Great Snakes!

For the first time ever, a western diamondback rattlesnake has been spotted and documented in Denton County. Captured in Lantana by local volunteer and renowned “Snake Whisperer” Rob Boles, this discovery has sparked interest and debate, not only concerning the snake itself, but also about the significance of its presence and the often misunderstood nature of snakes in general.

Rob, a passionate service volunteer for nearly 15 years, removed the snake after a Lantana resident found the animal in her garage. Despite their fearsome reputation, the female rattlesnake was surprisingly docile, briefly rattling before being safely placed into a bucket. This significant discovery was confirmed through iNaturalist data, marking the western diamondback rattlesnake’s status as a confirmed species within Denton County.

After being captured, the snake was donated to the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) for research purposes. Scientists plan to study its DNA, observe its behavior, and conduct further research once she is deceased. This initiative aims not only to understand the species better but also to contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding local wildlife.

A fan of snakes since his childhood, Rob’s formal journey into snake rescue began when he read about and responded to a copperhead sighting on Facebook. What began as a personal interest eventually turned into a passion, with his taking up to 80 calls each month and earning him the unofficial title “snake whisperer.” Calls that once came from panicked residents are now often texted photos for identification, a testament to Rob’s influence on the community’s perception of snakes.

“People often think that snakes are aggressive,” he explains, “But you get what you give.” He emphasized the importance of debunking common misconceptions about snakes. 

In reality, snakes are elusive creatures that only move toward people when they feel trapped or blocked. Dispelling this and other myths are crucial for fostering a peaceful coexistence with these fascinating yet often beneficial reptiles.

Another fallacy is that smaller poisonous snakes are more dangerous. Rob clarified that venom strength does not correlate with size — in fact, larger snakes typically carry more venom and can deliver a more significant dose. Many also assume that the shape of a snake’s head can indicate if it’s venomous or not. This myth can lead to careless misidentifications, since non-venomous snakes such as bullsnakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes. 

Many overly alarmed homeowners may also fall for the allure of snake deterrents like “Snake Away.” Rob warns against such products, citing a personal experience where he found a copperhead coiled directly on a path treated with the deterrent. “These products do not work,” he said, encouraging residents to focus on practical prevention methods.

So, what should you do if you encounter a snake? Rob offers a straightforward piece of advice — “Live and let live.” If you spot a snake, carefully take a few steps back to ensure your safety. If in doubt, take a photo and share it with Rob for identification. Simple actions such as these can prevent unnecessary fear and promote well-informed discussions about snakes in the area.

In Denton County, the most common venomous snake Rob encounters is the copperhead, while non-venomous rat snakes are often found coiling around the local crops since they draw pests and rodents. Similarly, plain-bellied water snakes are often mistaken for their venomous counterparts, the cottonmouths. 

If you want to make your yard less appealing to snakes, Rob recommends managing your outdoor space by eliminating food sources, standing water, and shelter that attracts them. Regularly mowing your lawn and clearing away debris can also deter snakes from taking up residence nearby.

The recent discovery of the western diamondback rattlesnake serves as a reminder of the rich biodiversity in our surroundings and the importance of understanding and respecting all creatures that share our environment. Through community education efforts and responsible practices, we can learn to coexist peacefully with these misunderstood animals, ensuring both their survival and our safety.

As we embrace this thrilling new encounter for Denton County, local residents are encouraged to appreciate the beauty of wildlife, even that of rattlesnakes. By educating ourselves and remaining engaged with nature, we not only learn to live harmoniously with all God’s creatures, we become stewards of the world we share with them.