CNS –
Snakes of many shapes and sizes inhabit Texas, and while some are dangerous, others are just as much of a worry. Residents and government officials in several Texas localities have responded to an uptick in reports of snake sightings in recent years by implementing new safety measures.
What follows is information on five Texas cities where snake populations are on the rise.
One, Austin
The capital of Texas, Austin, is renowned for its lively urban scene and closeness to natural attractions, but it has also joined the ranks of Texas communities where snake sightings have been on the rise. Summers in Austin are ideal for snakes because of the city’s varied topography, which includes suburban areas, parks, and hillsides. In both urban and rural parts of the city, people have seen common snakes such as Texas rats and Western diamondback rattlesnakes.
What makes Austin stand out?
Because of the proliferation of parks and green areas and the general trend toward urban development, snakes are finding it easier to make their way into cities. Snakes often end up in people’s houses, garages, or backyards after being pushed out of their natural habitats by development.
What You Can Do: To help keep snakes at far, it’s best if people maintain their yards neat and free of trash. Snakes eat rodents, so doing your part will help keep them at bay. Do not approach a snake; instead, contact animal control in your area.
2. Texas
Even the massive metropolis of Houston is seeing an increase in the number of snakes in its neighborhoods. Several snake species, including the poisonous Copperhead and Water Moccasin, find the city’s varied environment to be an ideal nesting place. One reason for the uptick in snake sightings in Houston is the city’s closeness to both wooded regions and marshes.
What makes Houston so special?
Snakes may easily find a hiding place in the city’s many parks, marshes, and bayous, thanks to its humid subtropical environment. Furthermore, native snake habitats have been invaded by Houston’s fast development and growth, forcing snakes to seek food and refuge in increasingly populated areas.
What You Can Do: Wear shoes while going near water or thick vegetation, and remove any thick vegetation from places surrounding your home that snakes can use as a hiding place.
3. The DFW Metroplex
One of the biggest metropolitan areas in Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has witnessed a rise in snake populations in recent years. The suburban and rural regions surrounding cities are seeing an increase in the sightings of snakes, including the Timber Rattlesnake and the Bullsnake. Snakes thrive in this region because of the mix of rapidly expanding cities with natural features like fields and woods.
Is Dallas-Fort Worth the Best?
The region’s snake population is on the rise due to the conversion of once rural areas to sprawling suburban housing complexes. Historically, snakes have made their homes in woodland or open fields, which is why many of these complexes are located there.
Residents should exercise caution when hiking or strolling in places with dense vegetation, such as long grass or wood piles. One way to keep snakes out of your yard is to keep it clean and tidy. Another option is to use snake repellents, such as vinegar sprays or cedar mulch.
4. San Antonio
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There has been a recent uptick in reports of snake sightings in San Antonio, a city known for its abundant history and rapidly expanding population, especially in neighborhoods bordering the Texas Hill Country. In the San Antonio area, you might see rat snakes, diamondback rattlesnakes, and trans-Pecos snakes. The urban area has seen a rise in snake encounters, which can be attributed to the city’s dry landscape, warm weather, and rural development.
How about San Antonio?
The proximity of San Antonio to the Texas Hill Country, with its mix of desert and mountainous environments, provides a suitable home for many snake species. As more homes are built near these natural landscapes, snakes have been forced to move into urban areas in search of food and shelter.
What You Can Do:
To prevent snakes from entering your property, it’s important to seal gaps around doors and windows and keep areas free of food sources that might attract rodents. If you encounter a snake, do not attempt to handle it; instead, contact a professional for safe removal.
5. El Paso
El Paso, located on the western tip of Texas near the border with Mexico, is home to several species of snakes, including the venomous Mojave Rattlesnake. The city’s semi-arid climate and proximity to desert landscapes make it an attractive area for snakes. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in snake sightings, particularly in the outskirts and surrounding desert areas.
Why El Paso?
El Paso’s desert environment naturally supports a variety of snake species. The expansion of residential areas near desert land has resulted in more encounters between humans and snakes, especially as snakes seek shelter in urbanized areas during the hot summer months.
What You Can Do:
Residents in El Paso should be cautious when hiking or walking in desert areas, especially in the evening or early morning when snakes are more active. Additionally, it’s essential to keep yards and gardens clear of debris and to check for any gaps around the home where snakes could enter.
While snakes are a natural part of the Texas ecosystem, an increase in sightings in these five cities—Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and El Paso—has caused concern among residents. By understanding the reasons behind the rise in snake populations and taking preventive measures, you can help reduce the risk of encounters and keep your home and surroundings safe.
Always remember, if you encounter a snake, it’s best to stay calm and contact local authorities or animal control for professional assistance.