Black and Yellow, But Not a Taxi
So, you’ve seen a snake in Texas and it’s sporting a rather striking color scheme of black and yellow. You’re probably thinking, “Hey, that looks like a taxi!” But fear not, dear reader, we’re not about to dive into the world of herpetological Uber drivers.
The Suspects
Now, when it comes to black and yellow snakes in Texas, there are a few prime suspects. Let's meet them:
- The Texas Coral Snake: This little fella is the one you really want to avoid. It’s got that classic coral snake color pattern - red, yellow, black - but in Texas, it’s a bit different. The order of the colors is crucial for identification, but we’ll get to that later. Just remember, if you see a black and yellow snake in Texas and it looks like a coral snake, assume it’s venomous and back away slowly.
- The Scarlet Kingsnake: This innocent-looking snake is often mistaken for the coral snake. It’s a great mimic, but it’s harmless. To differentiate it from the coral snake, remember the rhyme: “Red touch yellow, deadly fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack.”
- Other Possibilities: There are a few other snakes that can exhibit black and yellow patterns, but they’re less common. These might include certain color morphs of rat snakes or garter snakes.
What to Do If You See a Black and Yellow Snake
- Don’t panic: Easier said than done, we know. But freaking out is not going to help anyone.
- Observe from a distance: Try to get a good look at the snake without getting too close. Note the color pattern, size, and behavior.
- Take a picture (if possible): Photos can be incredibly helpful for identification. Just make sure you prioritize your safety first.
- Leave it alone: Unless you’re a trained herpetologist, it’s best to let the snake be.
How to Identify a Coral Snake
As mentioned earlier, the order of the colors on a coral snake is crucial for identification. Here’s the rhyme to remember: “Red touch yellow, deadly fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack.”
Remember: This rhyme is a general guideline and should not be the sole basis for identification. If you’re unsure about the identity of a snake, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and assume it’s venomous.
How to Stay Safe Around Snakes
- Be aware of your surroundings: Snakes are more likely to be found in tall grass, rocky areas, and near water sources.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Closed-toe shoes can help protect your feet from snakebites.
- Leave snakes alone: Most snakebites occur when people try to handle or kill a snake.
How to identify a black and yellow snake in Texas?
- Look for the color pattern: is it red, yellow, black? If so, it's likely a coral snake or a scarlet kingsnake.
- Remember the rhyme: "Red touch yellow, deadly fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack."
- If you're unsure, leave it alone and contact a wildlife expert.
How to tell the difference between a coral snake and a scarlet kingsnake?
- Pay attention to the order of the colors: red touching yellow is a coral snake, red touching black is a scarlet kingsnake.
- Scarlet kingsnakes are often larger and have a more rounded head than coral snakes.
How to avoid getting bitten by a snake?
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch where you step.
- Wear closed-toe shoes when hiking or spending time outdoors.
- Leave snakes alone and do not attempt to handle them.
How to behave if you encounter a snake?
- Stay calm and back away slowly.
- Do not provoke the snake or try to kill it.
- If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately.
How to safely remove a snake from your property?
- Call a professional wildlife removal service. Attempting to remove a snake yourself can be dangerous.
