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

The Southwest is known for its arid climate and stunning variety of wildlife. Among the many types of animals found in places like Arizona and Texas are snakes. While most snakes in these states are not venomous at a level that is dangerous to humans, each of them has species that humans should use caution around. Between Texas vs. Arizona, which state has more venomous snakes? Take a look at each of these states where numerous venomous snakes roam and see which one has more species of venomous snakes.

How Many Species of Venomous Snakes Live in Arizona?

Arizona has a host of different snakes living within its borders. Over 40 species of snakes live in the state, and dozens of them are venomous. Roughly 13 different kinds of rattlesnakes live within the state alone, more than any other state.

The venomous snakes that live in Arizona include:

1. Arizona Black Rattlesnake            
2. Arizona Coral Snake        
3. Arizona Ridge-nosed rattlesnake
4. Black-Tailed Rattlesnake
5. Desert Massasauga
6. Grand Canyon Rattlesnake
7. Great Basin Rattlesnake
8. Hopi Rattlesnake              
9. Lyre Snake
10. Mojave Rattlesnake        
11. Night Snake
12. Rock Rattlesnake             
13. Sidewinder Rattlesnake 
14. Southwestern Blackhead Snake
15. Speckled Rattlesnake     
16. Tiger Rattlesnake             
17. Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake
18. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake          
19. Western Massasauga    
20. Western Rattlesnake      
21. Western Shovel-Nosed Snake

All told, Arizona has about 21 species of venomous snakes that live in the state. Some of the snakes are more dangerous than others, though. For example, the venom from a lyre snake is not all that dangerous to mammals, including people.

So, between Texas vs. Arizona, Arizona certainly appears to have a strong case for more venomous snakes. At the very least, more rattlesnakes live in the state. We need to take a look at the information about Texas before concluding this investigation.

What is the Deadliest Venomous Snake in Arizona?

Overall, the most dangerous venomous snake in Arizona is the Mojave rattlesnake. In fact, this snake is considered the deadliest in the United States! The reason is that the snake has a powerful hemotoxic and neurotoxic venom that can attack organs and the nervous system at the same time. Yet, the western diamondback rattlesnake bites more frequently and causes more deaths than the Mojave rattlesnake.

How Many Venomous Snake Species Are Found in Texas?

About 96 different species of snakes are found in the state of Texas. That should not be altogether surprising given the size of the state. The following venomous snakes live in Texas:

1. Banded Rock Rattlesnake
2. Black-Tailed Rattlesnake
3. Broad-Banded Copperhead
4. Desert Massasauga
5. Eastern Copperhead
6. Eastern Coral Snake
7. Mojave Rattlesnake
8. Mottled Rock Rattlesnake
9. Northern Cottonmouth
10. Prairie Rattlesnake
11. Texas Coral Snake
12. Timber Rattlesnake
13. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
14. Western Massasauga
15. Western Pygmy Rattlesnake

Overall, Texas only has 15 species or so of venomous snakes within its borders.

What is the Deadliest Venomous Snake in Texas?

Like Arizona, the deadliest snake in Texas is the Mojave rattlesnake. This reptile has a powerful venom that can cause serious harm or even death. Yet, few Mojave rattlesnakes bite people, especially people that keep a safe distance.

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

Arizona has more venomous snakes than Texas. Arizona has 21 venomous snake species and Texas has 15 venomous snake species. Here’s how the two states compare.

While both states have quite a few different species of venomous snakes within their borders, Arizona has a slight edge over Texas.

Texas vs. Arizona: Which State Has More Venomous Snake Bites?

On average, about 7,000 people in the United States are bitten by snakes each year. In Texas, 1 to 2 people die each year as a result of snakebites, and upwards of 150 rattlesnake bites occur annually.

Meanwhile, people in Arizona experience about 150 to 200 rattlesnake bites each year. However, Arizona averages less than 1 death per year from venomous snake bites. The last person to die from a venomous snake bite passed away in 2007.

Fortunately, most people that grow up in these areas know what to do when faced with venomous snakes. Specifically, they know where snakes like to hide and to maintain a safe distance if they stumble upon one. Unfortunately, venomous snakes and humans have some accidental contact, sometimes leading to bites. Yet, modern medicine has reduced the number of deaths.  

What Should You Do If Bitten by a Venomous Snake?

People living in states with a high density of venomous snakes, like Arizona and Texas, need to know what to do following a venomous snake bite. Follow these steps to get the best outcomes.

1. Get medical attention as soon as possible by calling the local emergency services.
2. If possible, take a picture of the snake from a safe distance. Do not pursue the snake to take a picture. Knowing the type of snake can make a difference in treatment.
3. Try to stay calm.
4. Remove any jewelry like rings that may become stuck on a finger once swelling starts.
5. Wash the area around the bite and cover it with a clean bandage.

Knowing what to do in this event is important, but you also need to know a few things not to do. For example:

1. Do not try to suck the venom from the wound.
2. Do not try to trap the snake for identification.
3. Do not rely on alternative medicine as a primary treatment.
4. Do not tie a tourniquet around a limb.
5. Do not delay treatment.

Acting properly in the face of this medical emergency can help a person survive the incident with as few complications as possible.

Between Texas vs. Arizona, the latter has more venomous snakes. However, people in both states need to be respectful of the presence of the potentially dangerous wildlife that lives in their area. Knowing what venomous snakes live in an area and how to properly respond to their presence can reduce the likelihood of a medical emergency.