Houston: Where the Grass is Greener, and Maybe Sssssslitherier
So, you're moving to Houston, the Bayou City? Great choice! Sun's out, food's amazing, and the space program's practically your next-door neighbor (well, maybe not that close). But hey, there's a reason they call it "Space City," right? Gotta make room for all the...regular-sized critters. And that, my friends, brings us to the topic at hand: snakes.
Scales in the City: How Common Are These Noodle Dudes?
Let's be honest, snakes get a bad rap. They're all slithering around, plotting world domination with their hypnotic stares (which, come on, have you seen a cute corn snake? Hypnotic in a totally adorable way). But the truth is, seeing a snake in Houston is about as common as spotting a line at Buc-ee's on a Tuesday (which is to say, it can happen, but it's not an everyday occurrence).
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Texas-Sized Snake Diversity: The Lone Star State boasts over 100 species of snakes, and the Houston area is home to a decent chunk of those. Don't worry, though, most are just long, skinny versions of your friendly neighborhood garden hose.
- Spring Cleaning with Scales: Springtime in Houston means more snake sightings. As the weather warms up, these cold-blooded critters become more active, just looking to soak up some rays and maybe catch a tasty rodent or two.
But Should You Be Worried About Snakes in Houston?
Probably not. Most Houston snakes are non-venomous and more afraid of you than you are of them. In fact, they're probably doing you a favor by keeping the local rodent population in check.
However, there are a few venomous snakes to be aware of, like the copperhead, the cottonmouth, and the coral snake (remember the rhyme: "Red touch yellow, kill a fellow. Red touch black, venom lack"). But even these guys are more likely to slither away than strike.
Here's the golden rule: Leave them alone and they'll leave you alone.
Bonus Tip: If you see a snake sunbathing on your patio, avoid the urge to recreate that Indiana Jones scene with your whip (or pool noodle). Just admire it from afar and maybe snap a picture for bragging rights (because let's face it, how many people can say they saw a wild snake in Houston?).
So, there you have it. Snakes in Houston: not as common as potholes, but definitely more interesting. Just keep your eyes peeled, respect these legless wonders, and maybe brush up on your snake identification skills. After all, a little knowledge goes a long way, especially when it comes to our slithering neighbors.
