It is so not so unusual of story to hear about rattlesnakes this time of year. People get used to walking around, especially in the recent colder days where folks are not generally out and about walking in the woods, etc., and not seeing very many of the snakes out and about. Oftentimes, it isn’t the snake looking to bite you, unless you are in the water and see a water moscasin or you happen upon a snake curled up and you accidently approach it and/or step on it.

Photos of Venomous Snakes of Texas
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Copperhead
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Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
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Rattlesnake
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Timber Rattler
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Diamondback Rattler
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Mojave Rattlesnake
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Blacktail Rattler
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Western Rattler
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Massasauga Rattler
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Pygmy Rattlesnake
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Coral Snake
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One certainly wants to use precaution when walking about in the rural areas; which is why the predominant footwear of a cowboy is generally the cowboy boot and the general style of pants is heavy denim! 🙂 The boots and pants offer an added protection, albeit not failproof, if a snake does strike from fear of being stepped on or killed.
In an apartment complex in the West/Lake Travis area, a man was recently walking his dog near a woodsy area. The dog happend upon a rattlesnake and was bit. A this time the small dog is still in the hospital recovering from the dog bite. Pet owners are not at fault, but they can be an extra observer set of eyes and not allow their pets go into tall grassy areas where the snakes may be lurking and hiding.
If anyone or any pet gets bit by a snake, one should follow the following set of guidelines until one can get to the hospital:
According to the American Red Cross, these steps should be taken:
- wash the bite with soap and water
- immobilize the bitten area
- keep the bitten area lower than the heart
- seek medical attention as soon as possible
Here’s a list of things not to do:
- Do not eat or drink anything unless okayed by medical sources
- Do not engage in strenuous physical activity
- Do not apply oral (mouth) suction to bite
- Do not cut into or incise bite marks with a blade
- Do not drink any alcohol or use any medication
- Do not apply either hot or cold packs
- Do not apply a narrow, constrictive tourniquet such as a belt, necktie or cord
- Do not use a stun gun or electric shock of any kind
- Do not waste time or take any risks trying to kill, bag or bring in offending snake
Just go to the nearest healthcare facility!
For many, snakes are a source of recreation — rattlesnake festivals, snake farms, and more. However, for even those in the recreational aspects of the enjoyment of snakes, one always must exercise caution above all other concerns.
Have fun this Spring and Summer, but don’t dress inappropriately if you are in tall grassy areas, in woodsy areas, in or around rocky areas, etc. Think smart and be safe!
Check out these resources for additional information —
South Texas Poison Center
Texas Snakes
South Texas Herpetology Association (& HB1309)
Texas Herpetological Society
West Texas Herpetological Society
Brazos Valley Herpetological Society
Austin Herpetological Society
Dallas-Ft.Worth Herpetological Society
Sweetwater Texas Rattlesnake Roundup
Freer Rattlesnake Roundup
Texas Rattlesnake Sales
Texas Rattlesnake Recipes
Rattlesnake Roundup Locator
Rattlesnake Humor
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