Snake Identification

The snakes we’ve included on this page are the most commonly found in our area of East Texas.  We’ve divided the snakes into two sections: Venomous and Non-venomous.

The following diagram portrays the primary physical differences between our venomous and non-venomous snakes we have listed on this site. We’re including a few notes to this that are worth noting:

1. Triangular-shaped head. Most snakes can cause their jaws to protrude thus giving the impression that they’re poisonous.  Therefore, this is not the best means of identification if using this as the sole means.
2. Venomous snakes have a heavy brow that sets over the eye.  Their heads tend to be very flat on top as well.  These in combination tend to give these snakes a very tough and aggressive appearance.
3. Non-venomous snakes generally have more rounded heads and their eyes seem to set on the outside of their faces, much like a gecko lizard.  Sometimes, when all you get is a quick look before the snake disappears, train yourself to look for either a smooth or aggressive appearance instead of trying to discern if the pupils are elliptical or round.
4. The Anal Plate identification is important to learn because many times a homeowner will find snake shed skin somewhere on or in the house, and they convince themselves that a poisonous snake has taken up residence.  You can take the shed skin and quickly identify if it’s something to be concerned about.  An easy way to remember is:  If it has two rows of anal plates, it doesn’t have two fangs to worry about.  If it has only one row of anal plates, it has two fangs!

WATER MOCCASIN SNAKES

Important to note that these snakes are very good swimmers.  Their bodies float on top of the water whereas other water snakes don’t.  They also tend to be very aggressive when cornered and have the ability to bite underwater.

They’re very sensitive to vibrations on the ground which make sneaking up on them almost impossible.  They are excellent tree climbers and will drop to the ground quickly when they need a quick retreat.

They are a very fat and stubby snake that doesn’t have a really long and tapered tail like other snakes.

If you want to do further research, check out our trusted resources to learn more about this particular pest.

Texas Park & Wildlife: Poisonous Snakes 

COPPERHEAD SNAKES

Copperhead snakes primary defense strategy is their camouflage markings.  In the picture below, can you find the copperhead?

If you want to do further research, check out our trusted resources to learn more about this particular pest.

Texas Park & Wildlife: Poisonous Snakes

GOPHER SNAKES

If you want to do further research, check out our trusted resources to learn more about this particular pest.

texassnakes | Texas Herps.org

KING SNAKES

If you want to do further research, check out our trusted resources to learn more about this particular pest.

texassnakes | Texas Herps.org

TEXAS RAT SNAKES

If you want to do further research, check out our trusted resources to learn more about this particular pest.

texassnakes | Texas Herps.org

BROWN WATER SNAKES

If you want to do further research, check out our trusted resources to learn more about this particular pest.

texassnakes | Texas Herps.org