Wildlife

The heat is on and so is snake activity, here’s how to protect yourself and your pets

HOUSTON – Heat is present in Southeast Texas.

With the heat comes the continued opportunity to encounter our slithery neighbors, the snakes.

Although most snakes are harmless and do not pose a threat, some are venomous and can bite people and pets, requiring medical attention.

Until the temperature starts to cool in the winter months, the snakes will continue to work.

Venomous snakes in southeast Texas

There are four main types of venomous snakes to watch out for in Southeast Texas. They are Copperheads, Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins), Rattlesnakes, and Coral Snakes.

Coral Snake (Top Left), Rattlesnake (Top Right), Cottonmouth (Left), and Copperhead (Right) (Pexels, KPRC 2, and Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office)

These snakes can produce severe venom that requires immediate medical attention when bitten. The best rule of thumb is to stay away from any snake, especially if you know it is poisonous. Avoid walking in tall grass that can hide a snake. Snakes often bite when they are scared and feel the need to protect themselves. More often than not, they will try to run away when they encounter any person or creature they feel is a threat, but if stopped, they may defend themselves.

It’s also a good rule of thumb to keep your yard neat and clean so that snakes don’t have places to hide easily.

Of greater concern is the threat to pets. Pets are curious and may approach snakes without realizing the potential dangers associated with doing so. The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office shared a few tips to help keep your pet safe.

  • Remove brush piles, grass, and other good hiding places that may encourage snakes to hide.

  • Be aware of your surroundings – look before you step, sit or arrive!

  • Walk pets on a 6-ft leash.

  • Never allow them to interact with wild animals

  • Never let them stick their heads in holes or places where you can’t see well.

“The most important thing to do if your pet is bitten by a venomous snake is to take it to the vet as soon as possible. Detoxification does not work, please do not try this! ” the constable’s office said.

The same rules apply to humans if they are bitten by a poisonous snake. Although death from a snake bite is extremely rare, it can happen and some painful and serious side effects can occur if a snake injects venom into a person during the bite. If you are bitten by a poisonous snake, get to the hospital as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control provides these guidelines for people if they are bitten by a venomous snake.

  • Seek medical help as soon as possible (call 911 or call your local Emergency Medical Services [EMS]).

  • Antivenom is an antidote to severe snake envenomation. The sooner antivenin can be started, the more irreversible damage from the sting can be stopped.

  • Driving yourself to the hospital is not advised because people who have been bitten by a snake can become disoriented or faint.

  • Take a photo of the snake from a safe distance if possible. Knowing the snake can help treat a snake bite.

  • Take a breather.

  • Apply for first aid while waiting for EMS personnel to take you to the hospital.

  • Lie down or sit down with a bite in a neutral comfort zone.

  • Remove rings and watches before swelling starts.

  • Wash the bite with soap and water.

  • Cover the bite with a clean, dry cloth.

  • Mark the main point of tenderness/swelling on the skin and write the time next to it.

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