Venomouns snakes such as rattlesnakes, copperheads and cotton mouths populate all of Arkansas. Snakes Other common snakes such as ratsnakes, kingsnakes and gartersnakes also range across the state.
What kind of water snakes are in Arkansas?
Here in Arkansas, you will find the Mississippi Green Water Snake, Northern Water Snake, Plainbelly Water Snake, Broad-banded Water Snake, and the Diamondback Water Snake. Coral snakes are a large group of venomous snakes in the Elapidae family. Other members in the same family are sea snakes, copperheads, mambas, king cobras, and more.
Are diamondback water snakes poisonous in Arkansas?
This snake is often confused for a venomous snake, but like all other water snakes diamondback water snakes are not venomous. They are an aggressive snake though and will release musk and fecal matter if provoked. They are common in Arkansas, but especially in the eastern half of the state.
Why are there so many deadly snakes in Arkansas?
The Arkansas Wildlife Action Plan identifies snake “species of concern” because of declining numbers, including two venomous species, the western diamond-backed rattle-snake and the coralsnake, both venomous species.
How do I identify a snake in Arkansas?
If you have encountered a snake in Arkansas that is not yet on our list or that you cannot identify yourself, we’ll be happy to identify it for you. Simply take a picture of it and upload your picture, a quick description and the U.S. state where it was found here on our snake identification page .
Are there venomous snakes in Arkansas?
Venomous snakes use venom (specialized saliva) to capture their food. Six species of venomous snakes occur in Arkansas, but many harmless snakes are accused of being venomous.
Does Arkansas have a lot of snakes?
Snakes are showing up and people across the state are getting spooked. Arkansas is home to 36 species of snakes ranging in sizes and colors. Out of the 36, only six are venomous. We have three rattlesnakes in the state, the western diamondback rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake, and the pygmy rattlesnake.
What kind of snake is black in Arkansas?
Found all over the state, ribbon snakes have black bodies with bright and bold stripes running down the length of their bodies. These snakes like to live near the edges of bodies of water like streams, rivers, swamps, and marshes.
What are the 6 venomous snakes in Arkansas?
Here are the state's six venomous snakes, and what to know about them.Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. (Crotalus atrox) ... Timber Rattlesnake. (Crotalus horridus) ... Copperhead. (Agkistrodon contortrix) ... Cottonmouth. (Agkistrodon piscivorus) ... Texas Coral Snake. (Micrurus tener) ... Snake Prevention.
What month do the snakes come out in Arkansas?
They will be most active in Arkansas during the spring, summer, and fall and less active in the winter. They are most active from early spring through the beginning of summer, implying they are looking for food and mates. Snakes are still active in the late summer and early autumn.
How do you keep snakes away from Arkansas?
Keep grass mowed and remove brush piles around your home to help prevent both rodents and snakes. Be weather aware. Snakes like warm sunny weather. In Arkansas, they will be most active during spring, summer, and fall and less active during the winter.
How do you keep snakes away from your yard?
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.
How do you get rid of snakes in your yard?
How to Get Rid of Snakes in Your YardSpray the Hose. If you are completely certain the snake is not dangerous, gently spray a hose at a snake from a distance to help it move along.Trap with a Garbage Can. ... Use Snake Repellent. ... Eliminate Standing Water. ... Set a Trap. ... Remove Shelter. ... Fill in Burrows. ... Keep Your Grass Short.
What does a baby moccasin look like?
Baby cottonmouth (water moccasin) snakes are typically about 8 inches long (20 cm) and tan in color, which is much different than adults who are black. They usually have 10-15 reddish-brown bands, often with darker spots within the bands. A distinctive feature is the yellow or greenish tail end.
Is there water moccasins in Arkansas?
The western cottonmouth (also commonly called a water moccasin), Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma, is a relatively large (maximum length 158 cm), heavily bodied, semiaquatic viperid that occurs throughout most of Arkansas.
Does moth balls keep snakes away?
Mothballs are commonly thought to repel snakes, but they are not intended to be used this way and have little effect on snakes.
What do you do when a snake is near you?
If you have an encounter with a snake, give it the right-of-way. Do not attempt to kill the snake, just move out of the snake's way. If you encounter a snake in the housing area or in your yard, call the police desk at 255-2222 and follow their instructions.
Are there alligators in Arkansas?
Fortunately, alligator populations in Arkansas have increased following twenty years of protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act. The waters of Arkansas Post National Memorial provide valuable habitat to over a dozen alligators, some of which are fourteen feet in length.
Can rattlesnakes get in your house?
Unlike most pests, a rattlesnake in the house doesn't gain entry by climbing or digging. Snakes get inside homes through holes in the foundation near the ground. Baby rattlers are often small enough to slip through the gaps under a door.
Is it against the law to shoot snakes in Arkansas?
It is illegal to kill snakes in Arkansas unless they pose an immediate threat to people, pets or property, and most cases of snakebites are the result of people accidentally stepping on an unseen snake or purposefully agitating or trying to kill it.
How can I keep snakes out of my yard?
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.
How many snakes are there in Arkansas?
Of the 39 species of native snakes in Arkansas, only six are venomous (Table 1). Several excellent resources are available for identifying snakes.
What is the FSA number for Native Snakes of Arkansas?
To see references or print this information download our publication Native Snakes of Arkansas FSA-9102
How do I avoid snake encounters?
Understanding snakes and their habits can help with avoiding being bitten. Oftentimes movies and the media play upon people’s fear of snakes. Snakes do not purposefully try to do harm. A venomous snake observed from a distance and left alone is completely harmless.
How do I deal with snake problems?
There are several options for dealing with snake problems including habitat modification, exclusion from buildings, capture/release of nonvenomous snakes, constructing a snakeproof fence or birdhouse and leaving them alone.
What is the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission?
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission enforces regulations which prohibit killing nongame species, including venomous and nonvenomous snakes, except under limited circumstances . Commission code allows nongame wildlife (excluding bats, migratory birds and endangered species) that pose a reasonable threat to persons or property to be taken. Presumably a venomous snake which is endangering others, especially children, can be dispatched.
Why do snakes bite?
Most snakebites occur when snakes are harassed or threatened, such as when attempting to harm or kill them. Snakes have only a few means of defense. Most rely on their camouflage. A study by the Missouri Department of Conservation reported copperheads tracked with radio telemetry avoided human activity. When humans were nearby, copperheads remained quiet to avoid detection as their primary defense. A snake’s camouflage makes them well-suited to hiding undetected in locations where prey species are likely to be present. Snakes wait for their prey underneath or beside logs, rocks and debris.
How to identify venomous snakes?
The best way to identify venomous snakes is by their color patterns (Figure 3) . Many nonvenomous snakes are mistaken as venomous. Some possess color patterns which mimic venomous snakes (Figure 4). This is especially true for juveniles which may not resemble adult coloration.
Why are snakes important in Arkansas?
Snakes in Arkansas are necessary to a healthy ecosystem. Helping people understand snakes can not only take away some of the fear that people have, but also help people understand the importance of protecting and supporting snake populations. Most snakes avoid people, so the next time you’re hiking in Arkansas and are surprised by a snake, be aware that it’s likely more surprised by your presence.
What is the name of the snake that plays dead?
If you’ve spent time around online snake enthusiasts, then you’ve likely seen people referring to snakes as “drama noodles”, and the Eastern Hognose is the epitome of this. These snakes are known for playing dead in the most dramatic fashion by flipping themselves on their backs and gaping their mouth open when startled or threatened. They are nonvenomous and can be good pets.
What do Dekay's brown snakes eat?
They are primarily nocturnal and tend to hide under objects. The majority of their diet consists of insects, like grubs and earthworms, and they have specialized teeth that allow them to remove snails’ bodies from their shells. They will opportunistically eat small animals they encounter under rocks and logs, though, like small salamanders. They do not typically do well in captivity and it’s not unusual for juveniles to die in captivity before reaching adulthood.
What is a cottonmouth snake?
They are carnivorous snakes that consume all manner of aquatic life, including frogs, fish, and other snakes. These snakes are dark-colored, which allows them to blend into the water’s surface effectively. It’s obvious that Cottonmouths are powerful swimmers, but they are also adept at climbing trees, although they rarely do so.
What do rough earth snakes eat?
They spend most of the time hiding under objects like logs in search of prey. They primarily eat insects and small animals, like frogs. They do not make good pets because they rarely thrive in captivity, although some people do keep them as pets.
Is a Speckled Kingsnake venomous?
Another widely misunderstood, nonvenomous snake, the Speckled Kingsnake is a large, beautiful snake that is excellent for pest control. They are especially prized for consuming other snakes, including venomous snakes, although they rarely cannibalize other Speckled Kingsnakes. They are generally docile snakes that are popular as pets, but captive-bred snakes are usually more even-keeled than wild-caught. They enjoy foraging and enjoy “sniffing” out prey with their tongue.
Is a cottonmouth a water snake?
Another commonly encountered venomous snake, Cottonmouths are also a water snake in Arkansas. They also go by the name “Water Moccasin”. They are pit vipers like Copperheads, but they have more potent venom and a more powerful bite, making them more dangerous to humans. However, their bites are not typically deadly in adults.
What are the most common snakes in Arkansas?
Crayfish/Mud Snakes. The last category of common snakes in Arkansas are the Crayfish/Mud Snakes. There are 4 snakes in this category and they are the Mud Snake, Graham’s Crayfish Snake, Glossy Crayfish Snake, and Queen Snake. The longest of the group is the Mud Snake. It can grow up to 54 inches long whereas the others lonely grow up to 2ft long.
Where do the Woodland Snakes live in Arkansas?
Each of the Woodland Snakes has it’s own favorite area of Arkansas to live in. Some of them love the Ouachita Mountains, others enjoy the River Valley, while some live in the Mississippi Delta.
What snakes are poisonous?
In the Venomous snake category, you will find the Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Texas Coral Snake, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Western Pigmy Rattlesnake, and Timber Rattlesnake.
What is the name of the snake that has red scales?
Coral snakes are a large group of venomous snakes in the Elapidae family. Other members in the same family are sea snakes, copperheads, mambas, king cobras, and more. They are well known for their bright colored bands of red, black, and yellow scales. -source
Is Arkansas crawling with snakes?
Don’t worry, Arkansas isn’t “crawling with snakes.” There aren’t nests of them under every rock but they are out there.
Where are ribbon snakes found?
The western ribbon snake, thamnophis proximus, is a nonvenomous colubrid snake found in the Central United States, Mexico and parts ...
How big is a rough earth snake?
The rough earth snake is a 7-10 inch long nonvenomous snake that lives mostly underground. It is native to the ...
What is a ringnecked snake?
The ring-necked snake, Diadophis punctatus, is a harmless small snake that can be found throughout most of the United States ...
What is a brown snake?
Storeris dekayi, commonly called the (American) brown snake or Dekay's snake is a small non-venomous snake that can be found ...
Where do timber rattlesnakes live?
The timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, is a venomous snake native to the Eastern part of North America. It is usually ...
Is a watersnake venomous?
The common watersnake is a nonvenomous snake that is often seen throughout the Eastern United States as well as Southeastern ...
What snakes live in Virginia?
Smooth Earthsnakes (Virginia valeriae) are the only representative of the Virginia genera. It’s odd that a similar small, brown snake called the Rough Earthsnake (Haldea striatula) gets placed in a different genera. The rough have keeled scales, or a ridge on each of the scales. Both inhabit the same range in Arkansas.
What is the name of the snake that lives in the forest?
Red bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) They are small snakes and very common in fields, forests and residential areas. Very nice snakes, they are willing to be friends with city dwellers. Red-bellied snakes continue the tradition of nice, small Arkansas snakes. They live mostly in wooded areas and eat ...
How big is a flat head snake?
All the species are regionally based, included the Flat-head. Cute as a button with its flat head, they also rank as the smallest of the Arkansas snakes, maybe an average of eight or nine inches. Flat-headed Snakes have pink bellies and it helps differentiate them from the earthsnakes.
What snakes have black dots on their belly?
p. arnyi) has numerous randomly scattered black dots on its belly and a bright red or orange undertail. The Mississippi Ring-necked Snake (D. p. stictogenys) has black dots on its belly that are paired.
What is the food source of a queen snake?
They inhabit most water areas of the East that host their primary food source, crayfish. Because they share a range and habitat with cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) snakes, many tend to be unnecessarily killed. The picture shows a Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata).
What is the name of the journal that published the diet and prey size of the flathead snake?
In 2004, Copia, an academic journal published by The American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists published an article called Diet and Prey Size of the Flathead Snake, Tantilla gracilis. The researchers concluded:
Where do mud snakes live?
These striking red and black bodied snakes live in the muddy waters of ponds, creeks, swamps and slow moving Arkansas streams close to the Mississippi. They mostly mind their own business, burrowed in the mud.
Where do snakes live in Arkansas?
Snakes live throughout the state of Arkansas in just about every kind of environment, but there are several species that prefer to live in or near the water. It’s these snakes that we’re focusing on for this article, the water snakes in Arkansas.
Where do diamondback snakes live?
They are common in Arkansas, but especially in the eastern half of the state. The diamondback water snake enjoys basking on tree limbs above the water and hunting for its prey which includes small amphibians, lizards, mice, etc.
Why are red-bellied water snakes called red-bellied water snakes?
Red-bellied water snakes are named for their bellies that are often red, but can also be a very plain color which is why they are also called the plain-bellied water snake. Nerodia erythrogaster erythrogaster, the red-bellied water snake, is a subspecies of Nerodia erythrogaster which is the plain-bellied water snake.
How big do diamondback snakes get?
Their scales are a very rough texture and they typically grow to be about 3-4 feet long , though in some cases bigger. The underside is often a yellow or light brown color.
What are the preys of midland water snakes?
The midland water snake is found throughout much of Arkansas. Their main prey items are frogs, fish, and even other snakes. Their coloration is very similar to the copperhead and the cottonmouth, so they’re often mistaken for these two species.
Where do banded water snakes live?
The banded water snake inhabits the swamps, rivers and lakes in most of Arkansas, though not as common in northwestern parts of the state. They are known to sometimes interbreed with midland water snakes. Although they are harmless and non-venomous, they have a wide, flat head and dark coloration which makes them look very similar to a cottonmouth, a species with which they often share habitat.
Where can I find a green water snake?
The green water snake, also sometimes called the Mississippi green water snake, can be found in Eastern Arkansas within proximity of the Mississippi River. This snake grows to be between 2 and a half feet to 3 and a half feet long and is mostly green or brown with dim black crossbars. Their belly features light spots on grey or brown. Females are typically larger than males and their scales are ridged.
