  This Bulletin has been prepared in response to many requests from hunters, ranchers, telephone construction personnel, Boy Scouts and others who spend much time outdoors, for a concise and illustrated guide to the poisonous snakes of Texas. The information presented is merely an outline of the poisonous snakes found within the state and is not intended to replace the several excellent snake books now on the market. Sixteen species and subspecies of poisonous snakes, belonging to four general groups, are found in Texas. The most characteristic features of each are described. A photograph accompanies each description and a map indicating the snake’s known range by counties is included. With this information, the reader should have little difficulty recognizing the poisonous snakes found in his region and, should he be required to render first aid for snake bite, the text and photos covering this subject will help him to do the job successfully. A number of persons have extended help during the current revision of this booklet. I am most indebted to Alvin Flury, information and education officer for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, who not only did much of the necessary legwork for the project, but who also provided the impetus that saw it to completion. Thanks are due also to the following persons for county records of poisonous snakes in Texas: Ralph W. Axtell, Richard J. Baldauf, Edward W. Bonn, Bryce C. Brown, James R. Dixon, Alvin Flury, John W. Forsyth, W. C. Glazener, W. Grainger Hunt, L. M. Klauber, Verlin Nethery, Floyd Potter, Kirk Preston, Stephen Preston, Gerald G. Raun, Michael Sabath, Joe T. Stevens, Ernest C. Tanzer, Donald W. Tinkle, Clay Touchstone and John Wooters. Live specimens for making photographs used here were provided by Russell J. Long, Rusty Martin, Ernest C. Tanzer, Clay Touchstone and Lawrence Curtis. Finally, I wish to thank Robert L. Carlisle, Joseph F. Gennaro, Richard MacAllister, Don W. Micks, J. Fred Mullins, A. C. Stimson and John H. Werler for other information and assistance. JOHN E. WERLER POISONOUS SNAKES OF TEXAS |
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