Snake Hunting in Texas

Texas boasts an incredible diversity of snake species. Texas is home to 73 species of native snakes, belonging to four families. Only 11 of these species are venomous--one coral snake and 10 pit vipers, including the copperhead, cottonmouth and eight rattlesnake species. Two species of non-venomous snakes are endemic to Texas, meaning they are found only in this state--the Brazos watersnake (Nerodia harteri) and the Concho watersnake (Nerodia paucimaculata).

Herpetologists and other naturalists from around the world enjoy "field herping" in Texas, due to the great diversity of snakes. Field herping is an environmentally friendly type of snake hunting, similar to the practice of "catch and release" fishing. Field herpers search for new or rare species to add to their "life list"--a list of all of the species they have been fortunate enough to encounter and photograph in the wild. Field herpers share photographs through online forums, and provide invaluable data to academic researchers and other wildlife professionals.

Rattlesnake roundups provide entertainment for large crowds of spectators in Texas each year, with at least seven active roundups across the state. Thousands of snakes are captured and brought to these festivals, and prizes are given for the largest snake or greatest number of snakes per hunter. Unfortunately, approximately 15 percent of all rattlesnakes captured for roundup events in the United States are intentionally killed as a result of a lack of education. Historically, Texans have viewed rattlesnakes as a threat to human health. However, modern medicine provides effective treatment for venomous snakebites, and deaths are extremely rare. As a result of education and negative attention from the media, some communities have transformed their rattlesnake roundups into educational events in which no rattlesnakes are harmed.

Snakes are considered non-game wildlife in Texas, and are not protected by law. However, it is unlawful to capture any species of wildlife on public lands without a permit, or along roadways and road edges. In addition, protected species of wildlife may not be captured or possessed without a special permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Texas law protects 13 species of snakes which are considered to be threatened with or in imminent danger of extinction of local populations or of the species as a whole. These threatened and endangered species are protected by law from hunting or harassment. A complete, current list of the protected species of snakes in Texas is available on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website.