Davis Mountains State Park hosted a hands-on homeschool program this week featuring a live snake demonstration led by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department biologist Austin Bohannon.
Bohannon, described by staff as both biologist and “snake charmer,” shared several species with students, including a Gopher snake, Desert kingsnake, Trans-Pecos rat snake, and Alpine Honduran milk snake. A Mexican milk snake and Mexican hognose snake were also part of the educational experience.
The program emphasized the important role non-venomous snakes play in the ecosystem by helping control rodent populations and serving as prey for larger predators. As temperatures rise in West Texas, the park reminds visitors to be alert for venomous species like Black-tailed, Rock, and Mojave rattlesnakes.
The best advice for staying safe, staff noted, is to always be mindful of where you place your feet and hands and to keep areas around the home free of clutter that could attract snakes.
Photo credit: TPWD staff.
