The heat continues and so does snake activity, here’s how to protect yourself and your pets from bad encounters

HOUSTON – The heat is on in Southeast Texas.

With the heat comes the continued possibility of encountering our slithery neighbors, snakes.

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While most snakes are harmless, unable to really pose a threat, some are venomous and can deliver a nasty bite to both humans and their pets, requiring medical attention.

Until the temperatures start to cool off in the winter months, snakes will continue to be active.

Venomous snakes in Southeast Texas

There are four main types of venomous snakes that you need to watch out for in Southeast Texas. They are Copperheads, Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins), Rattlesnakes, and Coral Snakes.

These snakes can deliver potent venom which requires immediate medical care in the event of a bite. The best rule of thumb is to keep your distance when you encounter any snake, even more so if you identify that it is venomous. Avoid walking in tall grass which could be hiding a snake. Snakes typically bite when they are startled and feel like it is necessary to defend themselves. More often than not, they will attempt to slither away when they encounter a human or any creature they feel is a threat, but if they are cornered, they may strike out to protect themselves.

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It is also a good rule of thumb to keep your yard tidy and clean so snakes don’t have places they could easily hide.

Of more concern is the threat to your pets. Pets are curious and may approach snakes unaware of the potential dangers associated with doing so. The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office shared several tips in order to help keep your pet safe.

• Remove brush piles, log grass and other good hiding spots that would encourage snakes to hide.
• Be aware of your surroundings – look before you step, sit or reach!
• Walk your pets on a 6-ft leash.
• Never allow them to interact with wildlife
• Never allow them to stick their heads in holes or in places you can’t clearly see.

“The most important thing you can do if your pet is bitten by a venomous snake is to get them to veterinarian as soon as possible. Sucking out the venom does not work, please do not attempt this!” the constable’s office said.

Similar rules apply to people if they are bit by a venomous snake. While deaths due to snake bites are extremely rare, they can happen and other painful and serious side effects can develop if a snake injects venom into a person during a bite. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, get to a hospital as soon as possible. The Center for Disease Control offers these guidelines for people if they are bitten by a venomous snake.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible (dial 911 or call local Emergency Medical Services [EMS]).
  
• Antivenom is the treatment for serious snake envenomation. The sooner antivenom can be started, the sooner irreversible damage from venom can be stopped.
  
• Driving oneself to the hospital is not advised because people with snakebites can become dizzy or pass out.
  
• Take a photograph of the snake from a safe distance if possible. Identifying the snake can help with treatment of the snakebite.
• Keep calm.
• Apply first aid while waiting for EMS staff to get you to the hospital.
• Lay or sit down with the bite in a neutral position of comfort.
  
• Remove rings and watches before swelling starts.
  
• Wash the bite with soap and water.
  
• Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
  
• Mark the leading edge of tenderness/swelling on the skin and write the time alongside it.