Welcome to Sweetwater, Texas—the home of the biggest rattlesnake roundup in the world. The town of Sweetwater in central Texas has seen its ups and downs since it was first settled in the late 1800s.
Which part of Texas has the most rattlesnakes?
“This is Sweetwater, Texas. It’s the world’s largest rattlesnake roundup.” It is, for most first-timers, like nothing you’ve ever seen in your life. The humming sound of hundreds of rattlers is like nothing you’ve ever heard in your life.
Where are rattlesnakes located in Texas?
Habitat: Timber rattlesnakes can be found in the wooded forests, as well as the well-vegetated lowlands. In Texas, it can be found associated along heavily vegetated riparian waterways found in the eastern part of the state.
Where are most snakes in Texas?
The Central Texas region has the largest number of species. As for parts of Texas where there are many individuals, West Texas, Central Texas and South Texas are great places to go to find snakes.
Where is the highest concentration of rattlesnakes?
The greatest concentration of them is in the Southwestern United States and in Northern Mexico. Arizona is home to 13 species of rattler, more than any other state.
How many rattlesnake bites a year in Texas?
Venomous Texas Snakes
About 7,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. annually. On average, 1 to 2 people in Texas die each year from venomous snake bites in Texas. Roughly half of all venomous snake bites are “dry.” That is, the snake does not inject venom into the victim.
What is rattlesnake season in Texas?
springtime
Cole, says springtime is the peak season for rattlesnakes. “One, they’ve gone all winter without feeding. Two, the daytime temperatures aren’t too hot, and three, it’s breeding time for most species so that’s why we see more in spring,” explained Cole.
Are there rattlesnakes everywhere in Texas?
10 rattlesnake species are recognized in Texas, second only to Arizona, which has 13. Each type has a specific region where it lives, with the exception of the Western Diamondback, which can be found everywhere from Big Bend to the Big Thicket.
Does San Antonio have rattlesnakes?
San Antonio has four common venomous snakes, including the copperhead, rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and coral snake.
What snake kills rattlesnakes?
However, some of the most dangerous predators of rattlesnakes are other snakes. Called ophiophages (“snake-eaters”), black racers, coachwhips, kingsnakes, milk snakes, indigo snakes and mussuranas are all capable of turning a deadly rattlesnake into a tasty meal.
Do I need to worry about snakes in Texas?
There’s little to fear about snakes if a few basic precautions and principles are applied before and during an encounter. Snakes are integral to Texas’ array of regional ecosystems. While many Texans view them as a dangerous pest, they are an important predator of insects and animals.
What months are snakes most active in Texas?
As the weather warms, we start to hear of more snake sightings. Snakes tend to emerge from mid-April to mid-June, experts say.
Where are the most poisonous snakes in Texas?
Copperheads are closely related to Cottonmouths and are one of the most common venomous snakes in the state. They are found predominantly in eastern Texas but can be seen as far west as West Hill Country and the Trans-Pecos.
Where are there no rattlesnakes?
The US States That Have No Rattlesnakes
- Alaska. There are no snakes in Alaska, whether poisonous or non-poisonous.
- Hawaii. Hawaii is another state that’s free from rattlesnakes.
- Maine. Maine does not have any deadly snakes.
- Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the last state on the list.
What state has the most rattlesnake bites?
Generally, rattlesnakes are considered the most venomous and the most likely to cause death, said Schulte. Arizona and California had most of the rattlesnake bites, she found. According to the study, anti-venom therapy was administered in about 26 percent of snakebite cases.
What US state has the most snakes?
California: 33
It is home to more than 33 snake species, and many are endemic to the state. It has six venomous snakes.
Where do snakes go in the winter in Texas?
Snakes like to find places that are dark, somewhat damp and cool, but not cold. The most common place to find snakes that are hibernating is in the crawl spaces throughout your home.
Is killing snakes illegal in Texas?
Many snakes in Texas are protected by state law, and indiscriminate killing or any other control is illegal. Before using any snake control measures or relocating captured snakes to another area, contact local representatives of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Can you survive a rattlesnake bite without treatment?
If you’re bitten by one it can be dangerous, but it’s very rarely fatal. However, if left untreated, the bite may result in severe medical problems or can be fatal.
Can you smell a snake in your house?
“They usually don’t smell like anything unless you pick one up and smell it a lot, you might smell a musky, really nasty smell.” People might see snake skin sheddings around the house if a snake has been there for a while. It is common to see snakes in a home if there is a mice problem.
Do cats keep snakes away?
How Cats Can Help Keep Snakes Away. Outdoor cats may help keep snakes away in two specific ways. The first is by hunting and killing rodents and other prey that snakes use for food. Snakes won’t want to stay in an area with a limited food supply so a cat controlling the rodent population also works to keep snakes away.