Here’s what you need to know about rattlesnake season in Texas
Texas Parks and Wildlife identifies at least 10 types of rattlesnakes found across the Lone Star State. Sightings could happen as the weather warms up, but the likelihood of coming across one on a daily stroll in Houston isn’t as common as other parts of the state.
When is rattlesnake season in Texas?
In Texas, rattlesnake season begins around late February to early March.
According to Houston Audubon, they can show up in outlying areas of the city. However, it’s rare.
What are the most common types of rattlesnakes around Houston?
The most common rattlesnakes in and around Houston include the western diamondback, the timber rattlesnake, the western pigmy and the western massasauga.
Officials at Houston Audubon say out of all the snakes, the western diamondback tops the list as the largest and most commonly seen rattlesnake in the area.
Where are rattlesnakes usually found? How can you identify rattlesnakes?
Typically seen around farm buildings, the western diamondback spans about three to four feet in length and feeds on small mammals.
Not as large in size, the timber rattlesnake likes to hunt at night preferably in thickets and away from people.
The western pigmy stretches just over a foot long and has a stocky build, officials say.
When it comes to the western massasauga, they average roughly two feet in length. They love to find harbor in prickly pear thickets.
Why is it rare to see rattlesnakes in the city?
The Chronicle previously reported sightings of rattlesnakes in urban areas aren’t common, mainly because it’s not the ideal habitat for them. Greg Pandelis, curator of the Amphibian and Reptile Diversity Research Center at the University of Texas at Arlington, said rattlesnakes require more space, adding the smaller yards found in urban areas generally aren’t big enough for rattlers to hide, eat and mate.
“Many snakes, including copperheads, cottonmouths and nonpoisonous snakes, also vibrate their tails when threatened and if the snake is in a brushy area, the sound can be quite similar to a rattler,” according to Houston Audubon.
What do you do if bitten by a rattlesnake?
Officials encourage anyone bitten by a rattlesnake to seek medical attention immediately.