Are There Snakes in Austin?
Yes, snakes are very common throughout Austin and the surrounding Hill Country region. From Zilker Park along Lady Bird Lake to backyards in South Austin and the surrounding neighborhoods, snakes thrive in the city's warm climate and natural spaces. Austin is home to over twenty native snake species, several of which are venomous.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 23, 2026.
Eastern Hognose Snake · Sam Kieschnick CC BY
Plain-bellied Watersnake · Mila Turov CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 32
- GBIF records
- April, May, June
- peak months
Yes, snakes are in Texas. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
77 types of snakes recorded in Texas
77 snake species have a verified observation record in Texas across snakes (suborder Serpentes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The 50 most frequently recorded are shown below.
1 of the 50 shown is recorded as introduced to Texas rather than native.
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Also recorded in Texas
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Banded WatersnakeNativeNerodia fasciata | Nerodia fasciata | 5,985 |
| 14 | Broad-banded CopperheadNativeAgkistrodon laticinctus | Agkistrodon laticinctus | 4,683 |
| 15 | Texas CoralsnakeNativeMicrurus tener | Micrurus tener | 4,063 |
| 16 | Gopher SnakeNativePituophis catenifer | Pituophis catenifer | 4,053 |
| 17 | Great Plains RatsnakeNativePantherophis emoryi | Pantherophis emoryi | 3,354 |
| 18 | Eastern Hognose SnakeNativeHeterodon platirhinos | Heterodon platirhinos | 3,280 |
| 19 | North American RacerNativeColuber constrictor | Coluber constrictor | 3,267 |
| 20 | Texas Blind SnakeNativeRena dulcis | Rena dulcis | 2,769 |
| 21 | Texas Patch-nosed SnakeNativeSalvadora lineata | Salvadora lineata | 2,014 |
| 22 | Speckled KingsnakeNativeLampropeltis holbrooki | Lampropeltis holbrooki | 1,702 |
| 23 | Central American Indigo SnakeNativeDrymarchon melanurus | Drymarchon melanurus | 1,620 |
| 24 | Black-necked Garter SnakeNativeThamnophis cyrtopsis | Thamnophis cyrtopsis | 1,526 |
| 25 | Flat-headed SnakeNativeTantilla gracilis | Tantilla gracilis | 1,526 |
| 26 | Eastern Black-tailed RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus ornatus | Crotalus ornatus | 1,526 |
| 27 | Long-nosed SnakeNativeRhinocheilus lecontei | Rhinocheilus lecontei | 1,436 |
| 28 | Chihuahuan NightsnakeNativeHypsiglena jani | Hypsiglena jani | 1,286 |
| 29 | Glossy SnakeNativeArizona elegans | Arizona elegans | 1,115 |
| 30 | Great Plains Ground SnakeSonora episcopa | Sonora episcopa | 951 |
| 31 | Ring-necked SnakeNativeDiadophis punctatus | Diadophis punctatus | 941 |
| 32 | Mojave RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus scutulatus | Crotalus scutulatus | 936 |
| 33 | Trans-pecos RatsnakeNativeBogertophis subocularis | Bogertophis subocularis | 922 |
| 34 | Mississippi Green WatersnakeNativeNerodia cyclopion | Nerodia cyclopion | 825 |
| 35 | Prairie KingsnakeNativeLampropeltis calligaster | Lampropeltis calligaster | 823 |
| 36 | Timber RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus horridus | Crotalus horridus | 818 |
| 37 | Prairie RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus viridis | Crotalus viridis | 759 |
| 38 | Rock RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus lepidus | Crotalus lepidus | 736 |
| 39 | Lined SnakeNativeTropidoclonion lineatum | Tropidoclonion lineatum | 629 |
| 40 | Desert KingsnakeNativeLampropeltis splendida | Lampropeltis splendida | 597 |
| 41 | Common Garter SnakeNativeThamnophis sirtalis | Thamnophis sirtalis | 571 |
| 42 | Striped WhipsnakeNativeMasticophis taeniatus | Masticophis taeniatus | 567 |
| 43 | Saltmarsh SnakeNativeNerodia clarkii | Nerodia clarkii | 552 |
| 44 | Schott's WhipsnakeNativeMasticophis schotti | Masticophis schotti | 522 |
| 45 | Graham's Crawfish SnakeNativeRegina grahamii | Regina grahamii | 517 |
| 46 | Baird's RatsnakeNativePantherophis bairdi | Pantherophis bairdi | 504 |
| 47 | Western MassasaugaNativeSistrurus tergeminus | Sistrurus tergeminus | 490 |
| 48 | Brahminy BlindsnakeIntroducedIndotyphlops braminus | Indotyphlops braminus | 360 |
| 49 | Western MilksnakeNativeLampropeltis gentilis | Lampropeltis gentilis | 357 |
| 50 | Plains Hognose SnakeNativeHeterodon nasicus | Heterodon nasicus | 333 |
Plus 27 more established snakes species beyond the top 50. And 9 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
187,567 verified observations on iNaturalist of snake have been recorded in Texas, most often in April, May, June.
When snake are recorded in Texas
Yes, snakes are very common throughout Austin and the surrounding Hill Country region. From Zilker Park along Lady Bird Lake to backyards in South Austin and the surrounding neighborhoods, snakes thrive in the city's warm climate and natural spaces. Austin is home to over twenty native snake species, several of which are venomous.
Where Snakes Live in Austin
Snakes inhabit nearly every habitat type throughout Austin, from urban parks to suburban neighborhoods and natural preserves. Zilker Park, the city's largest green space, hosts dozens of snake encounters annually in its woodlands, meadows, and along Barton Springs. The Lady Bird Lake Trail running through central Austin provides perfect habitat where water snakes hunt fish and frogs. McKinney Falls State Park east of the city contains diverse species in cedar and oak forests. Barton Springs and its surrounding natural areas attract water snakes and garter snakes. West Lake Hills and the surrounding limestone hills host rattlesnakes and rat snakes. Urban neighborhoods throughout Austin, from South Austin to North Austin, have snakes in yards, parks, and green corridors. The Colorado River and its associated wetlands host multiple species year-round. Visitthe Texas snake guidefor information about all species found in the region.
When Snakes Are Active in Austin
Austin snakes remain active longer than northern species due to the mild climate. Activity peaks from March through October, with maximum visibility in May, June, and September. Spring arrival begins in February as snakes emerge from winter hiding spots and seek food and mates. Late spring and summer, from May through August, bring peak activity as snakes hunt in warm daylight and evening hours. Fall remains active through October as snakes prepare for cooler months. Winter activity drops significantly but does not stop entirely; snakes remain dormant in protected shelter during the coldest weeks. On warm spring and fall days, snakes are most active in morning and evening hours, avoiding midday heat. Summer heat drives most snakes into shade and water by afternoon. After spring rains, snakes move actively through wet grass hunting for prey. TheTexas wildlife hubprovides seasonal patterns for Austin and Central Texas species.
How to Identify Austin Snakes
Austin snakes vary from small garter snakes to large rat snakes and dangerous copperheads and water moccasins. Garter snakes, abundant throughout the city, reach two feet long with three light stripes running head to tail and orange or yellow spots on their sides. Rat snakes are large, three to five feet, with gray or brown bodies, round pupils, and a calm demeanor. Copperheads, venomous and dangerous, are heavy-bodied, two to three feet, with hourglass-shaped copper or tan crossbands and distinctive vertical pupils. Water moccasins, also venomous, live near water, grow two to three feet, and have dark bodies with subtle patterns and vertical pupils. King snakes are three to four feet long, glossy black with thin white or yellow bands running around their bodies. Texas rat snakes range from brown to gray to orange, reaching three to six feet. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils; venomous snakes have vertical pupils shaped like a cat's eye. Checkthe Austin snake guidefor detailed identification photos.
Where Sightings Concentrate
Snake sightings in Austin concentrate in habitats offering water, food, and shelter. Zilker Park consistently produces snake reports, especially along its lake shores, meadows, and wooded areas. The Lady Bird Lake Trail hosts numerous water snake sightings, particularly near Barton Springs Park where water temperatures remain cool and stable. McKinney Falls State Park provides excellent habitat for diverse species in its cedar forests and creek beds. Mount Bonnell hiking trail in central Austin has occasional copperhead reports in rocky areas. Barton Creek Greenbelt contains snakes throughout its wooded canyon from north to south. Boggy Creek and other tributaries flowing through Austin neighborhoods host water snakes. Local parks in South Austin, including Zilker and nearby green spaces, see frequent harmless garter snake encounters. Residential yards along waterways or with dense vegetation regularly attract snakes seeking food and shelter. For wildlife viewing guidance, visitthe national wildlife hub.
Snake Behavior and Diet
Austin snakes have diverse hunting strategies adapted to the city's varied habitats and warm climate. Garter snakes hunt small frogs, fish, earthworms, and insects both day and night. Rat snakes consume mice, rats, and birds, hunting actively in trees and on the ground. Copperheads hunt mice and insects, relying on heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded prey. Water moccasins hunt fish, frogs, and crustaceans in lakes and creeks. King snakes and rat snakes eat other snakes as part of their diet, helping control copperhead and moccasin populations. Most snakes hunt by sight, smell, or heat detection depending on species. Snakes shed skin multiple times yearly, leaving behind paper-thin snake skins. Mating season peaks in spring with males engaging in combat dances. Most Austin snakes give birth to live young or lay eggs depending on species. Snakes are cold-blooded, requiring basking in sun or shade to regulate body temperature. For more on snake in Texas, see ourTexas snake guide.
Safety and Coexistence
Austin snakes, including venomous species, cause bites only when threatened or accidentally stepped on. If you encounter a snake, back away slowly and create distance. Do not corner or threaten the snake, which may become defensive. Wear closed-toe hiking boots and watch ground visibility in tall grass. Look before reaching into piles of brush, wood, or stone. Check garden gloves and shoes before putting them on. Seal foundation cracks and gaps to prevent snakes from entering homes. Remove rodent food sources to reduce snake prey. Keep grass trimmed and remove brush piles from yards. If a snake enters your home, open windows and doors to allow escape. Use a broom to gently guide it toward an exit. Do not attempt to capture or kill snakes. Venomous snake bites are rare and manageable with prompt medical care. Snakes are protected by Texas law and should never be harmed. Teaching children to respect snakes as beneficial wildlife is essential for safe coexistence. You can also browseTexas wildlife.
Similar Species You Might Confuse
Austin residents sometimes misidentify snake species or confuse snakes with other animals. Rat snakes and copperheads are sometimes confused because young rat snakes have patterning that resembles copperheads. However, rat snakes have round pupils while copperheads have vertical pupils. Nonvenomous and venomous snakes can be distinguished by head shape alone; copperheads have triangular heads while rat snakes have narrow, tapered heads. Water snakes and water moccasins both live in water but water snakes are harmless while water moccasins are venomous. Kingsnakes sometimes get mistaken for other banded species. Lizards like fence lizards are occasionally confused with snakes by nervous observers. Caterpillars, certain insects, and worms can appear snake-like from a distance. Rope and garden hoses left in grass sometimes fool snake-anxious residents. Taking a clear photograph of the head showing eye shape and pupil style helps with identification. Most Austin snakes are harmless, and safe distance allows for observation and photo documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there deadly snakes in Austin? Yes. Copperheads and water moccasins are venomous, but bites are rare and treatable with prompt medical care. What should I do if a snake bites me? Seek immediate medical attention and describe the snake. How many venomous snakes live in Austin? Two species: copperheads and water moccasins. Coral snakes exist in Texas but are extremely rare in Austin. What if I see a copperhead or water moccasin? Back away and create distance. Do not approach or provoke. Most snakes only bite when stepped on or grabbed. Do snakes come into homes? Rarely. Snakes may enter seeking rodents or cooling shelter. Sealing gaps and removing rodent food stops this. Can I relocate a snake from my yard? Yes. Gently guide it into a container and release it at a nearby park or natural area away from homes.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see snake in Texas: April, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your snake sighting in Texas
32 verified snake records have been logged in Texas, most recently in 2013. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big Bend National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Big Thicket National Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chamizal National Memorial · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Davis National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in Texas