MAY 2014 SUNRAYS | 13
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CA NEWS
Reptile Activity as Spring Approaches
Submitted by the Wildlife Management Committee
The approaching spring and recent warm weather are com-
bining to awaken our scaly little friends. When temperatures
consistently exceed 55 to 60 degrees, you can expect to encoun-
ter reptiles in Sun City Texas. Most of these encounters will
impose no danger to our residents; however, we share Sun City
with two very dangerous critters: the western diamondback
rattlesnake and the Texas coral snake.
Residents are encouraged to know how to identify these snakes
and to avoid them. Googling “western diamondback rattle-
snake” and “Texas coral snake” will provide you with copious
images.
Residents are strongly urged NOT to kill any snakes. Inexpe-
rienced residents are putting their lives in danger when they
try to kill or remove rattlesnakes.
Texas coral snakes are dangerous, but are not prone to bite
humans. They are very timid and will try to avoid you.
How does rattlesnake behavior contribute to encounters, and
what can we do to minimize the danger?
Rattlesnakes:
1. Are nocturnal creatures. Residents should carry a strong
flashlight when walking at night. Many dogs react to snakes
with curiosity; keep pets on a short leash!
2. Like to hide in caves. Residents should not leave garage
doors open or cracked.
3. Hide under rocks. Residents must be careful when turning
over or moving rocks.
4. Feed almost exclusively on rats and mice. Rats and mice
feed almost exclusively on seeds. Birds scatter seeds around
bird feeders; minimize things in your landscape that attract
rats and mice. Feed the birds by planting native plants
which bear fruits that birds prefer.
5. Are ambush predators. They lie in wait for prey. Watch for
them coiled up in your landscape.
Sun City Texas residents have experienced at least three
envenomations in the last three years. Don’t think it can’t
happen to you. The AMA recommends that the only response
to a rattlesnake bite is to call 911 and/or proceed to the nearest
Emergency Room. If bitten,
DO NOT:
1. Put a tourniquet above the bite.
2. Cut the skin at the bite.
3. Try to suck out the venom.
4. Drink alcohol.
5. Apply ice.
6. Take antihistamines.
Try to stay as calm as possible!
It is not important that you take the snake to the Emergency
Room for identification.
If you have a reptile in your space, call one of our volunteers
for snake identification:
Jim Christiansen. ..............................................512-868-3504
Steve Kelley........................................................512-639-0539
Joe Moore............................................................ 512-639-8319
John Leek........................................................... 713-825-0145
Joe Plunkett........................................................ 774-226-0810
We have the experience, education and equipment to handle
the situation safely. We will relocate harmless snakes at a
resident’s request, but we recommend harmless snakes be left
in the landscape.
Rattlesnakes and coral snakes must
be destroyed.
reducing water consumption
For those of you who are interested in making some water
reducing changes to your yard, the following actions can
be completed without paperwork:
• Replacing Bermuda Tiff with Zoysia
• Replacing traditional shrubs with drought-resistant
or low-water plantings in existing beds
• Removing trees that are less than 19 inches in circum-
ference measured 12 inches from the ground
Common Areas
On another note, a reminder that our Common Areas
belong to the entire community, with responsibility for
their maintenance assigned to the Community Associa-
tion staff and volunteer committees. Modifying or tres-
passing on the Common Areas is prohibited unless under
the direction or supervision of those persons responsible
for its appearance.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 26, this year.
As with all our holidays, banners and/or other holiday
appropriate items may be displayed for seven days before
and after the holiday, as well as on the day itself. If you
plan to display a flag, be sure to review Article 5.9 in the
Design Guidelines:
• Visit
and click “Site Index” at the top
right of the page
• Under “D,” click on “Documents, Forms, Guidelines”
• Click the “Design Guidelines for Modification” and,
when it opens, scroll to Article 5.9 for proper handling
of our nation’s flag
Hope to see you at the observance at our Veterans
Memorial Plaza, held annually to honor our fallen heroes.
Ginny Wagner can be reached at
512-948-7462 or email
Bits of Info from Ginny’s Desk
Submitted by Ginny Wagner,
Community Standards Supervisor
