How Many Snakes Live in Texas? Hold Onto Your Stetsons, It's a Sssssnake Sssurprise!
Texas: land of wide-open spaces, big hats, and apparently, a whole lot of snakes. But just how many slithering serpents call the Lone Star State home? Buckle up, partner, because we're about to wrangle some answers.
It's a Numbers Game: Herpetologists on the Hunt
Now, pinpointing the exact number of Texas-sized snakes slithering around is a tricky business. Those darn things are good at hiding! But fear not, intrepid snake enthusiasts, intrepid herpetologists (that's fancy talk for reptile researchers) have been on the case.
Estimatesssss range from a slithering 105 to a whopping 115 species slithering throughout Texas. That's right, from the dusty deserts of west Texas to the swampy bayous of the east coast, Texas is a smorgasbord of serpents.
Here's the good news: Out of that impressive number, only about 15 are venomous. So, while you might encounter a sunbeam snake basking on a rock (they're harmless and adorable, by the way), you probably won't need an emergency trip to the anti-venom rodeo anytime soon.
Don't Get Rattled: A Field Guide to Texas's Scaly Scalawags
Now, let's meet some of the slithering residents you might encounter in the great state of Texas.
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The Rattlesnake Roundup: Texas is home to its fair share of rattlers, those charming chaps with the built-in maracas on their tails. Western Diamondbacks, Timber Rattlesnakes, and Massasauga Pygmy Rattlesnakes are just a few of the rattlers you might come across. Remember, their rattles are a warning, not a song request.
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Cottonmouths: Don't Get Too Close to the Water These aquatic hunters love hanging out in swamps, ponds, and rivers. They've got a distinctive cottonmouth look (hence the name) and like most pit vipers, a nasty bite. So, admire them from afar.
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Coral Snake vs. Milk Snake: The Great Lookalike Showdown This is where things get tricky. These two snakes are colored very similarly, but the coral snake's red touches yellow, while the milk snake's red touches black (remember ROY G. BIV, folks!). If you're unsure, steer clear. Better safe than sorry!
So, You've Encountered a Texas Snake: What Now?
The most important rule: admire from afar! Most Texas snakes are more scared of you than you are of them. Leave them be and they'll be on their way. If you encounter a venomous snake, slowly back away and give them space.
Here's a bonus tip: Snakes are fantastic rodent control. So, if you can handle sharing your backyard with a legless roommate, they can actually be a benefit!
Now you know! Texas is a haven for a surprising number of scaly friends. So keep your eyes peeled (but not too close!), and respect these fascinating creatures. After all, they've got a whole state to slither around in, and you wouldn't want to cramp their style, would you?
