Reminder of wildlife in the park - Warming weather means more awareness of surroundings

This post is not meant to scare anyone and is intended to reminder everyone that when visiting Forest Oaks Park, we are visitors. Our park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including snakes. With Cypress Creek running along one side of the park and plenty of woods remaining, we have a number of different types of snakes. While it was cold today (Monday, 3/10), the weather will be heating up quickly with temps in the mid to upper 80s in the coming days. That means snakes will be more active.

When visiting the park, we remind everyone that all visitors should stay off of all rock structures, spillways, and waterfalls. Parents should not allow kids to walk, climb, or play on those structures as they are where we have the most snake interactions due to the warmth of the rocks.

We remind all park users to have a greater sense of awareness in all areas of the park. If you are planning on fishing near the water's edge, you need to check your surroundings frequently. If walking on nature trails in the woods, keep an eye on the path in front of you and avoid stepping over or on a snake. Snakes can and do climb trees. Avoid leaving a nature trail and brush-crashing through the woods.

Treat all snakes as if they are venomous. Regardless of your comfort level with snakes, LEAVE THEM ALONE! Do not try to pick one up or chase it off. Keep your eyes on it and back away in the direction you came. Do not throw items at it as that may agitate it and make it aggressive.

With Klein ISD spring break right around the corner, we expect more usage of the park. Stay alert at all times and don't let kids wander off without supervision.