Snakes at Big Bend National Park: Yes, Including Venomous

Big Bend's Snake Population: Diverse & Includes Rattlers

Yes, Big Bend National Park (TX) has snakes — ~30 species, including venomous and non-venomous.

Venomous (4 Types)

• Western Diamondback Rattlesnake — most common, distinctive diamonds, aggressive defender.
• Black-tailed Rattlesnake — higher elevations, darker.
• Mottled Rock Rattlesnake — rocky areas, camouflaged.
• Coral Snake — rare, secretive, potent neurotoxin ("red touch yellow").

Common Non-Venomous

• Bullsnake (gopher snake) — large, mimics rattler.
• Coachwhip — fast, slender.
• Patch-nosed Snake.
• Various kingsnakes, ratsnakes, whipsnakes.

Safety Tips

• Watch where you step/place hands (rocks, logs).
• Wear boots, long pants on trails.
• Don't handle any snake.
• If bitten: immobilize, remove jewelry, seek EVAC (no tourniquets, cutting, suction).

Snakes are vital to ecosystem (rodent control). Observe from distance.