Snakes

The terms venomous and poisonous are similar but different enough to warrant a distinction—venomous means that the damage is inflicted through a bite, and poisonous means it is transmitted through consumption. Thus, snakes are—for the most part—venomous. Many species of snakes are actually harmless, but it's a wise decision to avoid interaction with all snakes. Even if the snake is not venomous, it could still bite if it feels threatened by you or a pet. There are plenty of venomous snakes throughout the country, so read on to learn more about the snakes you might see! If you do spot a snake, find your local Wildlife X Team® by calling (817) 431-3007 today!

Snake Problems 

For some, the presence of snakes alone is enough for a visit from Wildlife X Team. For the less panic-stricken residents, the threat of being bitten or pets/loved ones being bitten, potentially with fatal results, is certainly cause for concern. All snakes can disrupt homeowners' routines and/or cause damage, including curling up in warm spots on patios or porches to regulate their body heat.

Is Seeing Snakes Really a Cause for Concern? 

As mentioned earlier, many snakes are not inherently deadly, but you still don't want to interact with them or have them on your property. Your local  Wildlife X Team® technician can help remove snakes and deter them from returning. Call (817) 431-3007 to speak with a trained professional from Wildlife X Team® today!

More About Snakes

• Snakes are long, limbless, flexible reptiles. There are approximately 2,900 species of snakes in the world, 375 of which are known to be venomous.
• Scientists recently discovered the fossil of a snake more than 49 feet long.
• Snakes often flick their tongues, which allows them to smell the air, and they are ectotherms, which means they must sun themselves in order to manage internal body temperature. Also, snakes must shed their skin three to six times per year.
• Most species of snakes lay eggs, but some species give birth to live young. Snakes lay their eggs in a warm location. With the exception of some python species, eggs and young are not cared for by either parent.

What Do Snakes Eat?

• Snakes eat a varied diet, one that includes termites, rodents, birds, frogs, small deer, and other reptiles. Snakes tend to eat their prey whole, and they are even able to consume food that is much larger than their head by separating their jaws. To keep prey from escaping, snakes have rear-facing teeth that hold their prey in their mouths. Venomous snakes will inject their prey with venom. Snakes that are not venomous will simply squeeze and constrict their prey.
• Snakes do not hunt every day. In fact, anacondas and pythons can actually survive for up to a year without food.

Where Are Snakes Found?

• Snakes are found in every area of the world, save for Antarctica, and islands like Iceland, Ireland, Greenland, and New Zealand.
• Within the United States, snakes are found native to nearly every state, with the exception of Hawaii and Alaska. Luckily, venomous snakes are not as widespread as non-venomous. Around 20% of snakes are venomous.

Common Types of Snakes

Snakes are very common in the Southern areas of the United States. Common snake types in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Tennessee include:

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes are the most venomous snake in the South. They are also the most common snake in a lot of areas, specifically Texas.

Coachwhip

The coachwhip is a slender, light brown snake. Coachwhip snakes kill and eat rattlesnakes, as well as birds, reptiles, and anything else it can manage to catch.

Cottonmouth

The cottonmouth snake, also called the water moccasin, is typically found in swampy waters. They like slow-moving water. They can be a range of colors, from gray to black. Cottonmouth snakes are venomous. 

Dekay’s Brown Snake

These snakes are found across most of Oklahoma. They love marshy or wooded areas, but you may still find them in urban settings. They are typically brown or gray.

Texas Rat Snake

The Texas Rat Snake is one of the most common snakes in Texas. They eat rats, mice, and birds. Their venom isn’t dangerous to humans, but they will still bite if given the chance.

Hog-Nosed Snake

The Hog-Nosed snake is common in East Texas. They eat insects and will play dead if they’re threatened.

Copperhead

The copperhead snake likes to live in backyards and wooded areas, mainly in Central and East Texas. They often linger in cities as well. While their venom is dangerous to humans, it's rarely deadly.

Coral Snakes

Coral snakes are small and slender, and, luckily for humans, have a difficult time getting venom into their victim.

Western Smooth Earth Snake

The Western Smooth Earth snake is found in the Eastern side of Oklahoma. They love wooded areas and are active after heavy rain. They are plain brown in color.

Venomous Snakes

A quick way to gauge whether a snake is venomous or not is to check the shape of its head. Venomous snakes often have triangularly-shaped heads and have a defined neck. Their body shape is also plump in comparison to non-venomous snakes. Rattlesnakes, water moccasins, and cottonmouths are all venomous snakes.

Non-Venomous Snakes

In contrast to venomous snakes, non-venomous snakes are often a long, slender shape and have no defined head—it is just a continuation of their body. Though non-venomous snakes do not strike and inject venom, that doesn't mean they're not still fatal. Snakes like boa constrictors, anacondas, and pythons are all non-venomous.