Park rangers came across a poisonous snake with “quite an attitude” recently at Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Then they did what any logical individual would do and provided the animal a name: “Red Hot Cheeto.”
A Facebook post from the park about 70 miles southwest of Dallas narrated the rangers’ encounter with the copperhead that appears to have actually ended gladly for everybody included — the rangers “made a new friend” and the reptile was moved to a more remote location in the park.
The snake was first spotted near the Main Track Site in the park, prompting park officials to issue safety reminders for visitors who see a snake:
- If hiking, you should turn around go the opposite direction of the snake. “Do not get close as it could irritate and cause the snake to become frustrated and upset,” the post said.
- Call park rangers, who can relocate the snake if needed.
- Leave the snake alone. All wildlife, including snakes, is protected in the park, which is their home.
As the weather warms up, snakes sightings can rise because the reptiles wriggle around to enjoy the hot temperatures and sun.
According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, copperheads are typically found in rocky areas and wooded bottomlands and, in rare occasions, dry areas. They can also be found along streams and rivers as well as weed-covered vacant lots in the springtime.
Sometimes snakes have been found in odd places in Texas, including a Southlake woman’s shoe closet and a Brazos County’s cattle ranch house toilet.
