As warmer weather sets in the City of Elgin residents are more likely to see snakes everywhere. Elgin Animal Control has had reports of many snakes all over the city. If residents do encounter a snake on their property or in their home the best course of action is to call a professional that can safely remove it.
Elgin A.C.O Allen is also available after normal business hours. The best way to discourage snakes from coming onto your property is to keep your yard cut and clean. Piles of brush, firewood or debris create an inviting environment for snakes to hide in and feed. The snakes are attracted to the sheltered area and the shade attracts rodents and other prey for the snakes.
The most commonly seen snake in the area is the rat snake and the eastern hognose. Both of these snakes are non venomous .
Bastrop County and Elgin is home to four types of venomous snakes, including the rattlesnake, copper head, cottonmouth (which is a type of pit viper) and the coral snake, a member of the elapidae family.
Pit vipers have pits or holes that are below the head through which they sense heat and movement. Cottonmouths have a spade-shaped head and can be black, brown or green in color and feature darker sections. Their distinguishing feature is a white stripe along the side of their head. Young cottonmouths have a yellow tail.
Copperheads, a venomous snake, can be confused with a non-venomous bull or rat snake, which are constrictors. They have a similar body shop to cottonmouths but feature brighter colors from copper brown to bright orange, silver-pink or peach. Young copperheads also feature a yellow tail.
Diamondback rattlesnakes are the largest of most snakes and feature a large, broad head with two light-colored lines on the side of their head. Their coloring ranges from brown to tan or yellowish and are covered in darker diamonds bordered by lighter scales. The diamondback has a tendency to hide and most times will give a warning by shaking their rattle.
The fourth poisonous snake in the area is the coral snake. While it is not as predominate as other snake species in the county, residents may encounter one. Unlike pit vipers, coral snakes are elapids. When the snake bites, it will chew on the person, so their poisonous saliva will be absorbed through the skin. Coral snakes feature a very recognizable red body with wide black bands bordered by yellowish lines. Whenever red touches yellow, it's a coral snake.
If bit by a snake, venomous or not, seek medical attention immediately by calling 9-1-1. For more information about local snakes species, visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.