MIDLAND, Texas — Taking a stroll through nature can be relaxing, but there are some sounds that will make your heart race, like the rattle of a rattlesnake.
“Venomous snakes that we have in our immediate area are all rattlesnakes,” said Michael Nickell, Sibley Nature Center Scientist
Snakes can be found all over West Texas, not just in nature.
“We do have instances of rattlesnakes, even here in town” said Nickell.
With the extra three inches of rain the Permian Basin has seen so far this year, you can expect to see more snakes.
“You’ve got more rainfall; well you’ve got more vegetative growth. You’ve got more vegetative growth, you’ve got more herbivores like mice, rats, rabbits, things like that. You’ve got more potential prey items you can support a larger population of predators like rattlesnakes. So everything is working together” said Nickell.
Luckily for West Texans, the majority of our snakes aren't venomous.
No matter what snake you're bitten by, seek medical attention.
“Some of the old remedies of cutting and sucking the venom out or applying tourniquets or freezing are no longer considered to be good safe rattle snake treatments so what’s recommended now is seek medical attention immediately,” said Nickells.
To avoid being bitten at all, it is recommended that you respect any snake that you see.