Snake season has arrived in Texas: Hays Co. snake conservationists on high alert

Early Spring happens to be the peak of snake season and the busiest time of year for Brent Ormand and Zach Sautell, snake conservationists in Hays County.

The two are skilled snake wranglers who respond to calls with the help of their dog storm who can sniff out snakes in the area. Not to kill, but to relocate any snakes they find

"Everybody I know was taught to kill snakes as they grow up and they are just one of the most misunderstood creatures in the world,” Ormand said. "Every time you kill a non-venomous snake you invite a venomous snake into that area."

Last year, the two rounded up about five snakes from Hays Youth Baseball Softball Association fields. The organization had to close its doors for a week to allow Ormand to clear the area. Ormand said he patrols the area and hasn’t seen any since.

Ormand became a conservationist after learning most snakes help the ecosystem and are used in medical research.

"Snake venom in the medical field is used for cancer research copperhead venom is used specifically used for breast cancer research at this time," Ormand said.

Ormand and Sautell have encountered up to 200 western diamondback rattlesnakes in Hays County last year and 9 species in the area.