One Texas City Has More Than Their Share Of Snakes

Rattlesnakes are moving into Wichita Falls. According to the Times Record News, Wichita Falls authorities have had to remove four rattlesnakes from the town last weekend and several of the area residents’ pets were bitten by the snakes.

Local officials think they know why the snakes are slithering into town. They have had an exceptional amount of rain this year and there are more crops than normal. This has brought in more rodents, which just happen to be a favorite food source for the snakes.

On the other hand, the increase in snakes is helping control the rodent population in the area. That's not an even trade-off though because the risk of deadly bites has caused great concern for residents. The US Food and Drug Administration reports that between 10-15 people die every year after receiving rattlesnake bites.

Wichita Falls is seeing a record number of all breeds of snakes and authorities are advising residents to keep an eye out for the snakes so they can stay safe. This is especially true for families with children and pets who regularly play outdoors.

I'm sure you know that we have no shortage of rattlesnakes out here in West Texas as well, but hopefully not so much in town. Nevertheless, it's always a good idea to keep in mind that they are around.....so use a little common since and a lot of caution if you run across one. Of course that goes for copperheads, cottonmouths, and any other poisonous snake too!