What kind of snake is this? How to identify common snakes in the Houston area

"What kind of snake is this?" is a common question during the spring and summer months as more slithering creatures come out of the shadows. Continue clicking to see the snakes that have been found in southeast Texas, both venomous and non-venomous, and some of their key features. less "What kind of snake is this?" is a common question during the spring and summer months as more slithering creatures come out of the shadows. Continue clicking to see the snakes that have been found in ... more Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close What kind of snake is this? How to identify common snakes in the Houston area 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

The Houston area has been blessed with great sunshine and many head outdoors to enjoy the weather, but sometimes slithering snakes can interrupt the enjoyment of the outdoors.

The warmer temperatures mean snakes are out of winter hibernation and likely sunbathing in the rays, so folks need to start keeping an eye out.

While the most dangerous snakes like copperheads and water moccasins are well known, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the difference between others that have been found in the Houston area.

HORROR SCHOOL: 9-foot-long snake's escape leads to school's early dismissal

Texas is home to over 115 different species and subspecies of snakes, but only about 15 of those are potentially harmful to humans.

Click through the gallery above to see the snakes that have been spotted in the Houston area in the past.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, if a person doesn't want to get bitten by a snake, either venomous or non-venomous, it's generally good practice to avoid the reptile. But officials also note that there isn't a quick trick to identifying a venomous snake versus a non-venomous snake.

STAY AWARE: Early spring means more active snakes throughout Texas

"Unfortunately, there is no one simple hard and fast criterion a person can use to tell a venomous snake from a harmless one," the TPWD advises online. "None of the popular criteria such as a broad, triangular head, a heavy body, cat's eyes (vertical pupils), a flat body or rough scales are safe since both harmless and dangerous snakes are known to share some or all of these traits.

"The only unfailing method is an examination of the snake hollow of grooved fangs and venom glands. For obvious reasons, this is not a practical approach. A better method is to know which venomous snakes occur in your area and have a good idea about what they look like," the TPWD says.

The TPWD continues to explain that people enjoying the outdoors must also keep in mind that snakes prefer hiding places like large rocks, fallen tree limbs and overgrown grass. Officials advise Texans to avoid rocks, holes and crevices you can't look into or behind. Most importantly, outdoorsmen and women must "look before you reach down."

Heather Leighton is a digital reporter at Chron.com. She considers herself as a Jack(ie) of all trades and covers various topics from entertainment to politics. You can read more of her stories here and follow her on Twitter at @loveheathernoel.