It has many different environments.
And along with that, many different animals. Including many snake species.
Among them are a number of dangerous snakes.
What are the most venomous snakes in Texas?
It should come as no surprise that most are rattlesnake species. But not all.
Keep reading for a full list of the most dangerous venomous snakes in the state of Texas, along with descriptions and a photo of each one.
Table of Contents
Most Venomous Snakes In Texas
As mentioned, most of the top venomous snakes in Texas are rattlesnakes. But there are also a few species that are not rattlesnakes. In fact, we’re going to begin the list with one of those.
Texas Coral Snake
The Texas Coral Snake has a distinct colorful banding of red, yellow, and black (this is one species people mean when they talk about black and yellow Texan snakes). But don’t let its beauty fool you. It is one of the most venomous snake species in Texas.
These snakes are relatively small, but they have a potent neurotoxic venom. They are reclusive and rarely encountered. But if you do run into one, steer clear. If you need to handle it, do so with caution, due to their highly venomous nature.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is one of the most well-known venomous snakes in Texas. You can recognize it by its diamond-shaped markings and the rattle on its tail.
This snake is found in a wide range of habitats, from deserts to grasslands. They are known for their rattling warning sign when agitated and possess potent venom used to immobilize prey.
Their prey most commonly consists of rodents and small mammals. This snake can reach up to seven feet long, making it one of the biggest snakes in Texas and one to stay clear of.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is the largest rattlesnake species on earth. It is mainly found in the eastern part of Texas. You can also find them in the other southeastern states: Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
Their large size and the distinctive diamond patterns on their backs make them easily recognizable. These snakes mainly feed on small animals and birds and are known for their impressive rattles.
The Eastern Diamondback’s potent venom works by killing red blood cells, causing tissue damage to the body. Their bites are painful and can be fatal to humans.
Timber Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnakes are found in the eastern woodlands of Texas. They’re known for their camouflage coloration, which allows them to blend into their forest habitat.
The Timber Rattlesnake is known to prey on small birds and mammals, such as rodents. They have a venomous bite that can be dangerous to humans if not treated right away.
These rattlesnakes can grow up to seven feet and are also found in most states in the eastern half of the US. That includes the northeastern states, where they are the only native rattlesnake species.
Cottonmouth
The Western Cottonmouth, also known as the Water Moccasin, is a venomous pit viper found in Texas, often in water environments such as swamps, rivers, and ponds.
They are recognized by their dark, banded appearance and the white lining in their mouth which gives them the Cottonmouth name. A Cottonmouth will show its mouth when it feels threatened, letting anyone know that it’s ready to strike! These snakes are known for their aggressive behavior and their bite can be extremely painful.
Copperhead
Copperheads are widespread throughout Texas, making them a common venomous snake that you can encounter at any time. They have a distinctive coppery color and a patterned body. Nevertheless, these snakes are sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes.
These snakes are often found in wooded areas and are known for their camouflaged appearance. While their venom is less potent than other venomous snake species in Texas, a Copperhead’s bite can still be painful and require medical attention.
Western Massasauga Rattlesnake
The Western Massasauga is a small rattlesnake species found in western Texas. These snakes are typically found in grasslands, prairies, and desert scrub.
They have a mild temperament compared to some other rattlesnakes and prefer to rely on their rattles as a warning before resorting to biting. The Western Massasauga can also be found in other southwestern plains states and in northern Mexico. Their diet mainly consists of snakes, lizards, birds and frogs.
Mojave Rattlesnake
The Mojave Rattlesnake is found in the far western regions of Texas. They are known for their potentially deadly venom, which contains both hemotoxic and neurotoxic components.
Their coloration can vary, with some snakes having greenish hues and others being browner or beiger. You’ll commonly find a Mojave rattlesnake in dry, grassy plains or areas with little vegetation. They prefer rocky areas, that have a wide-open space.
Black-Tailed Rattlesnake
Black-tailed Rattlesnakes are found in the western and southwestern regions of Texas. They have dark bands on their tails, which gives them their name.
Their venom is potent and is mainly used to immobilize their prey. They commonly eat rodents and other small mammals.
You’ll usually find these snakes in dry habitats like the desert or dry plains. You’ll be able to recognize a black-tailed rattlesnake from its olive-colored body, which turns into a black tail at the tip. It may also have a black band which goes across its eyes.
Rock Rattlesnake
Rock Rattlesnakes inhabit the rocky regions of west Texas, particularly in the Big Bend area. Their coloration often includes shades of pink, gray, and brown, allowing them to blend in with their rocky surroundings. These rattlesnakes have a mixture of hemotoxic and neurotoxic venom and strike their prey in a quick and swift motion.
Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is a small, venomous pit viper found in the western part of Texas. They are known for their small size and small rattle. They’re one of the smallest rattlesnakes and are usually no bigger than 33 inches.
While their venom is not as potent as some other species, you should still exercise caution, if you come into contact with one. You’re most likely to find this snake basking in spring heat on a warm rock in the plains, or sometimes they may bask on a road, if the tarmac is warm and it is quiet.
Tiger Rattlesnake
The tiger rattlesnake is a venomous snake found in parts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The tiger rattlesnake is known for its potent venom.
Like other rattlesnake species, it has venom to immobilize and then digest its prey. The venom of the tiger rattlesnake is mainly hemotoxic, which means it affects the blood and can lead to tissue damage and lots of pain.
The tiger rattlesnake is a medium-sized rattlesnake and can reach lengths of three feet. They have a background color that can range from pale yellow to light brown, and their bodies are patterned with bold, dark crossbands or stripes that give them a tiger-stripe appearance. This pattern makes a great camouflage in their rocky, dry habitats.
Deadliest Snake In Texas
The deadliest snake in Texas is probably the Mojave Rattlesnake, but it is hard to quantify. The snake with the most potent venom is the Massasauga, but it does not deliver a large dose with its bite. As a result, it is not as deadly or dangerous as the Mojave.
Most Dangerous Snakes In Texas: Final Thoughts
Texas might have a lot of dangerous snakes and the most venomous snakes in Texas might be able to kill you, but that is no reason to worry. Snakes, even the deadly ones, prefer to avoid us altogether.
Every one of the venomous snakes species that is home to Texas will do everything it can to stay away from you. They will only bite if they feel cornered, stepped on, or otherwise threatened.
In other words, if you leave them alone, they will also leave you alone. So take care when out in nature, not to accidentally stumble on an unaware snake. Let them know you are coming, especially during snake season in Texas.
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