Residents say slithering serpents are taking over Chicago suburb
- Snakes have begun showing up en masse on sidewalks, in parks and on doorsteps and bushes in sleepy Naperville, Illinois
- The city's animal control department says they are simply harmless garter and water snakes
- common wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus)
- western wormsnake (Carphophis vermis)
- ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus)
- red-bellied mudsnake (Farancia abacura)
- western hog-nosed snake (Heterodon nasicus) [state threatened]
- eastern hog-nosed snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
How common are snakes in Chicago?
You just need to know where to find them - they can often be shy and elusive. Some Illinois snake species are more common outside of the city limits, in different parts of Cook County IL, but many types of snakes are indeed common in the more urban parts of Chicago.
Are there any snake species in Illinois?
Snake species known to be found in the U.S. state of Illinois. Conservation concerns and listed statuses come from the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board 's February 2011 Checklist of endangered and threatened animals and plants of Illinois and the Illinois Natural History Survey's website. Current existence in IL uncertain.
Are there poisonous snakes in Naperville IL?
Naperville Animal Control says the serpents are harmless garter and water snakes. There are four species of venomous snakes in Illinois, including two kind of a rattlesnake, but none of them have been found in the suburb west of Chicago.
What kind of snakes are in Cook County?
The most common should be no surprise, common garter snakes, northern water snakes, smooth green snakes and fox snakes. Another half-dozen snake species have been recorded in all of Cook County. The top picture shows a smooth green snake. It’s still up for debate whether there are rattlesnakes in Cook County.
Are there snakes in the city of Chicago?
Most snakes are not adapted to city dwelling, so it's no surprise that Chicago and the immediate suburbs host only around a dozen snakes. The most common should be no surprise, common garter snakes, northern water snakes, smooth green snakes and fox snakes.
Does Chicago have rattlesnakes?
The Eastern Massasauga rattler was once common in such states as Indiana and Illinois. Until recent years, it could still be found in Chicago's Cook County. But the reptile's range and numbers have been steadily declining.
Are there poisonous animals in Chicago?
There are three common pests in Chicago that are poisonous and pose a threat to humans and animals: brown recluse spiders, black widows, and centipedes.
How common are snakes in Illinois?
There are 40 species of snakes common to Illinois. Native nonvenomous snakes include the common garter snake (most common snake in Illinois), Dekay's brownsnake, common watersnake, and plains garter snake.
What happens if a garter snake bites you?
Bite. While most species are classified as harmless (non-venomous), their bite can cause minor swelling or itching in humans, and anyone bitten by a garter snake should clean the bite thoroughly. It is not ultimately a cause for concern.
What time of day are snakes most active?
Snakes are at their most active when it's cool out. They move around most in the early morning and around dusk. Snakes hunt in tall grass, weeds, and other sources of vegetation. Around your home, they'll seek out shady or dark places where they can rest and cool down.
Does Chicago have brown recluse?
The Northern Black Widow (Theridiidae, pg2) lives in the Chicago Region but is seldom encountered. The Brown Recluse (Sicariidae) does not live here, though that may change with ongoing climate disruption.
What month do snakes come out?
Do snakes come out in the fall? Snake activity picks up as temperatures fall in late summer and early autumn before they go into hibernation, which can be as early as September or as late as December. On warm days, snakes in brumation sometimes come out of their dens to bask in the sunshine.
What big cats live in Illinois?
The American bobcat (Lynx rufus), which is the only native wild cat in Illinois, was once listed as a threatened species. It was first protected in 1972, but the designation was removed in 1999.
Do water moccasins live in Illinois?
ILLINOIS' VENOMOUS SNAKES The four species of venomous snakes in Illinois are the Copperhead, Cottonmouth Water Moccasin, Timber Rattlesnake, and Eastern Massasauga.
How can you keep snakes away?
How to Keep Snakes Away from Your HouseReplace grass or mulch with gravel. Snakes can't move or hide easily on gravel and other hard surfaces.Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water. ... Keep pet food inside. ... Trim bushes and trees. ... Reconsider water features. ... Install snake-proof fencing.
What's the most venomous snake in Illinois?
Timber RattlesnakesTimber Rattlesnakes strike their prey and release them, waiting until the venom has taken effect before eating them. These venomous snakes are potentially the most dangerous species found in Illinois due to their large size, long fangs, and high yield of venom.
Where are rattlesnakes found in Illinois?
Timber rattlesnakes may be found in the southern one-fourth of the state (south of Interstate 64), in the lower Illinois River valley, in the Mississippi River valley and in a few other locations. These snakes prefer heavy timber with rock outcrops and bluffs.
Do we have rattlesnakes in Illinois?
The four species of venomous snakes in Illinois are the Copperhead, Cottonmouth Water Moccasin, Timber Rattlesnake, and Eastern Massasauga.
Do we have rattle snakes in Illinois?
The timber rattlesnake may be found in those Illinois counties that border the Mississippi River and that have forested river bluffs. It also may be found in the southern one-third of Illinois. This snake lives in forested bluffs, abandoned sawdust piles and rock outcrops and may be found in fields in summer.
Where are rattlesnakes most commonly found?
SouthwestRattlesnakes are found in almost every part of the continental United States, but they're especially common in the Southwest. Mexico, Central America, and South America are also homes to rattlesnakes.
Where are the snakes in Chicago?
Residents say slithering serpents are taking over Chicago suburb. Snakes have begun showing up en masse on sidewalks, in parks and on doorsteps and bushes in sleepy Naperville, Illinois. The city's animal control department says they are simply harmless garter and water snakes. By Michael Zennie.
How many snakes are there in Illinois?
There are four species of venomous snakes in Illinois, including two kind of a rattlesnake, but none of them have been found in the suburb west of Chicago. Fishermen catch baby great white shark just a mile from New... I'm not a monster, I was having a pee! Chinese tourist...
Where is the Northern Water Snake?
Skin-crawling: This northern water snake was spotted near a river walk path in Naperville, Illinois - part of an influx of serpents in the city. Copy link to paste in your message. +2. Experts say the snakes, a gartner snake in a bush seen here, are harmless - but that doesn't stop residents from being unnerved by them.
Where are slithering serpents found?
Dozens of slithering serpents have been spotted in parks, on sidewalks and yards in Naperville, Illinois.
What snakes live in Illinois?
Racer Snake: Both the Blue Racer and Southern Black Racer are common snakes of Illinois, the latter of which are commonly spotted throughout the day as they hunt for prey such as lizards, frogs, mice, rats and toads.
What snakes are in Mississippi?
They will lash out if threatened, releasing a musky, foul smell, but there won’t be any lasting damage and there is no venom to worry about. Ringneck Snakes: There are three main types of ringneck snake found in this state: Prairie Ringneck. Northern Ringneck. Mississippi Ringneck.
What snakes dig up small toads?
Hognose Snake: As well as three species of ringneck snake, you’ll also find three species of hognose snake in Illinois also, a name given because of the upturned nose, perfect for digging up small toads and frogs in water-side areas. You’ll find these species:
What snakes live in the Northern Water?
Just as the name suggests, these snakes are very strong swimmers and often prey on creatures that live close to water - frogs, salamanders, toads, earthworms, slugs and snails with the occasional side helping of insects. Ribbon Snake: You’ll find subspecies of ribbon snake in Illinois including:
What are the different types of milk snakes?
Milk Snake: You may spot two species of milk snake in the state - Eastern Milk Snake or Red Milk Snake. Brightly colored and often confused with the coral snake (a venomous snake), the milk snake with its bright red, yellow and black markings is actually relatively harmless and quite small too, only growing to a maximum of 60 inches in length. Different species will have different habitats and also markings, but they’re patterns make them very well camouflaged in leaf litter and they general dwell in forested areas. Nocturnal by nature, they'll eat other small snakes, insects, slugs, worms, snails, earthworms and crickets, but are quite opportunist hunters and will eat anything they can get their jaws on.
What do garter snakes eat?
Found more often than not in the suburbs and towns of Illinois, they eat frogs, toads, and other water-swelling creatures, meaning they can also be found in moist vegetation. They will lash out if threatened, releasing a musky, foul smell, but there won’t be any lasting damage and there is no venom to worry about.
What is the difference between a smooth green snake and a rough green snake?
Green Snake: You’ll find both the Rough Green Snake and Smooth Green Snake in Illinois, the difference in the two being one has smooth scales whereas the other has rough. The name gives it away. Usually a solid green color, perfect for camouflaging in long grasses and other vegetation, they have a pale colored underbelly and generally only grow to around 30-40 inches in length, making them quite a small species in comparison.
