What kind of snake is this? (Brenham: new construction, to live in, snakes)

[HookTheBrotherUp]

When I got home today, I was working on the house in Katy, and I stepped outside to get something from the garage, and I walked over an unusually large slithering snake. This one looked different to me, and it was on the concrete. It started to get into a defensive position, which I thought unusual, and started to raise it's head. It turns out it was a juvenile, about 2-3 feet length, Cottonmouth!

The only think I could think of was it was out of it's place due to all the rain we had a couple of weeks ago. I live next to empty fields, and close to the bayou, so I'm guessing that is where it was from. Unfortunately, I could not leave the snake to make a home in my backyard as I have four small children who are always back there, barefooted.

I wonder if this is some kind of omen after I posted about snakes this morning?!

[MNCold]

We sent a picture to Texas Snakes and they confirmed that it is a Gulf Coast Ribbon snake. Harmless.
HookTheBrotherUp - That's scary. Are you planning to spray or do something to prevent?

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by MNCold

We sent a picture to Texas Snakes and they confirmed that it is a Gulf Coast Ribbon snake. Harmless.
HookTheBrotherUp - That's scary. Are you planning to spray or do something to prevent?

I've lived in the house for 13 years now, that was the first time I ever saw a venomous snake, so I'd probably not do anything. Also, they recently built a few blocks of homes across the street that used to be old rice fields. I'm selling the house, we don't actually live in it anymore, but the kids are there on the weekends with us.

This was not a usual occurrence obviously, and it was not bothering anyone. It was only in a defensive mode because I "stopped" it from where ever it was going... when I got close to it with a rake. Out of curiosity, I did check it's fangs, they were like needles, and did have venom, I'd hate to think what would have happened as I could have easily stepped on it since I was just exiting the side door to the house and walked over it instead. Or, if it bit one of my kids.

Here is a picture I took with my phone... not a good one, but I was not in a photo session mood.

[DanielWayne]

I've never heard of chemical measures to prevent snakes. I suppose there are products you can buy, but seriously... You really reduce your chances of getting bit if you never stick a bare hand into a pile of leaves or thick vegetation. Don't blindly reach under a pile of rotten wood to grab a loose ball. In one aspect snakes are like alligators. They will generally go the opposite direction from you if they sense you coming. Now if you corner one, or if you step on one, then yeah you are in trouble.

[Cleonidas]

Definitely garter snake. I used to catch those and keep them in a terrarium when I was a kid. They were thick on the ground in my neighborhood 30 years ago. Not so much anymore.

[Cleonidas]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

I've lived in the house for 13 years now, that was the first time I ever saw a venomous snake, so I'd probably not do anything. Also, they recently built a few blocks of homes across the street that used to be old rice fields. I'm selling the house, we don't actually live in it anymore, but the kids are there on the weekends with us.

This was not a usual occurrence obviously, and it was not bothering anyone. It was only in a defensive mode because I "stopped" it from where ever it was going... when I got close to it with a rake. Out of curiosity, I did check it's fangs, they were like needles, and did have venom, I'd hate to think what would have happened as I could have easily stepped on it since I was just exiting the side door to the house and walked over it instead. Or, if it bit one of my kids.

Here is a picture I took with my phone... not a good one, but I was not in a photo session mood.

Attachment 130155

I don't think that's a copperhead; the coloration and pattern isn't right. I'm pretty sure that's a hognose snake. Eating a mouse maybe?

[PedroMartinez]

Originally Posted by Cleonidas

I don't think that's a copperhead; the coloration and pattern isn't right. I'm pretty sure that's a hognose snake. Eating a mouse maybe?

Yes, that is a hognose snake. Although they do have fangs, a bite will hurt a bit, but it won't send you to the hospital.

The construction probably drove out mice and such which is why he ended up on your doorstep.

Sorry to say, HTBU, you killed a good snake.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by PedroMartinez

Yes, that is a hognose snake. Although they do have fangs, a bite will hurt a bit, but it won't send you to the hospital.

The construction probably drove out mice and such which is why he ended up on your doorstep.

Sorry to say, HTBU, you killed a good snake.

I did not kill it, just moved it. I was able to grab it and let it bite a stick, which is why I did see the fangs. 'Good thing I did not have to find out if it was venomous nonetheless.

BTW, I see they are not common... someone's pet maybe?

[PedroMartinez]

Originally Posted by HookTheBrotherUp

I did not kill it, just moved it. I was able to grab it and let it bite a stick, which is why I did see the fangs. 'Good thing I did not have to find out if it was venomous nonetheless.

BTW, I see they are not common... someone's pet maybe?

Great to hear that he's alive and slithering.

Could have been a pet. As a matter of fact, you probably could have sold him if you wanted and made enough for a nice dinner. (Cash that is for steak dinner not meat for snake dinner)

[astrohip]

Snake bump...

Saw a snake in the corner of my pump house in Brenham. He had halfway slithered into a gap in the 2x4 framing before I could snap this. Any clues as to his identity?