the Mojave rattlesnake and the Desert massasauga. For more information, please read our privacy policy. It eats insects, frogs, and lizards. Data shows its venom isnt as dangerous as the venom of other venomous snakes in the US. Common name: Eastern racer, North American racer. Being able to identify a snake can help you avoid danger, she said. Native to Texas, the Texas Coralsnake is a slender multicolored snake thats mostly red-brown, yellow, and black. The Rock Rattlesnake is also known as the Eastern Rock Rattlesnake. These snakes are known to lay multiple eggs at a time during the spring. Only 15 of those are potentially dangerous to humans," the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department's site explains. Rough Green Snake: These thin, smaller snakes have a green coloring that fades to yellow with a white belly. They are typically 23 to 50 inches in length. They prefer humid habitats such as grassland and shaded areas in rocky habitats. Given its reduced size, the Western Ribbon Snake is also preyed upon by other species. Most snakes prey on mice, slugs, worms, ants, termites, toads,rickets, grasshoppers, caterpillars,crustaceans and fish. Their venom is known to attack the nervous system. The largest individuals may reach lengths over 8 feet. Fred McClure broke ground in 1976 when he became the Texas A&Ms first Black student body president. Darvin says these snakes do resemble a non-venomous snake, called the Yellow Belly Water snake. They feed on rodents and birds, and can be found in marshes and wet meadows. However, the Checkered Garter Snake is also known to refuse to eat the same food repeatedly in a short period as it can go on without food for months. Most Gopher Snakes are diurnal. The Gopher Snake is recognized by its gray-brown body which can sometimes differ in color. These small snakes are found all around Texas. These snakes have teeth but they dont bite. A bull snake may coil up like a rattlesnake, vibrate its tail, flare the sides of its head, and make a raspy hiss that sounds like a rattlesnakes rattle. are poisonous and should be avoided. While its venom is potent and requires medication, the species is not considered as threatening as other Rattlesnakes. This snake is closely related to the Diamondback Water Snake. The western massasauga islight gray with brown oval blotches along the middle of the back and smaller blotches along each side. Part of the garter snake genus, the Western Ribbon Snake is identified by its small green body with yellow-white stripes. Cleaning around the house and other structures to remove trash, which is shelter for small prey animals, also helps keep snakes away. Never step over a log without first seeing what is on the other side. Contact us for information about the venomous snakes found in your area. Snakes of this genus can be green, gray, or brown, with or without bright color stripes that run from the head to the tail. Growing to a size of around 40 inches, this snake is easy to recognize due to its yellow-orange stripe that runs along its body. But the best advice is to keep your distance and avoid contact.. Rebecca Hennes covers community news. The species venom is treated medically with antivenin. POST FLOOD: Rare, cobra-like snake spotted at Brazos Bend State Park. This type of snake also resembles the Scarlet King Snake, which is also non-venomous. The western diamondbackis brown with diamond-shaped markings along the middle of the back and alternating black and white rings on the tail. This is an adaptation to living in vegetation next to water sources. Flat-headed Snakes are deep burrowers. Fish and various amphibians are among their recommended prey. Common name: Banded watersnake,Southern watersnake. While the snake is more docile than other venomous snakes in Texas, it can still bite. This family of snakes is known for living next to forests in grasslands. Scorpions are also among their favorite foods as they can share the same habitat. Hognose snakes are known as "drama queens" because when they feel threatened they play dead. She can be reached by email at Rebecca.Hennes@chron.com or by Twitter: @beccaghennes, 11 non-venomous snakes you want in your backyard. These snakes first bite without inserting venom or by inserting a small amount of venom. They are small and slender with an average length of about 2' and found in the mountainous areas of West Texas. It also features a lighter brown-gray stripe on its ventral side. Its best to give them plenty of room and let them go on their way.. They're often mistaken for rattlesnakes. Common name: Ring-necked snake, ringneck snake. They are known for eating whole chicken. Snakes on a plain, in a desert, and in the water . They are typically 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91cm) in length. They are one of the smallest snake species in the state, reaching just 10 inches long as adults. One of the biggest causes of concern with its potent venom is not taking it seriously as symptoms may appear later. They get their name from their faded brown and tan coloring. If you still have questions about what species you saw or just want more info, please send an E-mail to contact@texassnakeid.com . It lives in multiple places but prefers open areas where it has a better sight over its prey. They emerge as potential predators that eat mammals and even other venomous snakes. How the Houston Zoo moved its flock of flamingos to a new home, Why the Texans should take Bijan Robinson with the No. The Rough Greensnake is a slender species that grows up to 45 inches. Venomous and non-venomous snake species are the most common in Texas as follows. Texas is home to the highest number of species of snakes in all of the United States, with a grand total of 115 species, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). When threatened these snakes will coil or raise its head and flatten its body to try and appear larger. The species is recognized by its faded gray or faded green coloring. Know and treat for any symptoms of shock. Western Ratsnake Scientific name: Pantherophis obsoletus Common name: Western rat snake, black rat snake, pilot black snake, simply black snake Venomous: No Western Ratsnake The Western Ratsnake is the most common snake species in Texas. These have been deaths triggered by its venom that lead to conditions such as respiratory problems. Texas indigo snakes are found in south Texas, in brushy habitat near a watersource. Earth snakes and other snakes adapted to digging are the primary species the Texas Coralsnake is interested in. Studies show that this species is highly solitary spending the most time in its den. The Prairie Rattlesnake has a wide habitat and a variable diet. When it cannot find burrows and nests of other species its still found under piles of leaves, rocks, and ornamental stones in gardens. 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