Texas vs. Alabama: Which State Has More Venomous Snakes?

Texas and Alabama are two states known for having venomous snakes. In Texas vs. Alabama, which state has more venomous snakes? In this article, we will dive into 2 states that have many venomous snakes, Texas and Alabama. We will also go over precautions to avoid snakes and what to do in a situation when you are bitten by a snake, including how to properly identify whether it is a venomous snake and what first aid action you should take.

What is a Venomous Snake?

Venomous snakes produce venom that contains toxins. Their venom is used for self-defense and prey capture and helps them digest their prey. Snake venom is produced by organs that evolved from salivary glands and flow through the hollow fangs in a snake’s mouth so that it can be directly injected through the snake’s bite. Getting bit by a venomous snake is very dangerous as it can cause swelling and infection. If a venomous snake bite is left treated, it can even result in death. 

Texas vs. Alabama: Who Has More Venomous Snakes?

When it comes to Texas vs. Alabama, which state has the most venomous snakes? Texas and Alabama have several species of venomous snakes living in the state, but only one has the most.

The winner is the Lone Star State, as Texas has more venomous snakes than Alabama. In the USA, there are 4 main types of venomous snakes: copperheads, coral snakes, rattlesnakes, and cottonmouths (water moccasins). Both Alabama and Texas have all 4 of these types of snakes. However, Texas has many more species of rattlesnakes than Alabama.

This table shows all of the snake species for Texas vs. Alabama.

Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

The copperhead snake is found in both Texas and Alabama. They are also considered the most common venomous snake throughout Alabama. In Texas, they are less common and are only found in the eastern 3rd of the state. In Texas vs. Alabama, you’re more likely to find a copperhead in Alabama.

Copperheads are venomous snakes but have relatively small fangs and administer only a small amount of venom. So, bites are rarely fatal for humans.

Copperheads are pit vipers with heat-sensing pits on their head that allow them to locate prey in the dark. They are typically reddish-brown with darker, hourglass-shaped crossbands across their body. Juvenile copperheads are gray, and their tails have a greenish tip on the ends. One of their identifying characteristics is their arrow-shaped head. This species inhabits rocky and wooded areas and is not as common in dry habitats. They are commonly found near streams and wet areas. Their average size is between 2 and 3 feet long.

Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous)

The cottonmouth is also commonly known as a water moccasin. This a semi-aquatic species commonly found near streams, rivers, and ponds. The cottonmouth inhabits the wetlands, creeks, and swamps of both Texas and Alabama. 

Their coloring is often dark brown, black, and even olive green. Along with variation in their coloration, there is also variation in their pattern. Some cottonmouths feature crossbands, while others are a solid color. When a cottonmouth is threatened, it displays the white tissue in its mouth, which is how this species earned its name. The average cottonmouth is about 3 ½ feet in length. While in the water, cottonmouths can be identified when swimming because most of their body stays above the water’s surface.

Cottonmouth bites are uncommon as they are not generally aggressive snakes. That said, if you are unfortunate enough to get bitten by a cottonmouth, you should immediately seek medical attention. Untreated bites can cause severe tissue damage, leading to limb amputation or even death.

Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius tener)

The coral snake is a member of the cobra family. They are found in the eastern part of Texas and southeastern Alabama. This species is said to be rather shy and not commonly sighted in either state. 

The coral snake is considered the most venomous in terms of toxicity in the United States. Their venom has extremely dangerous neurotoxins that can cause paralysis, difficulty breathing, and death. One unique thing about coral snake bites is that they do not swell, and the wound will have little pain after the initial bite. This is very different when compared to pit viper bites which cause extreme pain and swelling.

This species averages at only 1 ½ feet in length and is slender with a small head. This brightly colored snake has a pattern of a skinny yellow band between a broad black band and a broad red band. There are several non-venomous snakes that have the same coloration, but they never have the red and yellow bands right next to each other.

There is a familiar saying to help identify if a snake is a coral snake or a non-venomous mimic:

“Red next to black is a friend of Jack, but red next to yellow will kill a fellow.”

Rattlesnake

There are two rattlesnake genus, Sistrurus and Crotalus. The Sistrurus genus is the more primitive of the two. Texas has two species in the Sistrustrus genus: the western and desert massasauga. There are 6 species in the Crotalus genus in Texas: the western diamondback, timber, mottled rock, banded rock, blacktail, Mojave, and prairie rattlesnakes.

Alabama has one species in the Sistrusus genus, the pygmy rattlesnake, and within the Crotalus genus, there are 2 species in Alabama: the timber rattlesnake and the western diamondback.

The severity of a rattlesnake depends on the type of snake, but all rattlesnakes are venomous and contain both neurotoxins and hemotoxins. Rattlesnake venoms primarily consist of hemotoxins that target the tissue and blood, causing organ damage, internal hemorrhaging, and necrosis. Rattlesnake bites account for the most fatal snakebites in the USA, so it is extremely important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after getting bitten by a rattlesnake.

All rattlesnake species also contain the famous “rattle” on their tails. This rattle is used to warn off predators or threats. So, if you hear a quick rattle-like sound, move slowly away from the area and be cautious of where you step.

Sistrurus Genus

Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)

Texas has two subspecies of massasauga, the western and the desert massasauga. These rattlesnakes are light in color and small, only growing to around 2 feet in length. They have brown blotchy spots that run down their backs. 

Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius)

The only member of the Sistrusus genus found in Alabama. This species only grows to about 1 ½ feet in length. Because of their small size, their rattle often sounds more like a buzz. They are brown with black blotchy spots and often have a red line going down their spine.

Crotalus Genus

Western diamondback (Crotalus atrox)

Found in Alabama and Texas, this rattlesnake species is the most common and widespread. Western diamondbacks are also the largest and most venomous rattlesnakes in the world. These massive snakes average from 3 ½ to 4 ½ feet long but have been recorded to be up to 8 feet long. Western diamondbacks are brown with diamond-shaped markings along their back. They also have white rings around their tail.

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Timber rattlesnakes are found in both Texas and Alabama. The average adults are around 4 ½ feet in length. Their coloration is brow with dark crossbands, and they have a fully black tail.

Mottled Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus)

These are relatively small rattlesnakes that vary in color from grey to pink. They have dark bands across their body. The average adult is typically 1 ½ feet in length. Mottled rock rattlesnakes are a threatened species that are not commonly sighted in the USA, but there have been in a few encounters in West Texas.

Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi)

This species is very similar to the mottled rock rattlesnake but is darker in color, often greenish-grey, and found only in the western tip of Texas.

Blacktail Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)

The Blacktail Rattlesnake can be found in central and west Texas. This snake is dark grey or even green in color and has darker blotchy spots along its back. The average adult is about 3 ½ feet in length. 

Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)

This species is very similar to the diamondback in terms of coloration and markings. However, it is smaller and only found on the western edge of Texas. This snake has some of the most toxic venom in the United States.

Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

The prairie rattlesnake is typically green or grey with round, blotchy spots along its back. This species averages a length of 3 ½ feet and is found in the grasslands of west Texas.

When are Snakes Most Active?

Snakes are ectothermic (or cold-blooded), meaning they are unable to regulate their internal body temperature. In order to adjust their body temperature, ectotherms must rely on external forces. These forces can include sunlight, heated surfaces of rocks, and shade. Because of their reliance on external forces for temperature regulation, snakes do not survive well in extremely cold or hot weather. Because of this, snakes often hibernate during seasons of extreme weather.

When are Snakes Most Active in Texas?

Most snakes hibernate during the winter and will emerge in late February to early March. During the hot Texas summers, snakes are typically only active in the mornings, evenings, and nights.

When are Snakes Most Active in Alabama?

In Alabama, snakes do not emerge from hibernation until late March or early April. During the summer, they restrict their activity to early mornings, evenings, and nights when it is less hot outside. 

How Common Are Snakebites in Texas?

The most common snake bites in Texas are from rattlesnakes and copperheads. This is due to their prevalence and overall aggression. According to data provided by Texas Parks and Wildlife, around half of the venomous snake bites are categorized as “dry, ” which means that the snake bites but does not inject the victim with venom.  An average of one to two people die per year from venomous snake bites in Texas.

How Common Are Snakebites in Alabama?

In Alabama, the most common snake bites are from the copperhead snake. This is most likely because of its commonality and high levels of aggression. According to Alabamas Parks and Wildlife Department (Outdoor Alabama), an average of 30% of venomous snake bites are “dry” bites. Alabama records an average of around 150 venomous snake bites a year. There has only been one death from a snakebite in Alabama in the last 5 years.

Symptoms Of A Venomous Snake Bite

• Bloody wound
• Excessive bleeding
• Swelling 
• Severe pain
• Discoloration (redness or bruising)
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Diarrhea
• Burning sensation
• Convulsions
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Paralysis
• Numbness

What To Do if Bit By A Venomous Snake

Venomous snake bites are called “envenomations.” The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that snake bite deaths are rare, but at least 5 people die from a venomous snake bite each year.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible
• Call 911 or get someone with you to drive you to the hospital, as driving yourself is ill-advised as one could become dizzy or pass out.
• Take a photograph and try to identify the snake if it is possible. This can help inform medical professionals about what treatment would be best suited.
• Lay or sit down.
• Remove tight, restricting accessories like rings or bracelets to prepare for swelling.
• Clean the bite with soap and water and cover it with a dressing.
• Mark the edges of the swelling site or draw a circle around it and write the time next to it. This will help keep track of the toxin’s progression.

From a medical professional, you may receive:

• Antibiotics to prevent or treat a developing infection 
• Pain medicine
• Antivenom, depending on the type of snake 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Joe Farah/Shutterstock.com