There are four kinds of venomous snakes in Texas: Copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasins), rattlesnakes and coral snakes. Copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes are called pit-vipers because they have a pit near each nostril which is highly sensitive to heat. This pit helps the snake in locating warm-blooded prey.

Copperheads

Copperhead snakes have bands of gray and/or brown with a copper-colored heard. They blend in with leaf-covered forest floors and it’s possible to stare right at a copperhead without seeing it. Copperheads bite rather than strike. Because they are so well camouflaged, most bites occur when a snake is accidentally picked up or sat or laid on. Always use care when picking up or flipping over logs, boards, old tin or other items where copperheads may be resting.

Cottonmouths/ Water Moccasins

The cottonmouth, or water moccasin, rarely strays far from water. It can be found in marshes, swamps, ponds, lakes, ditches, and canals in East and Central Texas and along the Gulf coast. It is a stubby, muscular snake and can grow to nearly six feet. When threatened, it will open its mouth to show its fangs. The inside of its mouth is white and reminded people of cotton, hence the name cottonmouth. They eat frogs, fish an small animals. These snakes can be very defensive and sometimes aggressive. They can bite underwater. Swimmers, bathers and anglers on river banks should always keep an eye open for these snakes.

Rattlesnakes

Nine kinds of rattlesnakes are found in Texas, including the massasauga. Rattlesnakes usually “rattle” before striking, but if they are totally surprised, they may strike before rattling. Most of the rattlesnakes are active at night, when they hunt for prey such as mice, rats and rabbits.

The Western Massasauga lives in prairies from the Gulf Coast up to the Panhandle

The Timber Rattlesnake lives in East Texas.

Western Diamondback lives in North, Central, South and West Texas.

Coral Snakes

Only one species of coral snake is native to Texas. The coral snake is shy and rarely seen. It has, in order, red, yellow and black colors. The coral snake has a small mouth, and is usually not aggressive. Its bites are dangerous, but very rare.

Other, harmless snakes have similar colors in a different order. The rhyme “red and yellow kill a fellow” can help you remember that the coral snake’s red and yellow colors touch, but the harmless milk snake has red touching black.

How to avoid snakes

The best defense against snakes is avoidance. To avoid a particular animal, it is best to know what it looks like and where it is likely to be found. Snakes are often found under rocks, fallen limbs and in the leaf litter. They can also be hidden in tall grassy & brushy areas. Rodents are one of a snakes favorite meals, so avoid areas where mice and rats may be, such as trash, brush and rock piles, stacked lumber and stone walls fences. When outdoors, always look where you step. When you know you are going to be in snake territory, wear boots, thick jeans or chaps and gloves.

Avoid walking around your campsite in the darkness. Rattlers are nocturnal much of the year. If you have to move about, use a flashlight to light your way and don’t go barefoot. Step on a log never over it.

In Texas we have an average of 2-3 deaths per year from snakebites, compared with 5 to 7 for insect bites and 8 for lightning.

What to do when bitten?

If someone has been bitten by a venomous snake, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Call 9-1-1 or the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 for information about which medical centers in your area have the appropriate antivenom. If possible call ahead to the medical center so the antivenom can be ready when the victim arrives.

Move the victim safely away from the snake. If you see the snake, try to remember what it looks like or take a digital picture of it if you can do so without putting yourself at risk. This will aid the doctor in determining which antivenin is needed.

Do not attempt to capture the snake; however if the snake is dead, place it in a suitable container and bring it with you to the hospital for identification. Be careful to avoid contact with the dead snake?s head however, as it may be able to bite reflexively for a short time after death.

Keep the victim, and yourself, calm.

Remove jewelry or constricting clothing from the victim quickly, before any swelling begins.

Lift the bitten limb so that it is level with the heart. Raising it above heart level could hasten distribution of the venom to other parts of the body. Holding the limb below heart level could lead to increased swelling of the affected limb.

Limit movement of the bitten limb and avoid any unnecessary exertion by bringing transport to the victim, if possible.

Gently wash the bite wound with soap and water, if available.

What NOT to do for Snake Bite Victims

Do not attempt to suck venom from the bite wound.

Do not make cuts over the snake bite. This often leads to more tissue trauma and damage.

Do not apply a tourniquet or other constricting device.

Do not apply a cold pack or ice to the snake bite.

Do not take pain reliever or other medications unless instructed to do so by a physician.

Sources:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us

• Items in the News You should Know About

President Obama has a food safety working group that promises to address many of the issues that have been caused by corporate farming.

6) Produce Storage Tips:

We aim to grow and package our vegetables to maintain the highest taste and nutritional quality possible. However, once they’ve left the farm it’s up to you to keep them fresh and nutritious. There’s no refrigeration at the CSA drop points so it’s best to pick up your box as early as possible. Here are some additional tips on how to store this week’s share:

Spinach, Kale, Chard, Lettuce, Salad Greens, Pak Choi, Braising Mix and Cooking Greens will stay fresh in the crisper for 4-7 days and should be kept in plastic bags. Any bunch greens can be freshened by cutting an inch of the bottom stalks and soaking the entire bunch in cold water for 10 minutes. Place in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few hours to revive. Also, when you receive lettuces and other delicate greens like arugula, you will notice that we bag them wet. This helps keep them fresh until members can pickup and refrigerate them. The lettuce heads, lettuce mixes, and arugula should not be refrigerated wet, though. Once you bring these vegetables home, you should wash and dry them before bagging and refrigerating. If you follow these steps, you lettuce should stay fresh.

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Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Scallions, and Summer Squash will last 4-7 days in plastic bags in the crisper.

It is best to store the Onions at 40 to 45 degrees F. Don’t whole store onions in the refrigerator because the moisture is bad for them. Don’t store potatoes near onions. The onions will absorb moisture from the potatoes.

Checkout our storage tips on our website for a more complete guide, and of course, feel free to contact us with any questions. The National Center for Home Food Preservation is your guide for how to can, freeze, dry, pickle or ferment just about anything.

The first cultivated sunflower ( there are lots of native sunflowers already in full regalia) to bloom in the fields.

7) Johnson’s Backyard Garden Contact Info:

Johnson’s Backyard Garden
9515 Hergotz Lane, Box E
Austin, TX 78742

Office Phone: 512.386.5273
Office Hours: M-F 8am to 12:30pm

e-mail: farm@jbgorganic.com