Western diamondback rattlesnakes. Photo: Paul Ratje/AFP through Getty Images
It’s spring, which indicates there’s a greater opportunity of identifying a snake wriggling around Central Texas.
Why it matters: About 7,000-8,000 individuals in the U.S. are bitten by a poisonous snake each year, leading to about 5 deaths, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Yes, however: While Texas is home to 105 types and subspecies of snakes, just 15 are possibly hazardous to human beings.
Threat level: Lerrin Johnson, Texas Parks and Wildlife representative, informs Axios that individuals are rarely hurt by snakes.
Between the lines: Snakes, which are cold-blooded, do not endure severe temperature levels well and are most active when looking for victim. Snake sightings are more typical in the spring as flowers, which sustain rodents, thrive, Johnson says.
Zoom in: Brett Parker, owner of Hill Country Snake Removal, informs Axios the 4 poisonous types that might be discovered in San Antonio are the western diamondback rattlesnake, broad-banded copperhead, Texas coral snake and cottonmouth, likewise called water moccasin.
What they’re stating: Parker, who is based in Canyon Lake, says the majority of his calls are for New Braunfels, however even individuals in city parts of San Antonio can “definitely” see snakes.
- “They can make their method into the middle of areas in some cases,” Parker includes.
- A house near a greenbelt or a microhabitat of wildlife might be snake environment.
Be wise: Parker encourages versus approaching snakes if you can’t determine the types, and prevent walking barefoot outside. He likewise says it is necessary to teach kids early on about snakes.
- Keeping yard cut brief and clear of rock stacks is likewise a safe practice for lowering snake encounters.
- Johnson says having a strategy comparable to a fire drill for snake emergency situations, such as understanding which medical facilities treat snake bite victims, is likewise a good concept.
- Since snakes are most active when looking for victim, Johnson recommends recognizing what’s drawing in rodents to your property, if you’re seeing more of the reptiles.
If you get bit: Call 911, attempt to remain calm, eliminate any tight precious jewelry prior to swelling starts, and keep the bite lower than your heart, the U.S. Forest Service encourages.
