Nevertheless, many of the caves on this page are also sensitive to excessive traffic. You have to drive up to the gate until the bumper touches it, then smoothly accelerate through the gate without hesitation. If you don't know how to do this, have someone hold the gate open as you drive through or you may damage your vehicle. Rattlesnakes are natural inhabitants of some Texas cave entrances. As National Speleological Society members, we are committed to leaving cave life alone except for scientific study and conservation reasons.
Rattlesnakes are highly poisonous and are common on the Texas karst.
Leave them alone on the surface too-they belong there. We know of no caver ever being bitten by a rattlesnake in a Texas cave, but that's because we throw lots of rocks when we go in. This stirs the snakes up for awhile, but then they usually crawl away from the noise. This is safer than crawling into a cave with a gun in hand. Always throw several rocks into a cave before entering and listen for the tell-tale rattle.