How many rattlesnakes are there in texas

The dark-edged, rounded, brown vertebral blotches on its forebody lengthen on the posterior trunk into transverse crossbars; its tail is banded with brown and tan. The timber or canebrake rattler is a big, dark-tailed rattlesnake that favors densely vegetated habitats in the eastern part of the state.

With dark brown dorsolateral chevrons and a rusty vertebral stripe on a pinkish-beige ground hue, it is so differently colored from the so-called northern timber rattler that it may constitute a separate race, C.

The northern blacktail C. Besides its uniformly sooty tail ahead of the rattle , the blacktail has a dark mask, and along the spine a wide, blackish-brown stripe encloses patches of pale scales. The Mojave rattlesnake C. The venom of Arizona populations may be several times as powerful as that of the western diamondback, from which the Mojave is distinguished by the two or three rows of enlarged scales that line the center of its forecrown diamondbacks have four or more rows of much smaller scales in this area.

Mottled rock rattlesnakes C. The species has evolved dorsal coloring that substantially matches the prevailing hues of its background terrain-pinkish on the russet igneous boulders of the Davis Mountains , pale gray on the chalky limestone of the central Hill Country and southwestern deserts.

The banded rock rattlesnake C. Klauber, is a distinctly black-crossbanded subspecies found primarily in the two westernmost counties of Texas, but it has been reported in Val Verde County as well. Because of their unusual pigmentation both races of rock rattlers are attractive to reptile fanciers and are therefore protected from capture by state law. The western massasauga Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus is a small, nocturnal, prairie-dwelling rattlesnake most numerous in north central Texas and seldom seen except on paved roads after dark.

Its closely spaced brown dorsolateral blotches and comparatively slim head capped with nine large scale plates sets it off from rattlers of the genus Crotalus , as does its somewhat less potent venom. There are no chemical repellants proven to deter snakes, Frank said, but there are two things homeowners can do to reduce the likelihood of snakes hanging around a location — remove potential shelter and food.

Frank said AgriLife Extension researchers are conducting experiments in the Hill Country to see what type of cover they prefer by placing out various items like lumber including sheets of plywood, sheet metal and other things that could act as potential hiding spots. Reducing hiding spots for snakes will also reduce hiding spots for the prey they seek, like rats and mice, she said.

Cleaning around the house and other structures to remove trash, which is shelter for small prey animals, also helps keep snakes away. Be careful when moving debris and other items that snakes might use for cover, Frank said.

Use tools like a shovel or the tip of a boot. Frank said homeowners should also take precautions to reduce the chance of their pet encountering a snake, such as having them on a leash during walks. Common non-venomous species found throughout Texas include garter snakes, which people also refer to as garden snakes; rat snakes, also known as chicken snakes; and bull snakes. Common venomous snakes include western diamond-backed rattlesnakes, copperheads and the cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin.

The range of species and likelihood of an encounter differ from region to region and specific locations. First, try to identify the snake species, Frank said. This is especially important for coral snakes because the treatments differ significantly from those to treat copperhead, cottonmouth or rattlesnake bites. If someone else tries to get the snake, you run the risk that the doctor may be dealing with two snake bite victims. Frank said the victim should remove clothing like socks if bitten on the foot and items like rings on fingers if bitten on the hand because of swelling.

Rattlesnakes are pit vipers, as are water moccasins and cottonmouths. The STPC estimates that 99 percent of all venomous bites are from pit vipers. Although there are quite a few species of rattlesnake in Texas, the western diamondback Crotalus atrox accounts for the overwhelming majority of serious venom poisonings, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

The "atrox" in its Latin name means "savage" or "grim" -- so the snake is quite appropriately named both in English and Latin. The base color of the western diamondback ranges from yellow to reddish tan to gray or brown. Only some of them, however, have the diamond shapes along their vertebrae from which they get their name. Although western diamondbacks might vary in appearance, they all have black and white bands on the tail.

It's the biggest snake in the state, with some specimens stretching to 7. The western diamondback's territory encompasses the western two-thirds of Texas. Second in size and number in Texas is the timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus. Read more information on snakes. There are 10 species of rattlesnakes in Texas. The Western diamondback Crotalus atrox , has brown, diamond-shaped markings along the middle of the back and alternating black and white rings on the tail. This is the most common and widespread venomous snake in Texas, found in all but the easternmost part of the state.

Brown or tan with wide, dark crossbands. Tail is entirely black. Found in the eastern third of the state in wooded areas in wet bottomlands. Mottled Rock rattlesnake Crotalus lepidus is light cream or pink background with widely spaced, dark crossbands and mottled areas between the crossbands.

Small and slender with an average length of about two feet. Found in the mountainous areas of West Texas. Banded Rock rattlesnake C. Found only in the extreme western tip of Texas. Blacktail rattlesnake Crotalus molossus is gray to olive green with dark blotches along the back and a black tail.

Mojave rattlesnake Crotalus scutulatus is similar to the western diamondback in markings, but smaller and more slender and found only in extreme West Texas. Prairie rattlesnake Crotalus viridis viridis is a slender rattler that is greenish or grayish, with rounded blotches down the middle of its back.

Average length is about three feet and is found in the grassy plains of the western third of the state. Western massasauga Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus , light gray, with brown oval blotches along the middle of the back and smaller blotches along each side.