What kind of snake is this?

Question

I live outside of Austin, Texas and have a very aggressive snake that's been hanging out on my property. His pattern in pretty generic for most snakes around here but when he sees me, he raises his head up over a foot off the ground and flattens out his neck skin (kinda makes him look like a cobra) and is very aggressive hissing and lunging. He's about five feet long. I don't like to kill non-poisonous snakes but this guy is so aggressive, I'm getting kinda worried for kids/pets. Any ideas as to what he could be so I can ID him for sure.

Answer 1

The only North American snake that acts this way, especially the "flattens its head like a cobra" part, is the totally harmless Eastern Hognose(Heterodon platyrhinos), which is found near Austin, TX. The cobra-like hood and loud hissing is a dead give-away. This whole thing is an act worthy of an Oscar; it's 100% BLUFF! Hognose snakes will NOT BITE, even if hurt or provoked, but will follow up by thrashing around in apparent death throws, then convincingly rolling over and playing dead, like a possum. All that "aggression" is a front designed to scare away enemies. This is about the most harmless snake there is, and if it weren't for their picky appetites and taste for nothing but live toads, they'd make really great pets, since they quickly become very tame. I have caught probably hundreds of Hognoses, of different color phases(most of the specimens I find are solid black, but they vary a great deal in color and pattern), and I have yet to see one actually bite.

Answer 2

Kudos to you for looking out for non-venemous snakes!

Doesn't sound like anything dangerous. Usually the more noisy and aggressive the snake is, the less dangerous it is. It is all for show to scare you away because it CAN'T poison you! It could be a hog-nosed snake or a pine snake. It is difficult to say, however, without a picture.

That said, there are only 4 different kinds of snakes you have to worry about where you are. One is the moccassion, which is usually black or dark gray with its open mouth being white, which is why it is also called a cottonmouth. Another is a copperhead, which is reddish brown or almost pink in some cases. They are relatively docile, however, and not likely to act in this manner. They also don't (usually) get that big. Of course, there are rattlesnakes as well, and you'll know that from the rattle! All these snakes, however, are also characterized by big, broad, diamond shaped heads. The last poisonous snake in your area could be a coral snake, which has red, yellow, and black stripes. They are kind of rare and quiet and not very big.

If you are not seeing something like this, then you are probably safe. You might consider checking out a snake book to make certain. That said, you can never count out 100% for certain some idiot bringing an illegal snake into the country. If it REALLY looks like a cobra, then maybe it is! I wouldn't bet on it, though. :-)

Answer 3

If you could e-mail me a picture I could probably ID it for you. There are a few species that behave like you described. If you're unsure whether the snake is venomous or not you should call a local wildlife rescue or local reptile society and they will usually send someone to remove it at no charge. Unless you or your kids are in immediate danger you should never try to kill the snake. Most venomous snake bites happen to people that try to kill the snake. It's safer to let the professionals handle it.

Answer 4

By the behavior you've described, it sounds like a bullsnake. They are large and aggressive and have a loud hiss, louder than any other snake.
Hognoses seldom raise up off the ground during a display, ther generally flatten up & play dead.
You should look in a field guide.

Answer 5

Whether it is poisionous or not, you made mention that you have kids and pets, and that the snake is on your property and it is aggressive, if you don't want to kill it and know how to get rid of it or have a professional come and get rid of it for you so that you would not have to worry about it striking you or one of your children, I would not be that concerned about the type, just the location and it being off of my property and away from my children and pets.

Answer 6

it would be hard to identify the snake without much more of a discreption. is the head diamond shaped? most snakes tend to turn and run more often than not so you might check the area for anything it might be protecting. more details or a picture would greatly help in identification

Answer 7

Hello ..a picture would help..suppose if it's not rattling you can tell it isn't a texas rattle snake, tho they have been known to innerbreed & not have rattles..yikes for sure..cuz usually a snake is not agressive unless messed with ..so stay away from it, most venomous snakes have very V shaped heads, with very wide cheek areas...I'd look for snake rescuers or handlers in your case & I know Texas has them..check with animal control, vets or look on the net or phone book for you're area ASAP !! Take Care :)

Answer 8

Hognose, possibly? If so, it's relatively harmless. Check out the link.
No matter what, though, it's best to keep the kids away. Nonpoisonous snakes can still bite, and though not too painful it is scary. :) But please don't kill it.

Answer 9

email a picture of the snake to [e-mail]
it has to be a clear picture. send your email address and they'll email you back.

Answer 10

No, snake is a good. Kill him. By way free Paris and I'D DO HER!