More than one hundred snake species and subspecies live in Texas. However, not all of them are venomous. For the majority of species, the only harm that they pose to humans is being shy and preferring remote places. Snakes are beneficial animals because they keep rodent populations under control. Learning about the species you might run into will help you remain safe.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is the most widespread venomous snake in Texas. This animal has adapted to living in desert, grassy, and rocky habitats as well as near human dwellings. It received its name due to diamond-shaped dark marks along its back. Additionally, this species has black and white tail bands as well as a rattle on the tail, which makes noise when the snake is under stress. Adult Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes may vary in size from 3 to 5 feet. Despite its potential danger, the snake prefers avoiding people.
Bullsnake
One of the biggest nonvenomous snakes in Texas, the bullsnake usually grows to more than six feet in length. It has a tan or light yellow body with dark blotches that confuse people into believing it is a rattlesnake. When threatened, the bullsnake produces loud hissing sounds, expands its head, and rattles its tail against dried plants, making a similar noise. Despite its bluff, the bullsnake is quite safe and is helpful in keeping rodent populations in check.
Texas Coral Snake
One of the most notable venomous snakes found in Texas is the Texas Coral Snake. In contrast to rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths, which are all members of the pit viper family, coral snakes belong to the cobra family. They are slim and small-sized, mostly spending their lives under leaf litter, logs, or loose dirt. Their body colors include red, yellow, and black. One identifying feature is that their red and yellow bands touch each other. Although they rarely contact humans, you must stay away from them because their venom is dangerous.
Kingsnake
The kingsnake is another popular variety of nonvenomous snake and is very useful because it usually eats other snakes, including venomous species. Kingsnakes usually possess impressive patterns that involve bands, spots, and chain marks. Being immune to the venom of some snake species, they easily hunt dangerous snakes that others cannot. Quiet and friendly, kingsnakes represent one of the most useful snakes in Texas.
Texas Rat Snake
Texas rat snakes belong to the group of common snakes in Texas and are usually found on farmlands, open fields, forests, and residential areas. Their color is quite diverse and changes from gray, brown to almost black. Primarily, rat snakes feed on rodents, which benefits farmers and landowners. They protect themselves from predators by coiling up, vibrating their tail, or flattening their bodies, which does not make them dangerous to people.
