The Woodlands Summer Snake Series: What's slithering in your yard?

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- As summer begins, several residents are noticing an influx of snake sightings around The Woodlands.

Thanks to rising temperatures, these slithering creatures have been found in backyards, pools and playgrounds across town.

Due to their ectothermic (cold-blooded) nature, snakes become more active in the warmer spring and summer months, said local snake expert Matthew Abernathy, horticulture coordinator for Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center.

“This is also the time when snakes start seeking out a mate, which can lead them to be more visible and abundant,” Abernathy said. “Snakes are also more active when their prey is active. Spring and summertime means more frogs, rodents and other critters out and about and that provides more food for snakes.”

Abernathy said the most common snake species found around The Woodlands are the ribbon snake, western rat snake, Texas brown snake, broad-banded water snake, diamondback water snake and plain belly water snake.

Along with the non-venomous species that call The Woodlands home, the main venomous snakes found in southeast Texas are the copperhead, cottonmouth and coral snake.

Each species has distinguishable and identifiable features that could help prevent a hospital visit.

Copperheads are a tan, copper color with brown-crossed bands that resemble a Hershey Kiss candy from the side.

Cottonmouths, commonly called Water Moccasins, are the venomous aquatic snake in the area. They are dark in color with a black stripe across their eyes, similar to a raccoon’s mask. When a cottonmouth is threatened, they will open their mouths, showing the white inside.

Coral snakes are some of the easiest to identify; they have red, black and yellow bands around their body. If the red and yellow bands touch, it’s a coral snake but if the red and black touch, it’s a non-venomous milksnake. Remember the rhyme “If red touches yellow, it could kill a fellow. If red touches black, venom lack.”

Abernathy is a frequent guest speaker at events for The Woodlands Township. If you wish to learn more about local wildlife, there will be a program Aug. 19 covering common reptiles and amphibians of The Woodlands held at the Jones Nature Center. This program will also include identification characteristics common to venomous and non-venomous snakes.

Learn how to snake-proof your yard by reading the second story in our Summer Snake Series later this week. We chatted with the pros at Lawn Ranger and Bio-Tech Pest Control -- you won't want to miss it.