Happy Monday, dear readers! I hope you all had a snake-free weekend, unlike my eventful encounter with a slithering friend who tried to infiltrate the Chicken "Taj Mahal" (a fancy name for my chicken coop). It was quite the adventure, let me tell you! But fear not, for today I bring you a basic lesson on the types of snakes you might come across in North Texas. I mean, what better way to start your week, right?
Now, before I dive into this slithery topic, let me just say that I firmly believe the only good snake is a dead one. But let's face it, we can't go around exterminating every snake we see, so it's essential to know the good kinds from the bad kinds. However, let me emphasize that it's best to stay as far away as possible from these scaly creatures. With that said, let's embark on a short journey into the world of snakeology!
First things first, did you know that Texas is home to a whopping 105 snake species? And to make matters even more interesting (or terrifying, depending on your perspective), 15 of those species are venomous. Yes, you read that right—venomous snakes slithering around just waiting to ruin your day. Snake season kicks off when they emerge from hibernation in early March, and it can last until December. So, be extra cautious when you're out and about enjoying the warm weather. Watch where you step, unless you're auditioning for a role in a snake ballet.
Now, let's talk about the two main groups of snakes you'll encounter in North Texas. We have the Pit Vipers, which include cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins. These venomous serpents are the reason why you should never stick your hand where it doesn't belong—like in a dark corner, under a rock, or inside a pit viper's mouth. Just don't do it, folks. The second group is the North Texas Cobra, which is basically a fancy way of saying the coral snake. These venomous critters have vibrant colors, making them look like they're ready to attend a masquerade ball. But trust me, you don't want an invitation to that party.
Now, for those of you with a chicken coop or a penchant for farm life, listen up. The non-venomous group of snakes you're likely to encounter includes garter snakes, rat snakes, and bull snakes. If you have a ready food source on your property, you can bet your clucking chickens that a snake will come calling eventually. It's like a dinner invitation you didn't send but, hey, at least the snake RSVP'd.
Now, let's get down to the most critical question: How do you know if the snake you stumble upon is good or bad? Well, unless you're channeling your inner Crocodile Dundee and have an uncontrollable urge to wrestle it, I strongly advise against getting close enough to find out. However, if you really must play snake detective, a simple way to distinguish venomous from non-venomous is by observing the shape of the head. Picture this: a round head means non-venomous, while a triangular head is the venomous variety. Voilà! Now you know how to play "Snake or No Snake?" from a safe distance. Just grab a pair of binoculars and squint until you can determine if it's friend or foe.
So, my friends, the next time you're on the lookout for a new home in North Texas, keep in mind that you might end up with a reptilian neighbor. They typically mind their own business and won't bother anyone—unless you're offering a delectable chicken dinner, that is. But hey, it's all part of the rural lifestyle package, right? So embrace the possibility of dining with Mr. Snake and remember, if you can't beat 'em, just make sure they're not invited to your backyard barbecue. Happy snake spotting, everyone!
Signed,
Sherri Myers
The Royal Realtor
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