Lets take a closer look at the four types of rattlesnakes in Kansas. When pit vipers bite, they deliver venom through 2 fangs. Space limitations mean that all Kansas snakes can not be presented on this page. Of those species, only four are venomous. Luckily, Timber Rattlenskaes have a mild disposition and dont often bite. Geography partially explains snake diversity in the state. Young copperheads in Kansas have bright green or yellow tails, making them easy to distinguish from adults. Smooth Earthsnakes (Virginia valeriae) are the only representative of the Virginia genera. Even though this type of snake is not venomous, it does bite when it feels threatened or provoked. This snake is diurnal and actively hunts and eats lizards, small birds, rodents, and other snakes. The U.S. is home to the rattlesnake, which is one of the worlds deadliest snake families. 21-6411 - 6418; 21-5504; 60-5401. This is because when copperheads in Kansas are threatened, they freeze and hide, rather than attack. Thankfully, the Copperheads venom is not among the most potent and the snakes bite is rarely deadly. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Copyright 2020 USASnakes. So if youre kayaking, fishing, or swimming and you see one of these snakes,give it a wide berth. Have some feedback for us? One of the more common venomous types of spiders in Kansas, the brown recluse has a notoriously wicked bite. If you encounter a snake, whether its one of the water snakes in Kansas, a venomous species, or a completely harmless one, show some respect and give the snake room. Milk snakes mate in early summer and lay eggs in midsummer (June to July). Their excellent camouflage coloration allows them to blend into the leaf litter and soil. A woman found a highly venomous snake tapping at her door in Australia. The Eastern brown snake was filmed at a glass sliding door in Lindendale last year, but Once the animal dies, the Prairie Rattlesnake will eat it whole. In most cases snakes wont bother you unless you attack them or surprise them or if they feel cornered or threatened. Too many people kill snakes unnecessarily just because they are snakes. Some people have even been surprised to find litters of baby Copperheads in their mulch or near planters, so its best to stay on your guard when youre doing any outdoor work during the fall. But, well also learn more about this species as a whole, what they look like, how big they get, and what they do. The copperhead snake, Agkistrodon contortrix, is a venomous snake that can be found Copperheads are fairly common in eastern areas in open spaces and forest edges. However, they are considered threatened and declining in parts of their range. These markings extend from one side of the body to the other over the back; theyre darker than the rest of the body. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The most common venomous snake in South Carolina, the copperhead, while it prefers to avoid human contact, can often be found in yards and gardens, which can cause problems for homeowners. Coloration is variable, and generally ranges from yellowish brown to gray to almost black. 8. If you turn and leave or back up and give the snake some space the chances are good the snake will just go away. Every litter of Copperheads can contain up to 14 snakes, so from August to October be on the lookout for any baby copperheads when youre working or playing outdoors! The timber rattlesnake is a shy snake and usually will hide or flee rather than attack. These are alert and curious snakes with excellent vision that can sometimes be seen raising their heads above the top of grass to view what is around them. When they feel threatened, these snakes will freeze, trying to use their camouflage to avoid detection. Below weve listed some of the most common snakes found in Kansas, along with some interesting information about each type so youll know what to watch for when youre out exploring the great outdoors. Pit vipers include rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths (water moccasins). They may be common, but copperheads in Kansas are nothing if not reclusive and shy. It can be found throughout Rena dulcis, the Texas blind snake, is a small snake endemic to the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. The Kansas anti-cruelty statutes define cruelty to animals as knowingly killing, injuring, maiming, torturing, burning or mutilating any animal. Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. Lets dive into snakes across The Free State! Using models to predict the ranges of 78 venomous snake species across the Americas, researchers at the University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute found snakebite risk areas could increase significantly. 42 species of snakes call Kansas home. Copyright 2022 Homelesspests.com. If one of these snakes feels threatened, it will try to escape. When this snake bites its prey, it will hold the animal in its mouth until the venom kills it, then the prey is swallowed whole. In the days after a white man shot a Black teenager who rang the wrong doorbell in Kansas City, Missouri, Manny Abarca wrote a letter. Plain-bellied Water Snake: Scientific Name: Nerodia erythrogaster: Family: Solid Toothed & Rear Fanged: Average Length: 164cm: Venom: Non-venomous: MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) As the weather continues to warm, snakes across Kansas are becoming more active. However, its not likely that youll be bitten by one of these snakes as theyre quick to take off when they feel threatened. Learn more. Look for these venomous snakes in lowland thickets, high areas around rivers and flood plains, agricultural areas, deciduous forests, and coniferous forests. Snakes by US State Snake Image Gallery Snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy About Contact. Because of their secretive nature, copperheads prefer rocky outcroppings and crevices. The prairie rattlesnake is almost always found in the western half of the state so if you frequently are outdoors in the western part of Kansas look out for the prairie rattlesnake. Copperheads may be scary, but theyre highly unlikely to attack humans. Crotalus viridis. Officials at Dinosaur Valley State Park in Texas found a venomous snake that theyve named Red Hot Cheeto.. They are responsible for the most snakebite fatalities in Australia, with a highly toxic venom that can cause heart, diaphragm and lung failure. Black-Tailed Rattlesnake Grand Canyon Rattlesnake Massasauga Mojave Rattlesnake Prairie Rattlesnake Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake Rock Rattlesnake Sidewinder Speckled Rattlesnake Sonoran Coral Snake Tiger Rattlesnake Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Arkansas iStock Copperhead Cottonmouth Pygmy This fear is unfounded. Whether youre from Kansas or are planning a visit there to explore the great outdoors, its always good to know what snakes you may encounter when roaming around the state. The speckled brown reptile is known for a fondness of rocky areas, dry vegetation, and its habit of settling down in other creatures burrows. Featured Image Credit by joolsthegreat, Pixabay. The rough green snake is a medium-sized green nonvenomous snake found in the Southeastern United States and in Mexico. Copperhead snakes are plentiful in Kansas. Didn't find what you need? The common garter snake is the best-known and most widespread species among the garter snakes. Keep your lawn mowed and clear of piles of boards, rocks and trash. All venomous snakes in the US Fortunately, most copperhead bites are dry bites, meaning no venom is injected. The Western Massasauga is one of the smallest venomous snakes in the country! WebLuckily, this venomous snake species is usually only found near bodies of water, but if you happen to come across one, its best to know as much about them as you can. Three additional gartersnake species have ranges that extend across most of Kansas, making them easily recognized by residents: Plains Gartersnake (Thamnophis radix); Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis); Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus). By 2050, they could reach as far north as Alberta and Quebec and southward into Argentina and Chile. The number of species and subspecies can change over time as scientists learn more Snake bites are rarely fatal but they can cause serious damage to your body. In 2020, Texas poison centers had a 54% increase in snake calls. That would be a mistake. You should also know that in Kansas you need to have a permit to kill snakes. Snakes in the genus Regina (Queen Snakes and Gray Crayfish Snakes) are another of the common species in the Eastern United States that are less well known to the larger public. The Timber Rattlesnake is the most deadly of the venomous snakes in Kansas so if you do see one you should leave it alone. And for good reason. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? This snake is difficult for humans to handle as it writhes, defecates, and releases a foul smell. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Manage Settings Speckled Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis holbrooki) extend their range across the state and need not worry about the states rattlesnake population because they are immune to the venom. Females give birth to ten to twenty live babies. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? MCPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) As the weather continues to warm, snakes across Kansas are becoming more active. Their eyes are yellow, with vertically elliptical pupils. In effect, they are the top snake in Kansas. Sign up for my weekly emails and and receive my 179 page eBook "Bird Feeding Secrets" in your inbox. In 1775 it was featured at the center of the Gadsden Flag. This yellow flag depicts a coiled and ready-to-strike Timber Rattlesnake and the words Dont Tread on Me.. A Cottonmouth gets its name from how it displays when threatened. Because of this, theyre most likely to be encountered hiding in bushes or under rocks. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The best thing you can do to protect yourself from a snake bite is to be aware of your surroundings. Nerodia watersnakes may puff up or flatten out defensively and bite. Heres a list of additional Kansas snakes not addressed in this presentation. Typical copperheads grow to be between 20-35 inches long. Be careful when picking up rocks and firewood. This species is an ambush hunter, meaning that it selects a suitable site and waits to surprise its prey. The list is separated into non-venomous and venomous snakes in Kansas. These venomous snakes can be found in western Kansas in open prairies, grasslands, semi-desert shrublands, and forested environments. There is absolutely no need to capture or kill the snake that bit you. In the video, a second snake can be seen next to the eastern brown tapping at the woman's door. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Dinosaur Valley State Park. The Northern Water Snake swallows its prey alive and feeds on a wide variety of fish, frogs, toads, crayfish, and tadpoles. The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today, See a Gator Bite an Electric Eel With 860 Volts, See Dominator The Largest Crocodile In The World, And As Big As A Rhino, This Buffalo Calf Puts a Male Lion in Their Place, Snake Quiz - 70,639 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch a Gigantic Python Attack a Range Rover and Refuse to Give Up, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake, Watch an Indigo Snake Consume a Python Whole. They can grow large and bulky, and somewhat resemble rattlesnakes. Venomous snakes are dangerous animals and should be left alone. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. The 10 Snakes Found in Kansas: 1. Sharp-tail Snake Unless you are a huge fan of snakes, you have probably never heard of the Sharp-tail Snake before. However, young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk from the copperheads venom. Like all wildlife, copperheads will defend themselves if necessary. Identity 130+ Snake Species From The USA (With Images). Because it is situated in the center of the United States, Kansas ranks up at the top of the snake diversity list with approximately forty different snake species. The picture highlights how its physical features, yellow speckles over an otherwise dark body. It inhabits the marshy areas of eastern Kansas. Look for dark brown or black crossbands on their back. A woman found a highly venomous snake tapping at her door in Australia. Pit vipers include rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths (water moccasins). Web(1) Lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs and mountain lions, or any hybrid thereof; (2) bears or any hybrid thereof; and (3) all non-native, venomous snakes. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. In healthy adults, there is little chance of serious complications. The Northern Water Snake is one of the water snakes in Kansas that can be seen in many lakes, rivers, and streams across the state. The slender Coachwhip Snake can be found in open areas with sandy soil in pine forests, fields, and prairies in the southern and western regions of Kansas. Unlike other snakes, copperheads dont flee either. DO NOT RELY ON THIS ARTICLE to correctly identify a snake that has recently bitten you. They primarily inhabit grassland habitats but can also be found in open sagebrush prairie, rocky hillsides, prairie hillsides, open wetlands, and grassy wetlands. Not many people associate Kansas with Kansas snakes. Like other pit vipers, they ambush their prey and track them while the venom takes effect. However, there are six snakes that are venomous and dangerous, including cottonmouth snakes, copperhead snakes, and rattlesnakes. If someone attempts to pick up an Eastern Hognose, the snake will spray musk vigorously and then fake death if its not put down. Their prey includes cicadas, grasshoppers, mice, lizards, small snakes, voles, rats, salamanders, squirrels, and caterpillars. Pale tan color on a relatively stout body with cross bands that are light tan and darker toward the edges. Have some feedback for us? However, it is not considered dangerous to humans. The Eastern Hognose is found in forested areas of eastern Kansas west along major streams to the Colorado border. They rattle and coil, lifting themselves off the ground to prepare to strike. They represent a small proportion of the countrys approximately 250 total snake species and subspecies. A Cottonmouth bite not only hurts, but it can be potentially fatal. Due to their specialized fang and large venom glands, these snakes can deliver a lot of venom in a single bite! What do you do? Plains Milk Snake. [1], Family Kinosternidae mud and musk turtles, Family Emydidae basking and box turtles, There are 16 species of lizards in Kansas. "On closer inspection she found a second snake in distress too.". It prefers to flee rather than attack. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. However, when they do rattle, Western Massasaugas make a distinctive sound. Even though there are only five venomous snakes that are found throughout Kansas you should always be on the lookout for these snakes and be very wary if you see one. Like all garter snakes, they have stripes down the body. SCOTUS Now Just Another Congressional Committee, Trump Ramps up Attacks on DeSantis: 'Dropping Like a Rock', Russian Strikes on Pavlohrad Aim to Hamper Ukraine's Counteroffensive, Greg Abbott Criticized for Response to Texas Shooting: 'A New Low', Democrat Sold First Republic Stock, Bought JP Morgan Before Collapse, Conservative Influencers Struggle With Countering Biden's Messaging. Agkistrodon Contortrix Copperhead Snake. This makes them one of the smallest venomous snakes in Kansas. Of those species, only four are venomous. While this snake travels several yards during the day in search of food, it spends long periods coiled up and immobile, waiting patiently for prey to approach. As pit vipers, copperheads have heat-sensing pits located just behind their nostrils. Thamnophis ordinoides. The plains milk snake has a very striking appearance that looks scary, but this is a non-venomous snake. They are fairly common in the East and easily recognized by their smooth brown body. Though their venom is highly potent, the small quantity they deliver makes their bites much less likely to cause fatality in humans than some larger venomous snakes. 2023 The University of Kansas Health System, About the University of Kansas Medical Center, Learning to provide excellent patient care. Reports of cottonmouth snakes in Kansas are rare, so its unlikely youll encounter one in the state. Kansas City Star. The Northern Water Snake doesnt lay eggs like many other snakes. These spiders usually have a However, they may also be seen in swampy areas, coniferous forests, and near river habitats. Everyone wants to know if any dangerous snakes live near them and what they look like! Since all of Kansass venomous snakes are pit vipers, all bites receive the same antivenom. Youre most likely to see them active during the day in the spring and fall when the weather is cooler. Occasionally, copperheads in Kansas also occur near water sources, like lakes, rivers, and swampy areas. In addition, copperheads are considered pit vipers, which means they have a heat-sensing organ located between their eyes.