Posted by kristi buelow on August 17, 2005

Q: i work at a child care center and two days in a row we have found 2 baby snakes and can not tell what kind of snakes they are. they were gray with what looked like x's on the back(not really sure if they were x's or not but that's what they looked like) they had a flat head that they raised up when approached and pointed nose. there bellies were silver but not the tail. the under part of the tail was whitish color. was told they were baby copperheads about 3 weeks old but looking at pics of copperheads on internet that is NOT what these snakes look like. if you could send a picture of the snake that i am describing that would be great. Like i said these snakes are being found on childrens play grounds.

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Texas

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Making an identification of a snake can be tricky. As you already noted, the snakes didn't look like copperheads to you and what you've described covers a variety of snakes. There are copperheads in Texas but snakes tend to look a lot alike and young ones often don't look exactly like the adults, further complicating matters.

May I suggest you get a field guide to reptiles (the Peterson Field Guide Series has a good one) and look in there for a match. You'll be able to see good pictures of the snakes and their ranges too.

I certainly wouldn't panic about the snakes however you do need to be safety conscious. Snakes do not like being in the hot sun (unless it's a cool day)so they'll most likely be in cracks and crevices under or in school play equipment during the day if there are any there anymore. I'd instruct the children never to play around with a snake and also have them report seeing one in the playground if they see one. Interesting to note that most snake bites occur when people interact with snakes - the snakes don't come after people!

The only defense snakes have is to strike at threatening creatures so ALL snakes are likely to bite if they're afraid. This does not mean they're poisonous - just defending themselves.

Sorry I can't be more definitive. If you can provide more descriptive information we could try to help but I think the field guide will be your best bet. Good luck and thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( August 20, 2005)