Benbrook neighbors, keep your eyes sharp and your steps even sharper. Late summer through early fall is baby copperhead season in North Texas, and these tiny snakes pack a punch.
Newborn copperheads, often born between August and early October, may be small but come fully equipped with venom and a built-in instinct to defend themselves. One mother can birth up to 10, and while they don’t stick around her for long, if you see one, chances are there are others nearby.
You’ll spot them by their greenish-yellow tail tips, a feature they keep for about a year, though some can retain it even longer. Copperheads aren’t looking for a fight, but they will bite if startled. These snakes prefer damp, hidden places, such as under flower pots, dog bowls, toys, or rocks in the garden.
So, before reaching into bushes or grabbing something off the ground, take a second look. And if you’re not sure what you’re seeing, there’s a helpful local group called What Kind of Snake Is This? North Texas Educational Group, where you can get fast, friendly ID help from folks who’ve seen it all.
Stay alert and keep your pets and kids safe during this sneaky season.
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