ARS
Austin-AreaSnake ID Guides
The following information is intended to make Austin-area snake identification easier for people who are not familiar with snakes. It will also help you understand why snakes may be present and what you can do to discourage them if you so desire
Many people have a snake phobia (ophidiophobia) and panic when they see one. Snakes are wild animals, the same as their mammal or bird counterparts, except that they cannot run or fly away from humans. They have to crawl or "slither" away. For most people, this is not fast enough and the snakes are then killed or injured.
Snakes want to be left alone, just like any other animal.
Before killing the snakes around your house, take a few moments to check the following ID Guides.
It's Probably a
Texas Rat Snake!
Texas Rat Snake: The most common large snake in Texas.
(Texas Rat Snake)
Austin-Area Snake ID Guides
The following information is intended to make Austin-area snake identification easier for people who are not familiar with snakes. It will also help you understand why snakes may be present and what you can do to discourage them if you so desire.
Many people have a snake phobia (ophidiophobia) and panic when they see one. Snakes are wild animals, the same as their mammal or bird counterparts, except that they cannot run or fly away from humans. They have to crawl or "slither" away. For most people this is not fast enough and the snakes are then killed or injured.
Snakes want to be left alone, just like any other animal.
Before killing the snakes around your house, take a few moments to check the following ID Guides.
Many people have a snake phobia (ophidiophobia) and panic when they see one. Snakes are wild animals, the same as their mammal or bird counterparts, except that they cannot run or fly away from humans. They have to crawl or "slither" away. For most people this is not fast enough and the snakes are then killed or injured.
Snakes want to be left alone, just like any other animal.
Before killing the snakes around your house, take a few moments to check the following ID Guides.
It's Probably a
Texas Rat Snake!
Texas Rat Snake: The most common large snake in Texas.
(Texas Rat Snake)
ID byPattern
Snakes withBands
Bands: Rings of different colors almost encircling the snake's body (in all but the coral snake, which does make complete circles)
(Broad-Banded Copperhead)
Snakes withBlotches
Blotches: Non-geometrical, irregular patterns on the snake's back.
(Eastern Hognose)
Snakes withDiamonds
Diamonds: A diamond-shaped pattern on the back of the snake with the two opposite points of the diamond centered on the snake's spine.
(Diamondback Water Snake)
Snakes withStripes
Stripes: A line going from the snake's head to its tail.
(Eastern Blackneck Garter Snake)
ID byCounty
Other SnakeID Guides
Austin-AreaVenomousSnakes
Venomous: capable of secreting venom and/or injecting venom by means of a bite or sting.
(Western Cottonmouth)
Austin-Area Venomous Snakes
Venomous: capable of secreting venom and/or injecting venom by means of a bite or sting.
(Western Cottonmouth)