Evian García Morales, a Cuban living in Houston, Texas, experienced quite a shock this week when he mistook a snake for a garden hose during a routine task at home.
The incident was captured on video, where García Morales, speaking in his distinctive Cuban accent, describes the moment of his discovery: "Look at this, I was just here trying to turn it on, I hadn't noticed it, it looked like a hose, and look what it is."
The footage shows the snake lying beside a water pipe, which explains the initial confusion.
Rather than losing his sense of humor, García Morales directly addresses the reptile, commenting that it seemed "stressed."
While encountering snakes might be relatively common for many Houston residents, for Cubans, such an experience is quite unusual. In Cuba, snakes are not indigenous, and there is no cultural familiarity with these reptiles in domestic settings, making any encounter in yards or gardens both surprising and, at times, alarming.
Snake Season in Houston
Currently, Houston is in the midst of its most active snake season, which runs from late February through June, peaking in March and April. During this time, snakes emerge in search of food, mates, and nesting areas, frequently appearing in backyards, garages, and residential gardens.
Among the more dangerous species in the area are the coral snake and the western diamondback rattlesnake. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department advises residents to remove potential shelters in their yards, such as rocks, piled branches, or tall grass, manage rodent populations, and seal entry points to minimize the risk of encounters.
Cuban Community and Animal Encounters
Houston is home to an estimated Cuban community of about 100,000 people, primarily residing in neighborhoods like Gulfton and Spring Branch.
Videos of Cubans in exile reacting humorously to unexpected animal encounters have become a popular genre on social media. Such is the case with the viral incident of a cockatoo attacking Cuban influencer Preña Palma. García Morales' snake encounter video is poised to join this list of well-loved clips.
Understanding Houston's Snake Season
When is snake season in Houston?
Snake season in Houston typically occurs from late February through June, with the most activity observed in March and April.
What are some dangerous snake species in Houston?
Some of the more dangerous snake species in Houston include the coral snake and the western diamondback rattlesnake.
How can residents reduce the risk of snake encounters?
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends eliminating potential shelters like rocks, branches, or tall grass, controlling rodent populations, and sealing entry points to reduce the likelihood of snake encounters.