Beware of Katy's Top 5 Scariest Snakes

Pssst! Did you know that there are 34 different kinds of snakes in the greater Houston area alone? This means many breeds have surely slithered their way to Katy and parents need to be aware. Find out which ones you're most likely to run into, and weather or not they're venomous or aggressive.

KATY MAGAZINE | June 2018

Ashley Lancaster

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1. Southern Copperhead Venomous, Very Common, and Aggressive

MARKINGS: Tan or pale brown body with dark brown, hourglass shaped bands on its back. (See photo above)

Mostly found in the eastern part of Texas, but copperheads have been known to make frequent appearances in Katy, and they like to hide in wooded, suburban areas, not unaccustomed to being in close proximity to humans.

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2. Western Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)

Venomous, moderately common, and moderately aggressive

MARKINGS: Dark colored, indistinct bands or markings, and a large, flat head that is wider than the neck

Although only 7% of all snakebite cases in Texas involve cottonmouths, this snake is on the list because it has been known to hang out in creeks, irrigation ditches, and rice fields in the Katy area, and their bite can cause severe tissue damage.

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3. Texas Coral Snake Venomous, moderately common, but not aggressive.

MARKINGS: Black head/ red, black, yellow stripes on body

A coral snake diet consists of mostly small lizards and other snakes, and can be found in urban areas in gardens and wooded lots. With neurotoxic venom more potent than other species, it's a good thing they will only bite if provoked.

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4. Texas Rat Snake Not venomous, very common, very aggressive

MARKINGS: Dark-colored, square "spots" on light brown skin.

Coloring can vary greatly, but the Texas rat snake is usually yellow or tan, but all have a solid gray head. They love to hang out mostly around farmlands or fields, can climb well, and feed mostly on rodents, and birds.

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5. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Venomous, rare, and aggressive

MARKINGS: Black and white banded tail, dark, diamond-shaped blotches, head is wider than the neck.

The most abundant of all venomous snakes in Texas, but the humid Houston climate is not it's preferred habitat, as it usually finds more dry and arid terrain. Easily provoked, it will warn you by shaking or "rattling" it's tail if it feels threatened, seek medical attention immediately if bitten.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: In almost all cases, if you spot a snake, it's best to leave it alone. If you think it may be venomous or pose a threat to you or your family - call animal control.

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