Houston: Where the Grass Is Greener, and the Snakes Are...Also Kinda Green?
Ah, Houston. The Bayou City. Home to rodeos, refineries, and a whole lot of humidity. But what slithers beneath the sidewalks and sunbathes in the azalea bushes? You guessed it: snakes! Now, before you start picturing a scene straight out of Indiana Jones, hold your horses (or should we say, hold your lassos?). Not all Houston snakes are created equal, and most are more interested in catching a tasty rodent than your ankles.
The Good, the Bad, and the Scaly
Let's break down the Houston snake scene into three categories, because everything in Texas is better bigger, including classifications.
-
The Helpful Hoosiers: These are your friendly neighborhood non-venomous snakes. We're talking rat snakes, long and slender with a taste for, well, rats (shocker). Kingsnakes are another common find, sporting colorful bands and a reputation for being immune to rattlesnake venom (talk about a party trick). If you see a little green noodle slithering around, that's likely a rough green snake, more interested in catching bugs than bothering you.
-
The Misunderstood Musicians: Look, we all know snakes don't have instruments, but these next two get an honorary mention for their musicality (or lack thereof). The copperhead is the Elvis Presley of Houston snakes - common, but potentially dangerous if you mess with them. They're identifiable by their copper-colored bodies and hourglass patterns, and their bite, while not usually fatal, can put a real damper on your day. Then there's the Texas coral snake, the Kenny G of the group. Remember the rhyme: "Red touch yellow, kill a fellow. Red touch black, venom lack." These brightly colored coral snakes are actually quite shy, but their resemblance to the harmless milk snake can lead to confusion. So, admire from afar, and maybe crank up some smooth jazz while you're at it.
-
The Rattlesnake Roundup: Now, we can't talk about Houston snakes without mentioning the big guns (or rattles, I guess). The Western Diamondback rattlesnake is the king cobra of Texas, large and very venomous. These guys are thankfully less common within the city limits, but if you're planning a hike outside the urban jungle, keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for that tell-tale rattle.
Houston Snake Safety: A Herpetologist's Humble Guide
So, you've encountered a Houston serpent. Here's what to do:
- Admire from afar. Remember, snakes are just trying to live their best slithery life.
- Give them space. Snakes generally want nothing to do with you, so back away slowly.
- Keep your pets on a leash. A curious dog or cat can be an unwelcome snack for a hungry snake.
- If it's in your house, call a professional. There are plenty of wildlife removal services happy to help relocate your scaly friend.
By following these simple tips, you and Houston's slithering residents can coexist peacefully. Besides, who else is gonna keep those pesky rodents in check? Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to listen to Kenny G while wearing a bandana.
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
