Tell me how to be safe if I encounter a snake (semi rural Texas)

[MossRoad]

"Small copper heads are MORE venomous then old adults."

Don't think that is true, experts say it is because the youngin's can't/haven't learned to control that precious venom. The snakes do not want to use their venom on you (something they cannot eat). The will out of self preservation though.

There's considerable doubt to those experts' assumptions.
Here's a good read from another expert that explains why that propbaby is not true.
Living Alongside Wildlife: Are Bites from Baby Venomous Snakes More Dangerous Than Those From Adults?

How would a snake "learn" to control its venom?

It would imply that an adult snake could learn through experience that if you don't inject enough venom into a prey item, it could escape. So, logically, it would inject MORE venom on the first bite to lesson the chances of escape. There would be no reason for it to inject less venom and risk the prey escaping.

To suggest, maybe, that the snake would hold back venom in case a predator arrived and it would have to defend itself, that would suggest that the snake has faced predators before. And, if it didn't inject enough venom into the predator on the first bite, the snake would be dead, so it wouldn't learn from the experience as it was eaten or killed.

The only suggestion that's plausible is that maybe, through natural selection, snakes that withhold venom VS snakes that inject more venom have edged out the full-blasters through natural selection, not learning.

Also, most adult venoumous snake's venom it way more concentrated and powerful than the young snake's venom. The article talks about 100 times more powerful in some species of rattlesnakes.

Anyhow, it's a good read article. :thumbsup:

 

[genusCastor]

... Non-poisonous snakes here in the U.S. have round pupils. So be sure to "look them in the eye".

^^ This ^^ I tell folks this and they scoff, "I ain't getting that close to look into their eyes!" But it's true, you can tell the pupil shape from a decent distance. Round pupil snakes go free here.

I ain't skeered of snakes, but my wife is seriously(!) so. I allow non venomous snakes to live - will show ones near the house where the pond is - unless they get into the henhouse...then they're tresspassin'! :laughing:

A cat will reduce the vermin that gets near your house, too. :yes:

- djb

 

[Tangoddess]

Ok so staying in single digits for snake sightings these past few months, I called the HVAC guy to my house. He opened up the compressor and found this snake inside....

Of course he did not complete the job, it was right inside and then hid for a bit.

Is this a copperhead?

On a related note, what happens if a contractor on my property gets bit by a snake (assuming its a wild snake on the property)....we are in Texas...since I know laws differ by state.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

It looks poisonous from the section I see.

Not sure about the law thing.

 

[/pine]

...Is this a copperhead?...

From the one picture...YES...and they are often found in pairs...

 

[MossRoad]

I'd guess southwestern rat snake.

 

[Tangoddess]

I could only take that one photo without getting scared I did not see the head or else could have described it. It was moving slowly as if it were creeping up on someone.

related question - what happens if a visitor e.g. the hvac guy, on my property gets bit by a snake (assuming its a wild snake on the property)....we are in Texas...since I know laws differ by state.

 

[bunyip]

Snakes will move slowly in an effort to hide from you, snakes can also 'dry bite' which I have been told is a warning, our brown snake is incredibly fast and aggressive and will either move away at speed or come straight at you.
An old farmer, about 95 at the time, was bemoaning the fact that he was not as young as he was and would have to consider giving it up as he had an encounter with a brown snake, he said when he sees them he crushes their heads with the heel of his boot but this one got away and it had never happened before.
I used to use a snake repellent spray but the applicators were banned some years ago (#4 shot 12 gauge) and they are protected too although some have moved under a shovel while I am digging a hole

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Tangoddess, I totally get it. I have a spider phobia, to the point where I don't like to type that word. Your chances of getting bitten by a rattlesnake are slim; of dying from it, extremely remote. But of course that's no comfort if you have a phobia. I'm terrified of *those 8-legged things* yet I live in the woods, in the mountains. I made a choice not to let my fear drive me away from where I wanted to live.

I think you're going to have to face your fear, like I have. Or move.

There are things you can do. #1 is reduce their habitat near your house. No wood piles or other *junk.* Keep things clean, neat, and open around the house and you won't be surprised. Note that snakes do love a garage and an asphalt drive, because they can't regulate their body temp and will seek out the warmth of a paved drive, or the coolness of a concrete garage floor. They will also seek shelter under piles of debris, mulch, etc. First and foremost, make sure your house is properly sealed (doors, windows, baseboards, and check your HVAC vents). I have put a LOT of effort into this. I can deal with a lot as long as they're not in my house. It makes a difference.

Most of the snakes you're going to see won't hurt you, and even with the rattlesnakes, the chances are extremely low of anyone getting bitten.

I do empathize with your situation.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

An old farmer, about 95 at the time, was bemoaning the fact that he was not as young as he was and would have to consider giving it up as he had an encounter with a brown snake,

You're in Australia. Everything there apparently wants to kill you. You have the only venomous mammal on earth.

OTOH I have European friends that are afraid to visit the U.S. because they're afraid they'll instantly be bitten by Black Widow Spiders and Rattlesnakes, when in fact most Americans have probably never seen either one. OTOH as much as I love Australians (best people, really) your Sydney Funnel Web spiders make that a big NO for me. You're welcome to visit me though, and I promise to protect you from our rampant Grizzly Bears and Copperheads.