During the warm part of the year we receive numerous e-mail inquiries each week, asking the above question.
We have always tried to assist people in identifying snakes they encounter, but since these help requests have grown to staggering numbers each spring and summer, and frequently with insufficient information to make a positive identification, it is simply impossible for me to respond to all of them.
IF you can supply a clear photo of the snake you encountered and you would like assistance identifying that snake, please feel free to email us. Please provide an accurate description of the animal you have observed, including size, color and pattern/markings. Tell us the geographic location where you observed the snake and what type of area it was in. Also attach the photo(s), but PLEASE DO NOT send high-resolution oversized files as they require excessive time to download. Please resize your photos for e-mail use before you send them. If we can help you identify the snake based upon the information you supply, we will send you a response. Please understand that due to time constraints, we are unable to and WILL NOT respond to inquiries that do not contain a photo, geographic location and a sufficient description to make an identification.
We gladly provide these snake identifications free of charge as a public service. However, if you would like to make a donation to help defray the cost of providing this service it will be greatly appreciated. Please understand that it is NOT NECESSARY for you to make such a donation in order for us to help you identify a snake.
In future cases, why not consider learning to accurately identify any snake you see for yourself? A FIELD GUIDE TO REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS OF EASTERN & CENTRAL NORTH AMERICA by Roger Conant and Joseph T. Collins is without a doubt the finest field identification book for reptiles and amphibians of the eastern United States, including the entire state of Texas. Check the color illustrations for species that resemble the animal you observed, then check the range maps to determine if that species is found in your area and then read the description.
