Water Snakes in Texas: Identify Venomous and Non-Venomous Species Safely (2024)

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As a Texas resident, you’ll encounter a diverse array of water snake species inhabiting your state’s aquatic environments. From the iconic Diamondback Water Snake to the venomous Cottonmouth, it’s essential to accurately identify these reptiles for your safety.

While Cottonmouths pose a threat, many water snakes are harmless. The Yellow-bellied Water Snake, for instance, is a nonvenomous variety found throughout Texas.

Understanding the distinct behaviors and habitats of these fascinating creatures can help you appreciate their important role in the ecosystem.

Habitat of Water Snakes

Water snakes reside in diverse aquatic environments, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and marshes.

Their presence often coincides with vegetation, and they frequently utilize beaver lodges, muskrat dwellings, and brush heaps as spots for respite and sunbathing.

Water snakes sustain themselves with a varied diet, including frogs, fish, turtles, and other small aquatic creatures.

During the mating season, typically spanning April to June, these serpents give birth to live offspring, which often exhibit brighter and more vibrant hues than their parents.

Water snakes fulfill a pivotal role in the ecosystem as both predators and prey, contributing to the balance of the food chain.

Identification of Water Snakes

The Diamond Back Water Snake and Western Cottonmouth are the most common water snakes found in Texas. Identifying them correctly is essential, as one is harmless while the other is venomous and potentially dangerous.

Diamond Back Water Snake

The Diamondback Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer) is a nonvenomous species native to North America, chiefly found in the central United States and northern Mexico.

It is characterized by its flattened facial profile, light brown, yellowish, or olive color, and chain-like markings.

Its dorsal scales are heavily keeled, giving it a rough texture.

It has 25 or 27 rows of dorsal scales at midbody.

Adult males have multiple papillae (tubercles) on the underside of the chin, which are not found on any other species of snake in the United States.

Western Cottonmouth

Transitioning from the Diamond Back Water Snake, let’s venture into the realm of the Western Cottonmouth. This venomous creature favors the water’s margin, adorned in a somber attire of browns or blacks.

Unlike its non-venomous kin, the Cottonmouth’s angular countenance and solitary row of scales beneath its tail distinguish it.

As pit vipers, they possess a distinctive arsenal for both serpent protection and bite avoidance.

Their cuisine? A delectable combination of fish and diminutive mammals.

Bear in mind, enlightenment empowers—comprehending these serpentine companions can transform trepidation into intrigue.

Venomous Water Snakes in Texas

You must be aware of the four venomous water snake species found in Texas: cottonmouths, copperheads, coral snakes, and rattlesnakes. Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are the only truly semi-aquatic venomous snakes in the state, inhabiting swamps and waterways in eastern Texas.

Cottonmouths

Cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are the only venomous snake species in Texas that lives in water. They have a venomous bite and can be dangerous to humans.

These snakes prefer habitats with standing water and are often found near ponds, lakes, and swamps.

Despite their venomous nature, cottonmouths play an essential role in the ecosystem as both predators and prey. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these ecological indicators from environmental threats.

Copperheads

Copperheads, a venomous snake species found in the eastern United States, are known for their reddish-brown crossbands and a lighter-colored body, often blending into their surroundings. These snakes are pit vipers, like rattlesnakes and cottonmouths, and they’re well-camouflaged, making them difficult to identify.

Copperhead bites are rarely fatal to humans, but they can be painful and expensive to treat. To avoid copperhead bites, it’s imperative to understand their habits and recognize that they may be encountered in areas where their prey, such as rodents, shrews, lizards, snakes, frogs, and salamanders, are present.

Copperheads are active during the day or night, but are largely nocturnal during hot weather, so caution is advised at dusk or dark. If you encounter a copperhead, the best course of action is to leave it alone and avoid trying to kill or remove it, as many bites occur when people attempt to do so.

If you’re bitten, seek immediate medical attention, as copperhead venom can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, and may require antivenom treatment.

Coral Snakes

Coral snakes are one of the most venomous snakes in the world, second only to the black mamba. They belong to the Elapidae family, which also includes other dangerous snakes like the king cobra and the black mamba. Coral snakes are typically small, with a length ranging from 40 cm to 160 cm. They’re identified by their colorful bands of red, black, and yellow (or white) . The red band of a coral snake will always touch the yellow band, while the red band of a non-venomous snake will touch the black band. This is an easy way to differentiate between the two.

Coral snakes are known for their reclusive behavior. They bite humans only when they’re handled or stepped on. When they do bite, they must chew on their victim to inject their venom. The venom of a coral snake affects the diaphragm, making it difficult to breathe, but the process can take up to 13 hours.

Coral snakes are found in the southeastern United States, particularly in pine/oak scrub habitats. They aren’t commonly found in suburbs. The eastern coral snake, Micrurus fulvius, is the most common species in this region. It’s known for its bright red, yellow, and black bands, with every other band being yellow and the red bands touching the yellow bands.

Coral snakebites can be dangerous, but they aren’t as common as other types of snakebites. Out of 9,000 snake bites reported in the U.S., only 47 were from coral snakes. However, if left untreated, coral snake venom can cause muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, droopy eyelids, blurred vision, tongue fasciculations, decreased oxygen saturation, paralysis, and potential respiratory arrest.

To avoid coral snakebites, it’s vital to learn how to identify them and leave them alone if encountered. If you’re bitten by a coral snake, seek medical attention promptly. Don’t attempt to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet. These actions can worsen the situation.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes, also known as Crotalus atrox, are a venomous water snake species native to Texas. They’re responsible for nine out of ten snake bites in the state and are known for their distinctive rattle and black-and-white tail. These snakes are significant in the ecosystem as both predators and prey, and they play a vital role in controlling rodent populations. Rattlesnakes are also important in human medicine due to their venom, which has been used in various treatments.

During the spring mating season, rattlesnakes emerge from their dens and hiding places to feed and mate. They’re found in various habitats, including wooded areas, grasslands, and rocky crevices. In Texas, rattlesnakes are particularly vulnerable to mortality associated with roads due to their propensity to bask on road surfaces.

Rattlesnakes are a part of the Western diamondback rattlesnake species, which is the most common venomous snake in Texas. They’re known for their high growth rate and are often found in areas with a high density of roads, which can impact their populations.

Mating rituals of rattlesnakes involve males competing for mating rights, which can be observed in the wild, such as in the bluebonnet fields of Texas. Rattlesnakes have venom glands that produce a potent venom, which is used to immobilize and kill their prey.

The population ecology of rattlesnakes is influenced by factors such as habitat availability, predation, and human activities like habitat destruction and road construction. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these important species and their habitats.

Differences Between Water Snakes and Water Moccasins

Water snakes and water moccasins, also known as cottonmouths, are two distinct species that share the same aquatic habitats. Understanding their differences is of utmost importance for conservation efforts and your well-being.

1. Behavior: Water snakes are active during the day and are more likely to be found on land, while water moccasins remain close to the water’s edge.
2. Distribution: Water snakes are found across the United States, while water moccasins are native to the southeastern United States.
3. Diet: Water snakes primarily eat fish and small mammals, while water moccasins feed on fish, amphibians, and other small animals.
4. Conservation: Both species play a key role in controlling populations of rodents and insects. Conservation efforts should focus on preserving their habitats and reducing human-snake interactions.

Pond and Lake Management Techniques to Deter Snakes

To maintain a balance in your pond or lake ecosystem, consider implementing snake deterrents. Keep a 15-20 foot wide strip mowed around the water to discourage snakes from entering the area.

Limit debris touching the ground, as this can provide hiding spots for snakes. Keep wood piles, hoses, and toys off the ground, as these items can attract snakes.

Don’t discourage large birds like egrets and herons, as they help control snake populations.

By implementing these techniques, you can effectively manage the snake population while maintaining the overall health of your water quality and vegetation.

Ecosystem Role of Water Snakes

Water snakes are the unsung heroes of Texas’ aquatic ecosystems, playing a pivotal role that’s often overlooked. Here’s how they make a splash:

1. Keystone Species: They’re the linchpins of the food chain, gobbling up prey like frogs and fish, while also serving as a hearty meal for predators such as birds and larger snakes.
2. Environmental Benefits: Their hunting habits help balance populations, preventing any one group from monopolizing resources.
3. Conservation Efforts: Protecting them boosts biodiversity, ensuring our waters remain vibrant and teeming with life.

Water Snake Species in Texas

In addition to the venomous water snakes, Texas is home to a variety of non-venomous water snake species. You’ll find yellow-bellied, black, blotched, and broad-banded water snakes in aquatic habitats across the state, playing important roles in the ecosystem as both predators and prey.

Yellow-bellied Water Snake

As you delve into the world of water snake species, you’ll encounter the Yellow-bellied Water Snake (Nerodia e. flavigaster), a subspecies of the Plain-bellied Water Snake. These snakes are prevalent in floodplains, swamps, marshes, ponds, and other tranquil waters.

The Yellow-bellied Water Snake is a medium to large, non-venomous, robust snake. Adults generally reach lengths of 30 to 40 inches (76-102 cm) and can expand to 56 inches (142 cm) in overall length. They’re distinguished by a solid, unmarked, pale orange to vibrant orange, red, or yellow underside or belly, with labial scales that are orangish or reddish, and a throat and chin that are whitish or yellowish to pale or vibrant orange. Newborn and juvenile snakes are dark brown, and they’ll not hesitate to swim across open water.

These snakes are cold-blooded and viviparous, meaning they’re cold-blooded and give birth to live young. They reproduce once annually, with mating occurring in May and June, and births taking place from August through October. The average number of offspring produced is 17.8, with a range from 2 to 55.

The Yellow-bellied Water Snake is a valuable member of its ecosystem, playing a role as both a predator and prey. They primarily consume fish, crayfish, salamanders, and frogs. As a non-venomous snake, they’re preyed upon by various predators, including largemouth bass, kingsnakes, cottonmouths, and several species of egrets and hawks.

Conservation efforts for the Yellow-bellied Water Snake are crucial due to their inclination to travel over land on roads and highways, which can result in destruction or degradation of their habitat. They aren’t a protected species in the southeastern states, but the subspecies, copper-bellied water snake, has been designated a threatened species in Ohio, Michigan, and northern Indiana under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Black Water Snake

The Black Water Snake, a non-venomous species, is another common water snake found in Texas. These snakes have dark brown bodies, which can sometimes appear nearly black as they age. They’re often mistaken for the venomous Water Moccasin, but the Black Water Snake doesn’t have the distinctive white mouth of the Water Moccasin.

Black Water Snakes are excellent swimmers and are often found near water, basking on rocks or logs. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems by controlling the populations of their prey, including fish, amphibians, and other reptiles.

Blotched Water Snake

The Blotched Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster transversa) is a non-venomous serpent commonly found in slow-moving streams, rivers, and lakes throughout the southeastern United States, including Texas. It’s a moderately sized snake, with most adults reaching sexual maturity between 24 and 36 inches in total length.

The species is known for its ability to adapt to its environment and feed on a variety of prey, including catfish. The Blotched Water Snake has a light tan to light brown background coloration, with numerous rounded darker brown blotches on its dorsal area, hence the name blotched. Juveniles and young adults are more brightly patterned than mature specimens, with some young individuals having a reddish hue to the sides and tail.

The head is elongated and flat, with dark bars on the lips, and the pupils are round. These characteristics can easily separate this harmless species from the venomous Cottonmouth. The species is ovoviviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young, and mating occurs primarily during April and May. The young are usually born between early August and mid-October, and litter sizes average around two dozen.

Like other members of the watersnake clan, the Blotched Water Snake is diurnal during its foraging activities in the spring and fall, then becomes nocturnal when temperatures become too unbearable for most ectothermic animals.

Broad-banded Water Snake

The broad-banded water snake is another fascinating species found in Texas waterways. With its unique characteristics, habitat preferences, and conservation importance, it’s crucial to understand this snake to coexist with it safely.

Precautions and Responses to Snake Encounters

When encountering a snake, the most important things to remember are how to avoid a bite and what to do if bitten. Knowing the proper precautions and response can make all the difference in safely negotiating an encounter with a venomous or non-venomous water snake in Texas.

How to Avoid Snake Bites

1. Snake Bite Prevention: Be aware of snake habitats and avoid areas with high snake populations. Wear protective clothing when working in these areas.
2. Bite Symptoms: If bitten, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
3. First Aid Measures: Don’t attempt to suck out the venom or apply a tourniquet. Immobilize the affected limb and keep it below heart level.
4. Snake Avoidance Techniques: Keep a 15-20 foot wide strip mowed around the water to deter snakes. Limit debris touching the ground and keep wood piles, hoses, and toys off the ground.

What to Do in Case of a Snake Bite

If you encounter a snake bite, remain calm and call for help immediately. If you’re alone, try to get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.

Restrict movement and keep the wound just below the level of your heart to reduce the spread of venom. Remove any jewelry or tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts. Try to remember what the snake looked like, but don’t attempt to touch or handle the snake.

If you’re in a remote location, ask someone to drive you to the nearest emergency medical facility. If you have a mobile phone, call the poison center at 1 (800) 222-1222 for advice on what to do next.

Non-Venomous Snakes in Texas

While water snakes are a common sight in Texas, not all snake species found near water are venomous. Garter snakes, bull snakes, and hog-nosed snakes are three non-venomous snake species that can be found in aquatic habitats across the state.

Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are non-venomous and can be found in various habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. They’re known for their distinctive coloration, which includes a yellow or orange stripe down the center of their back, bordered by two black stripes.

Garter snakes are omnivorous, consuming a diet of small prey such as insects, worms, and amphibians. They’re also known for their unique reproduction method, where females lay their eggs in the burrows of other animals.

Garter snakes play a significant role in controlling pests and maintaining the balance of their ecosystem.

Bull Snakes

Bull snakes are captivating creatures that play a significant role in the ecosystem. These non-venomous snakes are renowned for their formidable constriction capabilities, enabling them to incapacitate their prey before consuming it. Bull snakes occupy diverse habitats, encompassing grasslands, conifer forests, and even elevated regions, making them one of the most adaptable serpent species in North America. They predominantly feed on small mammals**, such as mice, moles, rats, and birds that nest on the ground, but are also known to consume lizards and avian eggs.

Bull snakes are generally not aggressive, but when confronted, they can execute an extraordinary rattlesnake impersonation to ward off potential predators. They emit hisses, vibrate their tail, and depress their head to mimic a rattlesnake, all while adopting a defensive stance.

Reproduction takes place in March or April, with females depositing their eggs in April, May, or June. They typically lay 12 eggs in sand or other concealed areas, and the eggs hatch in August or September. Bull snakes are deemed a threatened species in certain regions due to habitat degradation, road fatalities, and other factors.

With regard to conservation, it’s imperative to preserve bull snake habitats, such as mammal dens, which they utilize for hunting, protection, and hibernation. Moreover, breeding and maintaining captive populations can assist in guaranteeing the survival of this species.

Hog-nosed Snakes

Hog-nosed snakes are fascinating creatures known for their unique behaviors and habits. These non-venomous snakes are native to various regions in the United States, including Texas. Here’s what you need to know about hog-nosed snakes:

1. Behavior: Hog-nosed snakes are diurnal, meaning they’re active during the day. When threatened, they’ll hiss, flatten their head, and strike, but they don’t have venom. As a defense mechanism, they can also roll over and play dead, which is known as death-feigning behavior.
2. Diet: Hog-nosed snakes primarily feed on frogs and toads, but they also consume small mammals, salamanders, eggs, some birds, and insects. They’ve enlarged teeth that are used to deflate toads, making them easier to swallow.
3. Habitat: Hog-nosed snakes are found in various habitats, including sandhills, dry hammocks, pine flatwoods, sand pine-rosemary scrub, coastal dune habitats, and even urban areas when sandy soil is present. They’re often found in areas with loose or sandy soil, which is ideal for their burrowing behavior.
4. Conservation: Hog-nosed snakes are protected by law in some areas, such as Connecticut, where they’re considered a species of special concern. Conservation efforts include habitat management, public education, and population monitoring to guarantee the survival of these unique snakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)