There are five species of venomous snakes in the area. Two rattlesnakes, the pygmy rattlesnake ("Sistrurus miliarius") and the canebrake or timber rattlesnake ("Crotalus horridus") are both uncommon to rare. Timber rattlesnakes are a threatened species in Texas, as they are in most states where they occur and are protected by state laws. The Texas coral snake ("Micrurus tener") is not uncommon however, they are secretive, often fossorial, and seldom seen. Two of the most common snakes, venomous or non-venomous, are the copperhead ("Agkistrodon contortrix") and cottonmouth ("Agkistrodon piscivorus"). Venomous snakes deserve caution and respect, but are safely observed when distances of 15–20 feet are maintained.