Snake ID

Can’t see the bands well enough but based on the body shape and that dark band through the eye, I’m guessing Cottonmouth.

Kill it. If it’s a water snake it’s his fault for looking so similar to a cottonmouth

No vertical lines on the mouth. It’s a cottonmouth

100% cotton

Ai said the following:

This appears to be a Western cottonmouth (water moccasin) — a venomous snake found throughout eastern and southeastern Texas, including the Houston area.

A few features in your photo point that way:
Heavy, muscular body with a relatively short, tapered tail.
Broad, blocky head noticeably wider than the neck.

Dark brown/olive coloration with faint darker bands, which fits a cottonmouth.

The snake is raising the front of its body and head in a defensive posture, behavior commonly associated with cottonmouths.
I don't see a rattle, but cottonmouths don't have rattles.

Louisiana Parks and Wildlife
It does not look like a typical western diamondback rattlesnake; the characteristic diamond pattern and banded/rattling tail aren't apparent.

That's definitely a cotton

Do water snakes typically hold their head up like that? I’ve noticed cottonmouths typically do.

100% Mr. Cotton

ETA: When you pick it up, remember to support the mid part of the body. Holding them by the tail makes them want to climb upward. Support the body well and he’ll be chill while you handle him.

Have the folks calling it a watersnake grab it