KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 20, 2023
By Natalie Cook Clark
The break within the intense warmth is bringing snakes out amongst residents, although they will nonetheless be discovered all 12 months. Many any sorts of snakes name Katy home, together with 4 which can be venomous. This time of 12 months, they’re all energetic and residents ought to keep alert.
Bessy Gomez discovered a Water Moccasin or Cottonmouth at her Green Trails home. Photo credit score: Bessy Gomez
Katy residents want to remain alert and be cautious of snakes. One Katy mother discovered one not too long ago at an area playground whereas her youngsters performed. The larger Houston space has 34 completely different sorts of snakes. Of that quantity, about 4 are venomous. If you see a snake, depart it alone or name Animal Control.
Snakes will be Found All Year
While climate can play a significant position in encountering a snake, residents ought to be at all times knowledgable and cautious. A Katy resident Kristen Johnson and her husband went to go shut off their water forward of a recent freeze and located a customer.
Photo credit score: Kristen Johnson
“I posted an image of it on a snake group that I joined after we moved right here,” says Johnson. “They responded so rapidly what sort of snake it was and that it was non venomous, in order that made me really feel higher having my husband get it out of there.”
They eliminated the snake and it rapidly went off to discover a new location.
As Katy continues to develop new building disrupts wildlife and will increase resident encounters with snakes.
Parents Should Be on the Lookout
Many Katy neighborhoods have lakes, reminiscent of close to this park, that appeal to snakes. Parents ought to rigorously go searching play areas earlier than youngsters play and educate their youngsters to be cautious.
This week a Katy household witnessed as their one-year-old tripped over a snake at a playground.
“While my youngsters had been taking part in on the Elyson’s Commons at Bear Creek playground, my 1yr old tripped over a snake on the pavement. It was horrible,” says Katy Dad Hans Nassh. “You can hear him crying within the video background.”
The Nassh in the course of the 30 min. we spent on the playground, we noticed a number of snakes,” says Nassh.
Video courtesy of Hans Nassh
The snake was later recognized as a non venomous racer snake. Still the scenario is an efficient reminder for Katy residents to remain cautious as Katy has snakes.
Most Common Katy Snakes
Southern Copperhead
Venomous, Very Common, Aggressive
MARKINGS: Tan or pale brown physique with darkish brown, hourglass-shaped bands on its again
Although copperheads are sometimes discovered within the jap a part of Texas, they’ve been identified to make frequent appearances in Katy. Copperheads like to cover in wooded, suburban areas, and are unaccustomed to being in shut proximity to people.
Western Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
(See opening photograph)
Venomous, Moderately Common, Moderately Aggressive
MARKINGS: Dark coloured, vague bands or markings, and a big, flat head that’s wider than the neck
Although solely 7% of all snakebite instances in Texas contain cottonmouths, this snake is on the record as a result of it has been identified to hang around in creeks, irrigation ditches, and rice fields within the Katy space. Their chunk may cause extreme tissue injury and harmful micro organism infections.
Texas Coral Snake
Venomous, Moderately Common, Not Aggressive
MARKINGS: Black head, pink, black, and yellow stripes on physique
A coral snake’s food regimen consists principally of small lizards and different snakes. It will be present in city areas, in gardens, and wooded tons. With neurotoxic venom stronger than different species, it is a good factor they may solely chunk if provoked.
Texas Rat Snake
Not Venomous, Very Common, Very Aggressive
MARKINGS: Dark-colored, sq. “spots” on gentle brown pores and skin
The coloring can range vastly, however the Texas rat snake is often yellow or tan, and all have a stable grey head. These snakes can principally be discovered round farmlands or fields. They can climb effectively, and feed totally on rodents and birds.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Venomous, Rare, Aggressive
MARKINGS: Black and white banded tail, darkish, diamond-shaped blotches, head is wider than the neck
The western diamondback rattlesnake is essentially the most considerable of all venomous snakes in Texas. But the humid Houston local weather will not be its most popular habitat, because it often prefers a extra dry and arid terrain. Easily provoked, this snake will warn you by shaking or “rattling” its tail if it feels threatened. Seek medical consideration instantly if bitten.
Texas Brown Snake
Non-venomous, Very Common, Not Aggressive
MARKINGS: Brown with frequent black vertical stripe; young ones can have a reddish tint
The Texas brown snake can generally be present in gardens and flowerbeds. They feed on bugs and earthworms.
Diamondback Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer)
Non-venomous, Very Common, Not Aggressive
MARKINGS: Brown with diamond patterns. Can have a big head and locals typically mistake them for cottonmouths.
These snakes are quite common within the Katy space, particularly round neighborhood lakes.
Any Snake will be Dangerous
Any animal chunk can lead to critical an infection and damage, even with out venom. If you see a snake, depart it alone except it appears to pose an instantaneous risk. In that case name Animal Control.
“The best way to ward off unwanted animals is to control what they eat,” says Chris Williams of Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal. “To avoid snakes, spray for bugs to ward off lizards, control rat and rodent population. Everyone has them but if you control the food source you’ll avoid those types of predators.”
If you see a snake, name a elimination firm reminiscent of Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal, or your native Animal Control. Katy has three counties and due to this fact, three animal management workplaces:
Harris County 281-999-3191
Fort Bend County 281-342-1512
Waller County 979-826-8033
Another nice useful resource is the Southeast Snake ID Group.
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