First, stay calm and be observant. They are more slender than other rattlesnakes and tend to be just over 3 feet long and can reach up to 5 feet long. (https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/resources/texas-junior-naturalists/be-nature-safe/venomous-snake-safety). Prairie rattlesnakes do not usually find their way into residential areas. These are members of Elapidae, the same family as cobras. Others, such as garter snakes and hognose snakes, have very mild venom that doesnt harm humans. Description 4. A genetic study proved they belonged to a single population fo a separate species. Aside from people working in remote areas, another group of people that get bitten are those trying to handle the snakes. When they have time to get into a defensive posture, they will draw up into an S-shape and rattle their tail. As the alternate name indicates, Water Moccasins generally stay around waters edge, like ponds, swamps, and lakes. This is due in part, to their large size, range and unpleasant attitude. They can be found near rivers and swamps, and sometimes even on farmland. If you want to own a venomous snake, make sure that you understand how to handle them safely and own all the safety equipment you need. Medical attention is still required since there can be complications from the bite of any venomous snake. These snakes are known for their threat display that integrates a rattling tail and draws themselves up in a striking position. Here is how to identify each. They are typically seen basking on bank, in branches above water and swimming. They are extremely venomous. Poisonous Snakes in Texas: The 14 Snakes That Should Make You Worry Their background color is pale tan to light brown, sometimes with a pinkish or orange tint. Excellent, current information on Texas snakes and particularly the venomous snakes, can be found in a number of good books. They have an irregular dark pattern that stays distinct even in adults. CroFab antivenin, normally used for rattlesnake bites, is also effective for cottonmouth bites. There are four groups of venomous snakes which are rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes. The most prevalent. You typically wont find coral snakes in dry or desert areas as they prefer environments with lots of vegetation, such as forests. Western cottonmouths, found in Texas, are dark brown, dark grey, dark olive or black. They are smaller than most Crotalus rattlesnakes, but this does not make them any less dangerous. They have fixed, but small fangs at the front of their mouths and do not need to chew or bite in between your fingers to envenomate. The coral snake is the most dangerous snake in Texas. The banded rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) is found only in the far west of Texas. Cottonmouths ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ), also called water moccasins, are venomous snakes found in the southeastern United States. A nonvenomous snake bite can be painful but is not dangerous. Discover how these snakes differ from one another. The Eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is found in the eastern third of Texas. They can reach two feet long. Texas is home to many species of snake. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Learn about the snakes of Texas and see some live natives! 8 Most Venomous Snakes in Texas (with Pictures + Facts & Video). The first three are pit vipers . They are typically in the middle of the food web, being both predator and prey. Additionally, pit viper pupils are vertically elliptical and they have a single row of scales located on the underside of their tail. Venomous snakes bite around 7,000 people in the US per year. The large red band is bordered on either side by narrow yellow bands, thus, red and yellow kill a fellow. South Central Texas is on the western edge of the cottonmouths range. Cottonmouths are heavy-bodied pit vipers that can grow up to 3 feet in length. Frank said venomous snakes typically do not want to use their venom as a defense. If you see the snake, try to remember what it looks like or take a digital picture of it if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. These snakes will rely on camouflage before giving away their location by rattling. They have elliptical (slit-like) pupils, and heavily keeled (ridged) scales. Most other venomous snakes in Texas struggle to kill a healthy adult. The dark-edged, rounded, brown vertebral blotches on its forebody lengthen on the posterior trunk into transverse crossbars; its tail is banded with brown and tan.