Five ways to prevent negative encounters with snakes this spring

Springtime in Texas brings warmer temperatures, blooming wildflowers — and more active snakes.

As these reptiles emerge from brumation — a state similar to hibernation in mammals — the chances of encountering them increase. However, understanding snake behaviors and basic safety tips can help prevent unnecessary fear and reduce the risk of a bite.

Experts from Texas A&M AgriLife share essential tips to help Texans stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Tip 1: Stay aware of your surroundings

In Texas, snakes typically begin to appear in search of food and shelter during February to March as temperatures warm.

“The best way to avoid snake bites is to be aware of your surroundings and recognize the scenarios that lead to them,” said Toby Hibbitts, Ph.D., instructional assistant professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology. “If you spot one, the best thing to do is leave it alone and let it go its way.”

Hibbitts, also a research scientist with the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, said the reptiles are commonly seen sunning on rocks and logs during the day, but they are more active at night or in the twilight hours as temperatures increase.

He recommends wearing closed-toe shoes and carrying a flashlight when walking outside at night to avoid a surprise encounter and to provide protection from bites.

Tip 2: Learn how to identify snakes in your area

Out of the roughly 75 species native to Texas, only about a dozen are venomous.

“If you know which of these snakes live in your area, then it may ease your fears and increase appreciation for your ecosystem,” said Danielle Walkup, Ph.D., Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute research assistant professor in the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management.

Common nonvenomous species in Texas include:

• Garter snakes, often referred to as garden snakes.
• Rat snakes, also known as chicken snakes.
• Bull snakes.

Venomous species in Texas include:

• Copperheads.
• Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins.
• Coral snakes.
• Several species of rattlesnakes, including western diamondback and timber rattlesnakes.

Many of the rattlesnake species found in Texas are in the Trans-Pecos region.

Tip 3: Make the area around your home less inviting to snakes

Hibbitts emphasized that while no chemical repellants have been proven to deter snakes, homeowners can reduce the likelihood of attracting them by maintaining a well-kept yard.

To discourage snakes from taking shelter in your yard:

• Keep grass short and trim overgrown vegetation.
• Remove woodpiles, debris or clutter where they could hide.
• Control rodents and insects, as they attract snakes looking for food.

Some species, like rat snakes, seek food in structures like chicken coops or outdoor sheds in search of prey. Keeping those areas secured can help prevent these unwanted visitors.

Tip 4: Don’t let snake myths lead to fear and learn to appreciate their benefits

Walkup emphasized that the animals are not naturally aggressive and prefer to avoid humans when possible.

“You may periodically hear stories about a snake ‘chasing’ someone, but in reality it is most likely trying to flee,” Walkup said. “The person may just be standing in the way of its closest cover.” 

Snakes play an important role in Texas’ ecosystems by controlling insects and small mammal populations, and recognizing their benefits may ease common fears.

Tip 5: Understand snake behavior to prevent dangerous encounters for you and your pet

Hibbitts noted that learning where venomous snakes tend to live can help reduce the risk of bites.

Examples of where venomous snakes in Texas are commonly found:

• Copperheads blend into leaf litter and can be found in a range of environments, including woodlands and grasslands.
• Cottonmouths prefer to be near water, including creeks, ponds and springs.

Texans should also take precautions to reduce the chance of their pet encountering a snake, such as having them on a leash during walks.

It is important to know that snakes typically only bite as a last resort when they feel threatened. Even in cases where a venomous snake does bite a person, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services reports that roughly half of all venomous bites are “dry.” A dry bite means no venom was injected, as snakes often prioritize their venom for prey.

Despite this fact, Hibbitts emphasized that all bites to pets and people should be taken seriously. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you aren’t certain of the species.