This Bulletin has been prepared in response to many requests from hunters, ranchers, telephone construction personnel, Boy Scouts and others who spend much time outdoors, for a concise and illustrated guide to the poisonous snakes of Texas. The information presented is merely an outline of the poisonous snakes found within the state and is not intended to replace the several excellent snake books now on the market.
Sixteen species and subspecies of poisonous snakes, belonging to four general groups, are found in Texas. The most characteristic features of each are described. A photograph accompanies each description and a map indicating the snake’s known range by counties is included. With this information, the reader should have little difficulty recognizing the poisonous snakes found in his region and, should he be required to render first aid for snake bite, the text and photos covering this subject will help him to do the job successfully.
A number of persons have extended help during the current revision of this booklet. I am most indebted to Alvin Flury, information and education officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who not only did much of the necessary legwork for the project, but who also provided the impetus that saw it to completion. Thanks are due also to the following persons for county records of poisonous snakes in Texas: Ralph W. Axtell, Richard J. Baldauf, Edward W. Bonn, Bryce C. Brown, James R. Dixon, Alvin Flury, John W. Forsyth, W. C. Glazener, W. Grainger Hunt, L. M. Klauber, Verlin Nethery, Floyd Potter, Kirk Preston, Stephen Preston, Gerald G. Raun, Michael Sabath, Joe T. Stevens, Ernest C. Tanzer, Donald W. Tinkle, Clay Touchstone and John Wooters. Live specimens for making photographs used here were provided by Russell J. Long, Rusty Martin, Ernest C. Tanzer, Clay Touchstone and Lawrence Curtis. Finally, I wish to thank Robert L. Carlisle, Joseph F. Gennaro, Richard MacAllister, Don W. Micks, J. Fred Mullins, A. C. Stimson and John H. Werler for other information and assistance.
JOHN E. WERLER
POISONOUS SNAKES OF TEXAS
AND FIRST AID TREATMENT
OF THEIR BITES
It is widely known among snake bite authorities that more persons die from snake bite in Texas than in any other state of the nation. This startling fact should encourage every Texan to obtain a thorough working knowledge of the correct first aid treatment for snake bite so he will be prepared to act promptly in the event of an emergency. In addition, and perhaps just as important, he should learn how to prevent a bite before it can happen. This means knowing where to expect poisonous snakes, how to avoid them, and how to identify on sight the venomous kinds found in the region where he lives.
PRECAUTIONS AT HOME
Statistics show that a large percentage of all bites takes place near the home and more than a few of these are inflicted upon small children playing in their yards. Therefore, let us consider first the possible presence of poisonous snakes around the home and some precautions that can be taken to keep them away.
Each year Texas zoos receive calls from distressed home owners within city limits who have discovered rattlesnakes or copperheads under their houses or beneath trash piles on their property. These people ask for assistance in the removal of the snakes or for advice which may prevent similar future invasions. The trespassing snake often can be disposed of quickly, but the removal of one snake does not always solve the problem. Something must be done to discourage other snakes from taking residence on the grounds.
The steps to be taken are simple; chief among them is the removal of all rubbish. Rock piles, trash piles, stacked lumber, tree stumps and other forms of debris near or under houses often harbor rats and mice which form the principal food of most snakes. In addition, this trash furnishes cover for the reptiles and offers them protection from enemies and bad weather. Therefore, if all rubbish is removed from the premises, the food and shelter which attract snakes are largely eliminated and the snakes are forced to seek a more suitable environment. Dense, low growing plants may also supply cover for snakes.