CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As the weather begins to warm up, snake sightings are increasing across the Coastal Bend.
The South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center executive director Michael Womack said snakes are in the middle of their mating season and the community should be aware of the most dangerous ones.
"Most of the snakes we have are not venomous, so as long as you're careful, they're not going to hurt you. As long as you leave them alone," Womack said.
He said the snakes to watch out for are rattlesnakes and copperheads. There was a recent rattlesnake sighting at the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve. The reptile was spotted on one of the nature trails.
The Director of the Nueces County Coastal Parks Scott Cross said he's seen several snake incidents at our beaches, especially in the dunes.
"We’ve had a couple of incidents over the years of a couple of people getting bitten so is something to be aware of," Cross said. "Especially, you know March [and] April when things are starting to warm up. That's when if I see them, that's when I see them the most."
Cross urges parents to keep their children and pets from playing in the snake's natural habitat in the dunes.
"The kids are already up there, so I'll just tell the parents 'Hey you don't need them up there' because for that reason there are rattlesnakes in our dunes," Cross said.
It's important to be cautious of snakes but Cross says these creatures play an important role in our ecosystem.
"Snakes are actually very beneficial because they're going to help control the rodent population in our areas," Womack said.
Womack reminds the public that if you leave the snake alone, they will not harm you.
"If you're taking walks on nature trails and stuff, you may see a snake," Womack said. "Don't get worried, just stop and back away slowly from them. Give them their space, they're going to be just afraid of you just as you're afraid of them."
Experts say if you or your pet gets bitten by a snake, call for help right away. When walking around tall grass or brush, always be extra aware of your surroundings.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- WATCH: 3NEWS Women's History Month Panel 2024
- Ramón Ayala farewell tour will stop in Corpus Christi in September
- Search for missing A&M-CC student Caleb Harris expands as CCPD brings in Dive and Recovery Team
- Islanders Women's Basketball celebrates at NCAA selection show watch party
- Concerns mount over safety after hit-and-run on SPID frontage road
- RECAP: 'Be a Hero' Blood Drive at KIII-TV3 Studios
- Corpus Christi mother makes emotional plea following son's death caused by wrong way intoxicated driver
- An update on the Tesla lithium plant in Robstown
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.