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Very few people are aware that there are four different kinds of Copperheads in Texas. These deadly, well-hidden and silent snakes would prefer to avoid you than have to deal with you. They will even play dead there in the leaves or flowerpot. It is as if they are hoping you will go away; leave them to warm in the sun. "Don't mess with me today human ... I'm not in the mood."

If you do not go away, of if you have misfortune to grab or step on one by accident they will strike. A quick blow will send you to the hospital in a calm hurry. It requires treatment with anti-venom for many people. Their poisonous babies resemble earthworms with a copper penny colored head on their slender bronze bodies. Guess we know where the name Copperhead came from.

Two more poisonous snakes in Texas are the Rattlesnakes and Coral Snake. I have only heard one rattlesnake around here. You will know you are close when you hear a baby's rattle. Time to stop and back up very slow. Chances are you will never see them, I have not. As for the Coral Snake, I have only seen a few of them. They are rare enough it hard to remember that catchy little saying they have. At least you will not find too many Rattlesnakes, Coral Snakes or Copperheads near the water.

If you are near or on the water though be on the lookout for the Water Moccasin. This coal black water lover is another killer find. You will find them in the water itself or slithering through the grasses nearby. If you find them, swimming solo or in groups do not mess with them. Either way, they can kill you and contrary to popular belief, they can bite underwater. Makes you want to go swimming or skiing doesn't it?

My least favorite snake and biggest foe among Texas snakes is the King Snake, also referred to as a Coach Whip. These nonpoisonous, angry black snakes have a real attitude problem. Not only will they stand up and strike, they will also chase you. They are long, black, very fast and extremely aggressive.

One summer while doing trimming in the side yard I ran across my first King Snake. I had never even heard of this one. Minding my own business using my long, straight shaft weed eater when this snake stands up in front of me. I turned the weed eater in its direction hoping to run it off. Wrong ... it charged. Serious, this snake charged the weed eater.

Then it tried to come around and get to the driver of the offending tool. Of course, that would be me. After holding this fast moving, striking snake at bay for ten minutes, I gave up. I left the area with my tools and let him have it. Their not poisonous but they will make you hurt yourself trying to get away from them.

Learn more about this author, Kathryn Kirby.
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