x
Breaking News
More () »

Rare Eastern black-tailed rattlesnake spotted in Jonestown

According to Tim Cole, owner of Austin Reptile Service, the Eastern black-tailed rattlesnake is more common out west, near Del Rio.

JONESTOWN, Texas — Jonestown police found a type of rattlesnake that hasn't been spotted in Travis County in over 60 years.

The snake was found in a Jonestown neighborhood Monday after being located by a resident who wanted it removed from their courtyard. 

Officer Justin Postell and Sgt. Guy Lanford captured the snake and called Tim Cole, owner of Austin Reptile Service, to come and get it.

Cole identified the snake as an Eastern black-tailed rattlesnake, a type of snake that hasn't been seen in Travis County since one was found dead on the road in 1953. Cole told KVUE he had never personally seen one in the 35 years he has lived in this area.

PHOTOS: Rare black-tailed rattlesnake spotted in Jonestown

According to Cole, the Eastern black-tailed rattlesnake is more common out west, near Del Rio. It is also said to be much calmer than the western diamondback rattlesnake.

RELATED: 

Southeast Austin neighborhood rattled by snake infestation

Rare sighting of cobra-like snake caught on camera at Brazos Bend State Park

Georgetown man saves family of squirrels from long, hungry rat snake

WATCH: How to protect yourself from a snake

Cole believes there may be more snakes like this one in the area – its parents if they're still alive – because they don't travel far. He believes the snake (or snakes) may have originated from canyons in western Travis County.

Cole and the Jonestown officers who found the snake asked the homeowner where it was found if they could bring it back to that location to take photos. She said yes, so they took the snake back, took photos of it and logged it into the iNaturalist citizen scientist database, which people can use to identify plants and animals with their phones.

Cole is keeping the Eastern black-tailed rattlesnake for educational purposes. He told KVUE when it dies, he will donate it to a University of Texas museum.

WATCH: How to protect yourself from a snake

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING:

After 35 years, homeless man readmitted to UT Austin to finish degree

Luna moths seen in Central Texas. What to know about these beautiful insects

Fort Worth couple dies on vacation in Fiji

Before You Leave, Check This Out