In The Year Of The Snake, Texas May See More Rattlesnakes

Texas may see more rattlesnakes, and other types of snakes, this year but not because it's the year of the snake.

2025, in the Chinese Zodiac, is the year of the snake. There are 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac, one for each month, assigned to people based on their birth year in a cycle that repeats every 12 years.

2 peeps born in July won't be the same animal unless they're born the same year or 12 years before/after. Snakes = 1977,1989, 2001, 2013 & 2025. For other years, back up/move forward by 12. (If you're not a snake or don't know your animal, click here.)

Most snakes are harmless but rattlesnakes are deadly and their population IS growing ...

Why Texas May See More Rattlesnakes In 2025

Oddly enough, this report says it's because of growth. I would have guessed human expansion into wild areas would result in fewer snakes since people tend to freak out and kill them along with their primary food sources; mice, rats, etc.

According to isoldmyhouse.com though, "urban sprawl" is helping snake populations grow.

If you are living in Texas, you may have noticed an increase in snake populations in recent years. Rattlesnake populations, particularly Western Diamondbacks, are noted for rising in areas where suburban development encroaches on natural habitats. As Texas continues to grow and develop, it is likely that snake populations will continue to increase in the state.

I'm not 100% sold on that but, as we push farther into the wild, there will certainly be more snake encounters. Extra warm weather may start "snake season" a little sooner than normal too.

If you have a pool, leaky faucets or other "available" water sources, they may come looking for a drink. (In El Paso, be especially careful in these areas.) Here's what to do if you see one.