STHA Reptile Rescue Program  |  Prevention |  What to Do if There's a Snake in Your Yard/House  |

STHA Reptile Rescue Program

Snakes are a part of our natural heritage, just like any other wildlife you may occasionally find in your yard.  They have as much a right to exist as the birds, squirrels, and deer do.  However, not knowing which snakes are “safe” and which are potentially harmful can result in every snake being labeled “dangerous” and killed on sight.  It doesn’t have to be this way—and we have the solution!

The members of the Reptile Rescue committee of the South Texas Herpetology Association will come to your house and capture the snake LIVE, to relocate it where it will have less encounters with humans.  Each member is licensed for the live capture of reptiles and works closely with local law enforcement in answering nuisance reptile calls. 

This service is provided FREE OF CHARGE, as we are a non-profit organization.  Donations, however, are always appreciated.  We practice live capture and release to the maximum extent practical.  Keep in mind that some snakes may not be suitable for relocation—for example, some may be escaped pets (we occasionally get called out for boa constrictors!).   We can also provide tips on how to make the area around your home “less attractive” to snakes.

If you are a landowner and would be interested in receiving some of these relocated snakes for a natural form of rodent control around your barns and outbuildings, we would also like to hear from you!

This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (dependent upon the personal schedule of the member).  

Thank you for your concern for our great state’s reptilian wildlife!

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Prevention

The best way to avoid finding snakes in your yard is to make your yard unattractive to them:

- Keep your yard mowed reasonably short, and keep it free of things like plywood, cardboard, sheet metal, basically anything that a snake would be able to hide under.

- A "snake problem" may be an indication that you have a "rodent problem."  The snakes follow the food supply.  Also, a large number of bird nests/bird houses in your yard can attract snakes, particularly the Texas Rat Snake (also known as the "chicken snake" for its fondness for chicken coops and their contents).

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What to Do if There's a Snake in Your Yard/House

First of all, DON'T PANIC (easy for us to say)!  There are 72 species (types) of snake native to Texas.  Only 11 are venomous.  Of course, to someone unfamiliar with these reptiles, ALL snakes are considered dangerous!  That's a safe assumption to make, unless you are positive of the snake's identification (and they don't carry wallets!).  Not to worry; our members are familiar with the various types of snakes found in the local area and can make an accurate ID.

Your best bet is to call one of our Reptile Rescue personnel.  Also, 911 and most local law enforcement agencies have numbers to contact us.

If the call makes its way to one of our members, they will contact you to receive directions to your home, as well as gathering initial information about the snake (to give them an idea of what to expect).  Our Reptile Rescue personnel have the required equipment and licenses necessary to capture the snakes alive.

Now, here's where the tricky part comes in, and please keep in mind that this part is STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.  STHA assumes no responsibility for injury.  We offer this suggestion outlined in bold below  to reduce the number of "wild goose chases" our members are sent on--it's frustrating to drive across town only to discover the snake has long since departed the premises!

Grab a broom with a long handle and stand guard near the snake.  If it attempts to escape, gently "sweep" the snake back into an area where you can see it, and throw a towel over the snake--large enough to cover it completely.  This will serve two purposes.  First, it will calm the snake down.  Second, it will help prevent it from escaping.  

Whatever you do, PLEASE have someone keep an eye on the snake until we arrive.  Snakes move surprisingly quickly and can be gone in the few moments it takes you to go in your house and call us.  Our volunteers use their own vehicles and fuel, and the time and costs of answering numerous "false alarms" quickly adds up.

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Volunteers' Phone Numbers

Not all our members participating in the Reptile Rescue program have put their information here (yet).  Our calls our currently routed through a central point-of-contact (as the calls forward from 911/Police/Sheriffs), so if you want to directly call someone in your area, here are some numbers.  If the person listed for your area is unavailable, you can try someone outside their primary area, but keep in mind the response time (driving) will take longer.

Please understand that we are not employed by the City or County but rather we are volunteers so unfortunately, we are not always available but we will do the best we can. If you have any questions about our snake rescue program, call Jeff Dominguez at 210-264-8577.

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Snakes of the Greater San Antonio Area

Harmless Texas Rat Snake

- Most snakes found in the local area are NOT venomous, but they sure will act like it!  Examples include shaking or "buzzing" the tail--if the tail is near something which will produce noise, such as a pile of dead leaves, the sound will be very close to what a rattlesnake would sound like.  Also, the snake may coil its neck and strike.  Some harmless snakes will keep their mouth closed (it's a bluffing maneuver), but some will actually bite; and while they may draw blood, they have no venom.  Their whole mission is to make you THINK you've found a rattlesnake, which means you'll keep your distance and the snake will be able to retreat safely.  IF IN DOUBT AS TO WHAT KIND OF SNAKE IT IS, DO NOT APPROACH OR ATTEMPT TO HANDLE IT.