Identifying Venomous and Non-venomous

Snakes in Texas
Dr. Maureen Frank, Assistant Professor; Extension Wildlife Specialist
Most snakes in Texas are not harmful to humans. In fact, snakes benefit people by eating rodents and
insects, thus providing free, all-natural pest control. However, some snakes are venomous, meaning that
their bite can cause severe injury or death if untreated. Learning to distinguish between venomous and
nonvenomous snakes will help you stay safe when you encounter a snake. Knowing how to identify snakes
is also important because several nonvenomous species and one venomous species are protected by state
law, meaning it is illegal to harm them.

Venomous Snakes
There is no single characteristic shared by all venomous snakes
in Texas. Instead, you should learn to identify the species that live
in your area. The following descriptions will help you learn some
basic identification tips to help you recognize local venomous
snakes. For additional information, consult a field guide.

There are two broad categories of venomous snakes in Texas: pit

vipers and coral snakes.

Pit vipers
All pit vipers have an opening, called a pit, on each side of the
head between the eye and nostril. However, this feature can be
difficult to see from a safe distance. Pit vipers also have venom
glands on the sides of their heads, giving the head a triangular
appearance. There are three types of pit vipers in Texas: rattle-
snakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths.
Rattlesnakes
There are several species of rattlesnakes in Texas, with varying
colors and patterns. However, distinguishing rattlesnakes from
other snakes is relatively easy because they are the only snakes
with rattles at the end of their tails. When threatened, a rattle-
snake will vibrate the end of its tail to make a distinct warning
sound. Rattlesnakes are adapted to a variety of habitats, includ-
ing forests, rangeland, prairies. They developed land, and can be
found throughout Texas.

Rattlesnake Fact Check: Aging

Can you tell the age of a rattlesnake from the number of segments on its
tail? These segments, sometimes called buttons, are NOT an indication of
the age of the snake! A new segment is added each time the snake sheds its
skin. Depending on species, age, and environment, a rattlesnake may shed
several times in one year. Furthermore, as a rattlesnake becomes particularly
long (8-10 segments), some segments may break. Therefore, it is impossible
to know the age of a rattlesnake by looking at its tail.

Copperhead
The broad, alternating dark-and-light bands of copperheads
(Agkistrodon contortix) look different from the patterns on other
snakes, resembling an hourglass when viewed from above, with
the thin section of the hourglass over the top of the back. There
are three different subspecies of copperheads in Texas, so the
exact coloration of these bands may vary. The body shape of cop-
perheads is similar to rattlesnakes, but they lack rattles and have
thicker bodies. Copperheads are typically found in forested areas,
including wooded suburbs. Their range covers most of Texas, with
the exception of far south Texas, the panhandle, and the north-
west portion of the Trans-Pecos.

Cottonmouth
Suitable habitat is important for cottonmouths (Agkistrodon
piscivorus), which are also called water moccasins because they
are found in and near water. Cottonmouths have wide bodies like
copperheads, but are a dark brown color with dark patterning.
On some individuals, the pattern may be difficult to see. Their
appearance is similar to some species of nonvenomous water
snakes (see ‘Similar snakes’ section), but note the difference
in head shape. When threatened, a cottonmouth may open its
mouth to show the white interior for which it is named. Cotton-
mouths are found in east Texas, along the Gulf Coast, and in the
Hill Country.
Coral Snakes
Only one species of coral snake, the Texas coral snake (Micrurus
tener), lives in Texas. These snakes have a very different appear-
ance from pit vipers, with slender bodies, small heads, and alter-
nating rings of bright red, yellow, and black. Texas coral snakes
are typically less aggressive than pit vipers, but have extremely
potent venom. They are usually found in forested habitats, includ-
ing wooded suburbs. Texas coral snakes are similar in appearance
to some nonvenomous snakes, but the order of the colored rings
can be used to distinguish them. “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow”
can help you remember that if red and yellow rings of color are
together on a snake, it is a Texas coral snake. Another way to
remember the warning coloration is to think of a stoplight, where
yellow means caution and red means stop. If red and yellow
touch, take caution and stop, don’t touch the snake! Texas coral
snakes are found throughout most of the state except the pan-
handle and Trans-Pecos.

Coral Snake Fact Check: Types of Teeth

Coral snakes belong to the same family as cobras. All snakes in this family
have fixed, hollow fangs. In contrast, pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads,
and cottonmouths) have fangs that are hollow but can rotate forward to de-
liver a bite. Nonvenomous snakes lack specialized teeth, and all snakes have
small, rear-facing teeth to help the snake grasp and consume prey.
The rectangular head of a coral snake may lead some people to assume that
it is not venomous, especially because coral snakes do not typically strike or
behave aggressively. However, they are likely to bite when handled, and may
chew on the bite site to deliver more venom. As with any venomous snake, a
bite from a coral snake should be treated immediately by a medical profes-
sional.
Non-Venomous Snakes
Bull snake
A bull snake (Pituophis catenifer) may coil up like a rattlesnake,
vibrate its tail, flare the sides of its head, and make a raspy hiss
that sounds like a rattlesnake’s rattle. They can be aggressive and
may strike and bite, but do not have any venom. Distinguishing
a bull snake from a rattlesnake is easier when the snake is not
coiled. Bull snakes have more slender bodies than rattlesnakes
and have rectangular, instead of triangular, heads. Regardless of
the snake’s posture, look at the tail for identification: instead of
a dark or black-and-white banded tail tipped with rattles, bull
snakes have pointed, yellow-tan tails with reddish bands and no
rattles. Bull snakes are sometimes called gopher snakes. They are
found everywhere except east Texas.

Hog-nosed snakes
Like bull snakes, a hog-nosed snake (Heterodon spp.) will mimic
a rattlesnake by coiling its body and flaring the sides of its head.
Hog-nosed snakes do not have venom glands, nor do they have
rattles. Look for the upturned scale at the end of a hog-nosed
snake’s nose, which is a feature rattlesnakes lack. When especial-
ly stressed, hog-nosed snakes will play dead by flipping upside
down, sometimes vomiting or defecating to add to the effect. The
range of hog-nosed snakes covers most of Texas.

Water snakes
As their name suggests, water snakes spend much of their time
in and around water, similar to the behavior of cottonmouths.
A few species of water snakes also resemble cottonmouths.
Diamond-backed water snakes (Nerodia rhombifer) have dark
patterns on a tan or brown background, and some subspecies of
plain-bellied water snakes (Nerodia erythrogaster) have brown
bodies with or without noticeable bands. Banded and unbanded
plain-bellied water snakes may resemble cottonmouths, which
can have patterning or be patternless. As their name implies,
though, plain-bellied water snakes lack patterning on their
undersides, which may be pale to bright yellow. For all water
snakes, a good distinguishing feature is the dark vertical lines
that span the lower jaw.
Water Snakes (continued)
Water snakes can flatten their heads when threatened, causing
their head to be indistinguishable from their neck. In contrast,
cottonmouths have a wide head but narrow neck. If the snake is
observed in the water, note that a cottonmouth will usually hold
its head high and most of its body will be above the surface of
the water. On the other hand, most of the body of a water snake
will usually be just below the surface of the water. Although
water snakes are not venomous, they can deliver a strong, painful
bite. Water snakes occur in suitable habitat throughout most of
Texas.

Protected Species: Texas Indigo Snake

(Drymarchon melanurus)
All species listed as Threatened or Endangered, whether federally or state
listed, may not be harmed. The Texas indigo snake is one of 10 such protect-
ed snake species.
As their name indicates, Texas indigo snakes are a shiny dark blue in color,
with silver-brown mottling or bands on the front half of the body (see
photo 16). They are large snakes, with an average length of 5-6 feet and
thick, heavy bodies. The largest individuals may reach lengths of over 8 feet.
Although they will sometimes make a rattling hiss when threatened, Texas
indigo snakes are typically not aggressive and their coloration does not
resemble any venomous snakes found in the state.
While the prey of indigo snakes includes typical snake food like rodents,
they will also consume rattlesnakes. Texas indigo snakes are found in south
Texas, in brushy habitat near a water source.

Scarlet snake and milk snake

The range of scarlet snakes (Cemophora coccinea) in Texas is
fairly small compared to that of coral snakes, limited to a few
counties in the northeast and along the south Gulf Coast. Milk
snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) have a similar range to coral
snakes. Scarlet and milk snakes look similar, with bold red, black,
and pale bands that might be confused with the striking pattern
of a coral snake. However, the red bands on both of these non-
venomous species touch the black bands. Often, the pale bands
are white, cream, or pale yellow, instead of the bright yellow of
a coral snake. On scarlet snakes, the red and black bands do not
continue all the way around the snake, and the white of the belly
is visible.
Safety
Snakes try to avoid contact with humans and will only bite when they feel threatened. If you encounter a venom-
ous snake, stay calm and back away slowly. The snake will not chase you and may try to find an escape route. You
might hear a rattlesnake’s rattle before seeing the snake. In that case, stop moving until you can locate the snake. It
is possible that you walked past the snake before it alerted you, so don’t step backward until you look.
When you are working outside, watch where you step and reach. Use a stick or long-handled tool to move boards
or logs rather than reaching underneath. Tall, thick boots are a good idea when you will be in areas that are likely
to have snakes. Snake chaps or snake boots can be purchased for even better protection. Rattlesnakes will often
use prickly pear cactus as shelter, especially if there is a wood rat (Neotoma spp.) nest in the cactus. If you are
going to burn a cactus, sweep the bottom of the plant first to scare any snakes away from you.
Do not attempt to kill snakes that you find outside. You are more likely to be injured while killing a venomous
snake than if you leave the snake alone, and snakes play a valuable role in the environment by keeping rodent
populations low.

First Aid
There are many “home remedy” snakebite treatments
that are not helpful and may actually be more harmful Dry Bites
to the victim than doing nothing. Anyone who has Snakes do not always inject venom when they bite. A bite
been bitten by a venomous snake should immediately from a venomous snake that does not inject venom is of-
be taken to an emergency care facility (hospital emer- ten referred to as a “dry bite.” Dry bites can be fairly com-
gency room or clinic). If possible, and only if it can be mon in some species, but do not try to determine whether
done safely, try to identify the snake so you can inform venom was injected and DO NOT WAIT for symptoms to
the doctor, who in turn can more quickly provide the start before seeking treatment. If you know or suspect
correct antivenin. Other than that, there are very few that the snake was venomous, seek treatment immediate-
things you should do for a snakebite victim. Keep the ly for any bite. Symptoms may not arise for hours, and at
victim calm and reduce their physical exertion as much that point treatment may be less effective.
as possible. Have the victim remove all jewelry (rings,
bracelets, watches) or restrictive clothing near the site of the bite so that these items do not restrict blood flow if
swelling occurs. Do not apply ice to the bite or make a tourniquet, and do not make any incision on or near the
bite. All of these “treatments” may harm the victim.
As with most first aid, the best thing to do is be prepared long before an incident occurs. Know the area where
you will be hiking or working, and take appropriate safety precautions. Learn the location of the nearest emergen-
cy facility and keep the number for that facility readily available. The best treatment for a snakebite victim is that
given by a doctor.
A bite from a nonvenomous snake should be treated like a puncture would. Wash the area well, apply pressure
if there is bleeding, and keep the area clean while the wound heals. If signs of infection develop, such as redness,
swelling, or pain, seek medical care.
Photo Credits
Photo 1. Maureen Frank, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Photo 2. Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) by Peter Paplanus, CC BY 2.0.
Photo 3. Prairie Rattlesnake by Andrew DuBois, CC BY-NC 2.0.
Photo 4. Maureen Frank, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Photo 5. Western Cottonmouth Snake by USFWSmidwest, CC BY 2.0.
Photo 6. Western Cottonmouth by Waldgeweiht, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Photo 7. Letting go by Julia Gregory, CC BY-NC 2.0.
Photo 8. Bull snake… by Dallas Krentzel, CC BY 2.0.
Photo 9. bull snake by BLMIdaho, CC BY 2.0.
Photo 10. Pituophis catenifer affinis by squamatologist, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Photo 11. Dusty Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus gloydi) by Peter Paplanus, CC BY 2.0.
Photo 12. Dusty Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus gloydi) by Peter Paplanus, CC BY 2.0.
Photo 13. Diamondback Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer) by Peter Paplanus, CC BY 2.0.
Photo 14. Yellow-bellied Watersnake by Natalie McNear, CC BY-NC 2.0.
Photo 15. Broad-banded Water Snake, Nerodia fasciata confluens by J. Maughn, CC BY-NC 2.0.
Photo 16. Texas Indigo Snake by Tom Benson, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Photo 17. Northern Scarlet Snake, SE Georgia, USA by tom spinker, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Photo 18. Maureen Frank, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

For more resources on snakes, contact your local County Extension office.