Heavy rainfall and flooding flushing out snakes

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Not since the 2006 cult action thriller, “Snakes on a Plane,” has so much excitement been generated about snakes, than the recent rising flood waters flushing out a few snakes. Not to be taken lightly, with the monsoon-like rain storms, comes the good, the bad, and the ugly. The much-needed rain is definitely the good, but it brings out the bad...snakes, and a snake bite can get ugly, awfully fast.

North America has two distinct families of native venomous snakes: Viperidae, which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths, and Elapidae...the feared coral snake. Montgomery County is indigenous to species from both groups according to Resource Specialist, Heraldo Perez, at the Jones State Forest.

“The Cottonmouth and the Water Moccasin are the two that are going to come out with rising water,” said Perez. “Just be careful around standing water.”

Based on reports from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over the past several decades, honeybee stings have killed almost twice as many people annually in the U.S., than those who died from snake bites. Even the most venomous snakes have natural enemies, including hawks and other snakes like the non-venomous King snake, both in abundant supply in this region. Therefore, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the native snakes so you don’t eradicate the non-venomous snakes which control the number of venomous ones. Eliminating the venomous snakes allow vermin like rats and moles to increase in numbers. It’s a delicate ecosystem that keeps things in check unless humans interfere and throw it out of balance. Eliminating a venomous snake for the safety of children and pets is certainly a good idea, and won’t significantly affect the balance of nature.

If you are bitten by a venomous snake, you should immediately seek medical attention at a hospital or emergency room. Although the heavy rain has produced more sightings of snakes, area emergency rooms aren’t reporting a high than usual incidence of snake bites. The emergency room at Memorial Hermann Hospital The Woodlands said only two snake bites have been treated over the past month, which is typical for this time of year. First Choice Emergency Room reported that they had treated some snake bite cases, but no more than usual for spring.

With more rain in the forecast on Friday, more sightings will be likely. Residents should exercise caution when working in their yards, moving trash and recycle containers, and moving about after dark. Children should be prevented from playing in rainwater puddles and ditches.

John Warner, Texas Forest Ranger at the Jones State Forest, says most people don't know venomous snakes from non-venomous ones.

"If you don't know the difference, it's best to leave the snakes alone," said Warner.

Most snakes adhere to the idea that the best defense is to avoid; humans would be wise to do so too.