N. TX sees more snakes than usual

DALLAS (AP) - Seeing snakes? Experts credit rainy weather for more snakes than usual slithering about in North Texas yards and ponds.

Jon Campbell, chairman of the biology department at the University of Texas at Arlington , said he and other snake experts usually get lots of calls in the spring. Campbell said this year is especially busy "because we had good rain at the right time."

Snakes mainly spend the winter underground, so when spring arrives they come out to eat and drink.

Brett Johnson, an urban wildlife biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department , said the agency has had numerous reports of nonvenomous water snakes. He said rat snakes "can have a little bit of an attitude" and will snap at people.

Johnson said if you see a snake, "just leave it alone."