Snake Myths Debunked

by Jeremy Hull and Johanna Arendt, Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Whether you like them or fear them (or a little of both), snakes are some of Texas’ most talked-about wildlife. And it makes sense – venomous snakes can do some serious damage, and they’re usually hidden from view, so you’re never quite sure when you will encounter one. This can give them an outsized mystique that leads to lots of misconceptions and tall tales. Snake bites are certainly not something to be taken lightly, but having the facts can help you understand your true risk, be better prepared, and enjoy the outdoors with more confidence. Fortunately, the vast majority of snakes are not venomous and pose no risk to us. Of the 105 species of snakes found in Texas, just 15 are potentially dangerous to humans, and only four of those live here in Central Texas – rattlesnakes, copperheads, coral snakes, and cottonmouths.

1.Cobras in Texas?

Have you ever heard someone swear they’ve seen a cobra in Texas? Most likely it was an eastern hognose snake, which some call a spreading adder. When they feel threatened, they will often flatten out their necks and hiss. They will sometimes even stand up like a cobra to look extra scary. But it’s all for show - they are not venomous or dangerous to humans. If these antics don’t scare you (or another potential predator) away, the hognose will take things to the next level, playing dead by rolling on its back and opening its mouth, and emitting a foul smell. They do everything they can to keep from being eaten.

2.Chased by a cottonmouth

The most common myth we hear about cottonmouths (aka water moccasins) is that they are aggressive and will chase you. Like the other snakes in this area, cottonmouths want as little to do with us as possible, and reports of them chasing people are most likely a misinterpretation of their behavior. If one is swimming towards you, it’s probably aiming for a hole on the bank behind you where it knows it can get away. If you encounter one on land, it will likely head for the safety of the water. The best thing to do is get out of its way as it makes its escape. We also often hear that cottonmouths swim with their entire bodies visible on top of the water, or that snakes cannot strike underwater. Neither are true. Any aquatic snake can swim both above and below the water’s surface. And snakes can strike underwater -- some aquatic snakes actually specialize in catching fish. You’re very unlikely to encounter a cottonmouth while enjoying the creeks, rivers, and lakes here in Travis County. They are uncommon in this area, but they look similar to a lot of the non-venomous water snakes we have here, so people often think they’ve seen them when they haven’t. If you see an aquatic snake in the Austin area, it is more likely to be a diamondback water snake or plain-bellied water snake, which are harmless. But if you are ever unsure what a snake is, it’s best to treat it as if it were venomous and keep your distance.

3. Baby rattlers packing a punch

My dad used to always say, "baby rattlesnakes are more dangerous than adults because they release more venom." This is a popular belief and makes for a good story, but scientific studies have shown it to be untrue. Adult snakes have both stronger venom and more of it. And the idea that baby snakes are trigger-happy with their venom because of inexperience also turns out to be false. Another old adage is that rattlesnakes always rattle before they strike. For your safety, please don’t believe this myth. A snake's first line of defense is to lay still and hope not to be noticed. If you surprise the snake by lifting up the log it was hiding under or accidentally stepping too close to it, they can strike without notice.

4.The only good snake..

You almost certainly know the end of that saying if you’ve lived in Texas for a while. But snakes benefit us in many ways, in addition to being fascinating animals that many people appreciate. Snakes are an essential part of the food web; as predators, they help keep populations of rodents and other prey in check. And they are eaten by a wide range of mammals, birds (like roadrunners), and even other snakes. Snake Safety Tips The best way to prevent a snake bite is to avoid encountering snakes in the first place. Learning a bit about their habits will make this easier because you can anticipate where they might be. Snakes are cold-blooded, so they are more active in the warmer months – usually late February through the fall, whenever temperatures drop close to freezing. Spring is breeding season, so they may be especially active then. In the wild, snakes generally hide under logs, between rocks, and in other places that provide shelter. Some species will freeze in place if they sense a potential predator coming, like a person. Snakes also sun themselves in exposed areas like on rocks, paved roads, or across trails. Knowing these behaviors, here are some tips to help you avoid snakes: - Stay on trails (both people and pets). If you encounter a snake, stay calm, back away slowly, and give them a wide berth. Do not attempt to kill or move snakes you find. Most snake bites occur when someone is actively trying to kill or handle a snake. - Don’t put your hand or foot anywhere you can’t see; never reach into holes or under rocks and logs. Instead, use a stick or long-handled tool to move items on the ground. - When you are working outside, always be aware of your surroundings and watch where you step and reach. Wear protective clothing like heavy boots, long pants, and gloves. If snakes are found around the home, they are most likely looking for food and shelter. Here are some things you can do to make your house and yard less appealing: • Move woodpiles, brush piles, and rock piles as far away as possible from the house.

Eastern hognose snake. Photograph by Kaitlin Lopez.

Western diamondback rattlesnake. Photo by Kristen Gold.

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