Reviewed by the Evolve Health clinical team · 2026-09-30 · 1 min read
Texas hosts more snake species than any other state, including four venomous kinds: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), and coral snakes. Most snakes are harmless and avoid people — bites are uncommon and usually happen when a snake is surprised or handled.
Avoiding encounters
Watch where you put hands and feet on trails, near woodpiles, rock walls, and tall grass. Wear boots in snake country, use a flashlight at night, and never reach into brush or holes you can't see into. Keep yards tidy — clear brush piles and keep grass short near the house.
If you see one
Freeze, locate the snake, and calmly back away. Give it plenty of space — most will leave on their own. Never try to catch, move, or kill a venomous snake; a large share of bites happen during those attempts.
If someone is bitten
Call 911. Keep the person calm and still, remove rings or tight clothing near the bite, and keep the bitten limb at heart level. Do not cut the wound, suck out venom, apply a tourniquet, or apply ice — these cause more harm. Note the snake's appearance from a safe distance only if you can do so without risk; identification helps, but never delay care to get it.
Pets and snakes
Dogs are bitten most often on the face while investigating. Snake-avoidance training and keeping dogs leashed on trails reduce the risk.
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