The Guadalupe River is one of the snake-rich waterways in Texas, but don’t be alarmed if you see one of the slithery creatures next time you’re rafting in the Hill Country.
The 230-mile-long river supports a variety of aquatic life, including many species of snakes, according to WorldAtlas’ latest list of the state’s most snake-infested rivers.
Creatures in the Guadalupe River include the moccasin water snake, a venomous snake that prefers to live in swampy areas and slow-moving water. They are sometimes called cottonmouths because they reveal the white lining inside their mouths when threatened—a tactic used to ward off predators and reduce direct conflict.
The moccasin water snake is one of four venomous snakes found in the Guadalupe River, according to Guadalupe River State Park. The river is also home to western diamond rattlesnakes, Texas coral snakes and broad banded copperheads.
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Venomous snakes actually help rivers because they help control rodent populations, one of the river’s main food sources.
According to WorldAtlas, 15 of the 105 species of snakes found in Texas are venomous. The vast majority of snakes you find in the Guadalupe River are harmless.
However, unless you’re a snake expert, it can be difficult to tell the difference between venomous snakes like cottonmouths and the multitude of harmless snakes. If you see a potentially venomous snake, the best thing to do is to give it space and let it leave the area on its own.
Other rivers in Texas with the most snakes include the Brazos, Colorado and Sabine rivers.
This article was originally published on The San Antonio-area river is one of the most snake-infested in Texas, according to the website.
