Missouri’s native water snakes include the northern water snake, the diamond-backed water snake, the yellow-bellied water snake, and the Mississippi green water snake. Their habitat consists of ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and wetland areas. As with most water snakes, they can be confused with the venomous cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Agkistrodon piscivorus is a venomous snake, a species of pit viper in the subfamily Crotalinae of the family Viperidae. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States. As an adult, it is large and capable of delivering a painful and potentially fatal bite. When threatened, it may respond by co…
Full Answer
What kind of water snakes are in Missouri?
Missouri’s native water snakes include the northern water snake, the diamond-backed water snake, the yellow-bellied water snake, and the Mississippi green water snake. Their habitat consists of ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and wetland areas. As with most water snakes, they can be confused with the venomous cottonmouth.
Where do rough green snakes live in Missouri?
Rough Green Snakes live in bushes, vines, or low-hanging branches near bodies of water. It eats soft-bodied insects like grasshoppers and crickets and is found in the southern half of Missouri.
What kind of snakes are red bellied in Missouri?
Description: One of Missouri’s smallest snakes, the northern red-bellied snake is gray-brown or reddish-brown on top and bright red or orange below. It usually has a light tan stripe down the back.
What snakes are naturally found in Missouri?
Western Worm Snake. Northern Scarlet Snake. Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer.Prairie Ring-necked Snake.Great Plains Rat Snake. Black Rat Snake.Western Fox Snake. Western Mud Snake. ... Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. Prairie Kingsnake. ... Red Milk Snake. Eastern Coachwhip. ... Diamond-backed Water Snake.Broad-banded Water Snake.More items...
Are there any venomous snakes in Missouri?
There are five poisonous snakes in the state of Missouri: the Osage Copperhead, Western Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and the Pygmy Rattlesnake.
What is the most venomous snake in Missouri?
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) The Timber Rattlesnake can be found in almost every state in the eastern half of the United States, including most of east and central Missouri. It is the largest venomous snake in Missouri, spanning up to five feet in length.
Does Missouri have lots of snakes?
Missouri is known for having wide open plains, expansive waterways, and a large section of the Mississippi River. It also is home to almost 40 different species of snakes. That's a lot of snakes, but only five of those snakes are venomous.
Does Missouri have Anacondas?
Breaking News (Taney County Missouri) - Giant anaconda found in Mark Twain National Forest near Branson. A 33 foot 900 pound anaconda was discovered by a construction crew deep inside the Mark Twain National Forest.
What is the largest snake in Missouri?
The bullsnakeThe bullsnake is Missouri's largest snake. It is tan, yellow, or cream-colored with numerous, large, brown, or black blotches. The markings along the back and sides are generally black on the neck and tail, and brown at midbody.
Is killing copperheads illegal in Missouri?
Status. This is our most common venomous snake, and it is common in suitable habitats. All snakes native to our state are protected by law. It is against the law to kill them, except when a venomous snake is in such close association with people that it might result in someone being bitten.
Can you smell a snake in your house?
“They usually don't smell like anything unless you pick one up and smell it a lot, you might smell a musky, really nasty smell.” People might see snake skin sheddings around the house if a snake has been there for a while. It is common to see snakes in a home if there is a mice problem.
Do water moccasins live in Missouri?
Habitat and conservation. This species lives in two distinctly different habitats; in southeastern Missouri, they live in swamps and oxbow lakes, and in the southern Ozarks, they live in cool, spring-fed rocky creeks and river sloughs. The cottonmouth is a dangerously venomous species that can deliver a fatal bite.
Is killing snakes illegal in Missouri?
The Wildlife Code of Missouri treats snakes, lizards, and most turtles as nongame. This means that there is no open season on these animals, and it is technically unlawful to kill them.
What US state has the most snakes?
California: 33 It is home to more than 33 snake species, and many are endemic to the state. It has six venomous snakes.
Are there pythons in Missouri?
Authorities said Burmese pythons don't live in the wild in Missouri and there have been no reports of missing pet snakes in the area. However, a state Department of Conservation spokesman said Burmese pythons are often released into the wild when they become too large for pet owners to handle.
Do water moccasins live in Missouri?
Habitat and conservation. This species lives in two distinctly different habitats; in southeastern Missouri, they live in swamps and oxbow lakes, and in the southern Ozarks, they live in cool, spring-fed rocky creeks and river sloughs. The cottonmouth is a dangerously venomous species that can deliver a fatal bite.
Are water snakes in Missouri poisonous?
For defense, watersnakes bite viciously (but they are not venomous) and secrete a strong-smelling musk from glands at the base of the tail. Similar species: The midland watersnake (N. sipedon pleuralis), another subspecies, occurs in the southern third of Missouri.
What US state has the most snakes?
California: 33 It is home to more than 33 snake species, and many are endemic to the state. It has six venomous snakes.
Are Missouri rat snakes poisonous?
Black ratsnakes are non-venomous; they kill their prey by constriction. They're best known for their color combination of a shiny bluish-black body undercoated by a whitish belly. Young black ratsnakes have distinctly different color patterns than mature adults.
What are the 5 Venomous Snakes of Missouri?
The 5 venomous snakes of Missouri are the timber rattlesnake, the western pygmy rattlesnake, the eastern copperhead, the northern cottonmouth, and...
What Kind of Snakes Live in Missouri?
Most of the snakes in Missouri are kingsnakes, watersnakes, and ratsnakes. Colubrid snakes are the most common family of snakes in the state.
What is the Biggest Snake in Missouri?
The bullsnake is the longest snake in Missouri. A bullsnake can reach over 6 feet long on average. The timber rattlesnake is a bit shorter but heav...
How can You Identify if a Snake is Venomous in Missouri?
All venomous snakes in Missouri are pit vipers. This means they have a thick head with a narrow neck. They also have a heat pit under the eye and v...
Where are Poisonous Snakes Found in Missouri?
Venomous snakes are found in the entire state of Missouri. Remember, poisonous snakes are dangerous if you bite them, while venomous snakes are dan...
What Missouri Snake Looks Like a Copperhead?
Juvenile ratsnakes are frequently confused for copperheads. Ratsnakes do not have hourglass markings. Copperheads are very thick and have an hourgl...
Habitat Specialists
Some snakes are habitat generalists and live in all areas of the state. Others are considered habitat specialists and are restricted to specific locations.
Snakes Native to Missouri
Below is a list of snake species native to Missouri, organized by family.
Snake Conservation
The Missouri Department of Conservation lists these species as extirpated or likely extirpated from the state:
What You Need to Know
Snakes don’t consider humans as prey but as big intimidating predators.
Coexisting With Snakes
Some people don’t want snakes near their homes because they fear for their safety and the safety of their loved ones.
How many snakes are there in Missouri?
The state of Missouri has a wide variety of wildlife habitats and is home to roughly 46 species and subspecies of snakes. Most of these snakes are non-venomous and completely harmless to humans. Even the venomous species only bite humans out of self-defense.
What is the largest snake in Missouri?
The timber rattlesnake is Missouri’s largest venomous snake. This snake is found statewide living on rocky, wooded hillsides. They are generally tan in color with a dark brown pattern down their body, complete with a reddish, almost rust-colored stripe down the back. They pack a venomous bite but very few bite incidents are reported.
Why are rattlesnakes so rare in Missouri?
Found scattered across the northern half of the state, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is becoming increasingly rare in Missouri due to habitat destruction. This species has a highly venomous bite but human deaths are very rare. This snake is gray with dark brown blotches all over the body.
What do blue racer snakes eat?
They prefer fields, grasslands, and open wooded areas. They have a variable diet consisting of frogs, lizards, rodents, and birds.
Where do prairie kingsnakes live?
The prairie kingsnake and the speckled kingsnake are native to Missouri and found statewide. Kingsnakes typically spend their days under rocks, brush, or inside of burrows. Kingsnakes eat other snakes and are unharmed by the bite of any of the native venomous snakes.
Where can I find cottonmouth snakes?
The western cottonmouth is primarily found in the southeastern corner of Missouri with some sparse distribution throughout the Ozark region. It gets the name “cottonmouth” from the white coloration inside the mouth that is displayed in times of defense. This snake is semi-aquatic and will be found near bodies of water, they primarily feed on fish.
Where can I find garter snakes in Missouri?
Garter snakes are harmless species that are typically found near water sources hiding under rocks and vegetation.
Where do ground snakes live in Missouri?
Ground Snakes are found in the southwestern corner of Missouri. Flat-headed Snake ( Tantilla gracilus) This snake is tan, brown, or reddish-brown with a dark head and a pinkish belly. It is the smallest snake in Missouri, growing between 7 and 8 inches. It lives under rocks in moist soil, typically on wooded hillsides.
How many snakes are there in Missouri?
The United States is home to about 50 species of snakes with 47 of those species being found in Missouri. Most of the snakes in Missouri are also found in varying concentrations in the surrounding states but some stretch to areas even further away. All five of Missouri’s venomous snakes are pit vipers, meaning they all have a deep pit between ...
How big is a snake?
Snake Anatomy. Snake species can range in size from 4.1 inches to 17.1 feet. One of the most distincting characteristics of snakes is the shedding of snakeskin, or molting, that allows cell turnover and new growth. The anatomy of snakes’ respiratory system is interesting.
What is the motion of a snake?
They can also travel sideways in a motion called sidewinding. This is typically used on slippery surfaces like sand or mud. When sidewinding , a snake will contract its muscles to hurl its body through the air, moving laterally and maintaining only two points of contact with the ground.
Where do milk snakes live?
Both part of the genus Lampropeltis, Kingsnakes and Milksnakes have a large geographical range in North America, ranging from Canada to Montana to Ecuador. These snakes have smooth scales and an undivided cloacal.
Where can I find rough earthsnakes?
They are found in the United States ranging from Virginia to central Texas, including parts of south and south-central Missouri. They are a light grey or brown color with a pointed head.
Where are earth snakes found?
Earthsnakes include the genera Haldea and Virginia and are found exclusively in the eastern and southeastern United States. They have a divided cloacal.
What is the most common snake in Missouri?
The Timber Rattlesnake pictured is Missouri’s most common venomous snake with a statewide distribution. Missouri also hosts all three of the Massasauga species, although not in great numbers. The remainder of this look at Missouri snakes focuses on the colubrids.
How many snakes are there in Missouri?
Of the approximately forty Missouri Snakes, five get categorized as venomous. Snakes.
What snakes live in the East?
If no rattle, think Bullsnake. 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. They inhabit most water areas of the East that host their primary food source, crayfish.
How big do diamondback water snakes get?
Diamondback Water Snake (pictured above) Physically, water snake bodies grow anywhere from three to six feet in length. Their dark, often blotched skin, helps them blend into their environment. Water Moccasins shares a similar habitat and slightly resembles a few watersnake species.
Why don't snakes get copied?
Snakes in the genera Farancia, don’t get much copy or recognition, primarily because they inhabit areas most often not inhabited by humans. Two species, the Mud Snake and Rainbow Snake live in the muddy waters of ponds, creeks, swamps and slow moving Southeast streams, and the range also extends a bit up the Mississippi River Valley.
What is a mud snake?
The picture shows the Mud Snake, a striking black and red colored snake. Rainbow Snakes have red lines down the body. Both species can grow to be fairly large and robust, in the five to six foot range. Mud Snakes consume water based amphibians such as sirens and salamanders.
What is the color of a coachwhip snake?
Many of the subspecies have different color patterns from red to yellow to brown to dark to tan. Body color in these snakes is very much a function of geography and climate.
How many snakes are there in Missouri?
There are six venomous snakes native to Missouri that are members of the pit viper family. Pit vipers have a characteristic sensory pit located between the eye and nostril of each side of the head, which detects the body heat of a small mammal or bird. Their pupils are elliptical in shape, and they have a pair of well-developed hollow fangs located on the front of the upper jaw. Missouri’s venomous snakes all have a single row of scales along the underside of the tail, which can be used to distinguish venomous from harmless snake by examining a shed skin. Also, the four species of rattlesnakes have the characteristic rattle at the end of their tail.
What is the largest snake in Missouri?
About: This is Missouri’s largest venom-ous snake. The timber rattlesnake lives on rocky, wooded hillsides where it tends to congregate in selected south-facing rocky areas where it overwinters. This snake uses camouflage to avoid being seen; however, it will bite if harassed. It is dangerously venomous and medical attention must be immediately sought if bitten. There are only a few cases of rattlesnake bites in this state.Description: Generally tan or yellowish-tan, the timber rattlesnake has markings along the back that are dark brown and change from blotches on the neck to bands near the tail. Often, a dark line extends from the eye along the angle of the jaw, and there is a rust-colored stripe down the back. It has a large rattle at the end of its tail.Length: Ranges from 36 to 60 inches (91–152 cm).
How do snakes kill mice?
They bite a prey, inject venom, and then quickly release the prey . A mouse or other prey dies in minutes and all the snake has to do is follow the odor trail and eat the freshly killed rodent. By using venom, these snakes do not have to struggle with the prey and risk injury or death to itself. A venomous snake venom apparatus, however, can also be used for protection.
What is a shovel snake?
About: This species is restricted to sandy, loose prairie soils. Its shovel-like snout is used to dig out prey, which it detects by smell, or to burrow to hide from predators. Like other hog-nosed snakes, this species is known to play dead in self-defense. This species has not been seen in the state for many years.
Why is the Eastern Milksnake named?
About: Also known locally as the red milksnake, the eastern milksnake was so named for the myth that it had the ability to nurse milk from cows. This species lives under rocks on wooded, rocky hillsides and glades. It kills its prey by constriction.
How many pages are there in the Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri?
The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri (2000) by Tom R. Johnson. To purchase this 368-page book, visit the MDC Nature Shop at mdcnatureshop.com or call 877-521-8632 to place your order.
How to keep snakes away from my house in Missouri?
Venomous snakes are not desirable around human dwellings. It is possible to discourage snakes around homes by eliminating their food and shelter. Piles of boards, fence posts, dump heaps, roofing paper, scrap steel roofing, railroad ties, slabs of bark, and piles of rocks provide hiding places for snakes and the prey they eat. Removing these attractions and generally tidying up are the best ways to keep a premise free of snakes. Inspect foundations, doors, and low windows to make sure there are no openings where snakes might enter. Once openings are found, repair, plug, or caulk them to prevent further use. There are no reliable perimeter sprays or chemicals to repel snakes. Many non-ven-omous snakes are often welcomed or tolerated by Missouri’s residents. However, if you are afraid or worried about snakes, we recommend any harmless snake encountered be captured with a hoe or stick, or swept into a large container (e.g., trash can, bucket), and released unharmed in an isolated, safe habitat.
Where do ground snakes live in Missouri?from sites.wustl.edu
Ground Snakes are found in the southwestern corner of Missouri. Flat-headed Snake ( Tantilla gracilus) This snake is tan, brown, or reddish-brown with a dark head and a pinkish belly. It is the smallest snake in Missouri, growing between 7 and 8 inches. It lives under rocks in moist soil, typically on wooded hillsides.
How many snakes are there in Missouri?from petkeen.com
The state of Missouri has a wide variety of wildlife habitats and is home to roughly 46 species and subspecies of snakes. Most of these snakes are non-venomous and completely harmless to humans. Even the venomous species only bite humans out of self-defense.
What is the largest snake in Missouri?from petkeen.com
The timber rattlesnake is Missouri’s largest venomous snake. This snake is found statewide living on rocky, wooded hillsides. They are generally tan in color with a dark brown pattern down their body, complete with a reddish, almost rust-colored stripe down the back. They pack a venomous bite but very few bite incidents are reported.
Why are rattlesnakes so rare in Missouri?from petkeen.com
Found scattered across the northern half of the state, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake is becoming increasingly rare in Missouri due to habitat destruction. This species has a highly venomous bite but human deaths are very rare. This snake is gray with dark brown blotches all over the body.
What color is a copperhead snake?from petkeen.com
The head may have some pink or orange color, hence the name “copperhead.” Copperhead venom is considered mild compared to that of other venomous snakes, but medical treatment should still be sought if a person is bitten.
How do snakes breathe?from sites.wustl.edu
These chambers handle excretions and reproduction. 1. Snakes breathe similarly to mammals by contraction of muscles to allow the passage of air into the abdomen. The air sac of the snake located near the tail functions as an air sac but does not contract in the same way as a lung.
How do snakes move?from sites.wustl.edu
The snake contracts its neck muscles to move its body from side-to-side. Aquatic snakes prefer this method because the water pushes back against the snake’s motion and propels it forward. On land, snakes will use resistance points such as rocks or sticks to propel themselves forward.
What is the name of the snake in Missouri?
The western ratsnake was long known as the black rat snake, and many know it simply as "black snake.".
What is the Missouri herpetological society?
If you're interested in conserving Missouri's amphibians and reptiles , you might enjoy being a member of a herpetological society. These nonprofit organizations study amphibians and reptiles, help educate the public about them, and help conserve them and their habitat.
How are snakes and lizards related?
Snakes and lizards are closely related. Snakes are legless, have no external ear opening, and are not slimy. About half of our snakes lay eggs, and half give birth to completely developed young. As they grow, snakes shed their outer skins three to five times a year. All snakes can swim.
What snakes have a triangle head?
Although the venomous snakes have a somewhat triangle-shaped head, several harmless species, such as watersnakes, gartersnakes, and hog-nosed snakes, can and do flatten their heads, which can cause them to appear triangular. Title.
How to keep snakes away from my house?
Piles of boards, fence posts, dump heaps, slabs of roofing paper, scrap corrugated steel roofing, burlap, slabs of bark, and piles of rocks provide hiding places for snakes and the food they eat. Removing these attractions and generally tidying up are the best ways to keep the premises free of snakes. Inspect foundations, doors, and low windows to make sure there are no openings where snakes might enter.
What are snakes and lizards?
Snakes are reptiles — a group that also includes lizards, crocodiles, and turtles. Reptiles in general are covered with scales, are the same temperature as their surroundings, and have been around for millions of years. Snakes and lizards are closely related. Snakes are legless, have no external ear opening, and are not slimy. About half of our snakes lay eggs, and half give birth to completely developed young. As they grow, snakes shed their outer skins three to five times a year. All snakes can swim. The internal organs of snakes are elongated, which allows them to fit into the tubular body cavity. Most species have an elongated right lung and no left lung.
Where are pit vipers located?
Pit vipers have a characteristic pit located between the eye and nostril on each side of the head. They also have a pair of well-developed fangs.
Where can I find rattlesnakes in Missouri?
The Timber Rattlesnake can be found in almost every state in the eastern half of the United States, including most of east and central Missouri. It is the largest venomous snake in Missouri, spanning up to five feet in length. Its diet is not limited to small creatures – it eats lizards and rodents, but it can also eat rabbits and other larger mammals. It is a bright tan color with brown v-shaped spots that become bands near the tail, and it has a huge rattle at the end of its tail that serves as a defense mechanism. Timber Rattlesnakes are most active between April and October, and they are nocturnal during the summer. Found in the wooded forests or near river bottoms of Missouri, they could once exist statewide, but now their numbers are declining due to habitat loss.
Where can I find copperheads in Missouri?
They can be found in wetlands and on rocky, forested hillsides, and they normally eat small creatures, such as mice, insects, small birds, lizards, etc.
Where can I find massasauga snakes?
The Eastern Massasauga can be found in the northern parts of Midwest states, ranging from Wisconsin to southern Illinois, including several places in eastern Missouri. Grassy wetlands are home for the reclusive, non-aggressive Massasauga Rattlesnake. This snake eats primarily rodents and other small snakes, and measures between 18 and 30 inches long. Located sparsely within the northern areas of Missouri, Massasaugas have a thick, dark gray or gray-brown body, with darker, geometrically-shaped spots. They prefer wet, marshy habitats, uncluding bogs and river bottom forests. The current number of Massasaugas is dwindling, but efforts put into marsh restoration would help to ensure the species’ survival.
Where can I find cottonmouth snakes?
This snake can be found in much of the southeastern United States, including the southeastern tip of Missouri. It ranges from 76-122 cm in length. The Northern Cottonmouth can be olive, brown, or black with crossbands of varying intensities. In youth an individual will have a very patterned head but the pattern fades when the snake reaches maturity. They have a lighter colored ventral side. Cottonmouth snakes will vibrate their tales when excited, a distinguishing characteristic of this species. Cottonmouths are often confused with nonvenomous water snakes but can be separated by traits such as the tail vibration. They are found in moist environments such as swamps, floodplains, streams, beach areas, or brooks.
How big are tan foxes in Missouri?
They are found across the whole state of Missouri. They are 61-90 cm in length. Individuals can be pink, tan, grey, or brown with a coppery red head. The dorsal side has distinct brown crossbands with dark borders.
Where do cottonmouths live?
Cottonmouths are found primarily in southeasten Missouri, and are most active between April and October. As aquatic snakes, they prefer marshy, braskish waters, and eat primarily fish. However, they also eat frogs, lizards, rodents, and other small creatures. Many harmless water snakes are often mistaken for Cottonmouths.
Where do rattlesnakes live?
Rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes include genera Crotalus and Sistrurus and are only found in the Western Hemisphere from Canada to Argentina. Their scales are keeled and their cloacal is undivided. Rattlesnakes are often recognized by the sound they make with the rattle part of the tale.
The Venomous Snakes in the United States
Coral snakes are brightly colored and have distinctive bands, but they are the rarest venomous snake in the United States.
How Many Types of Snakes Live in Missouri?
Missouri has 38 different types of snakes that live throughout the state. The vast majority of them are non-venomous and serve an important role in the food chain. They help keep rodent and small mammal populations low and serve as meals for eagles and other animals.
The 5 Venomous Snakes in Missouri
The five venomous snakes in Missouri are the copperhead, timber rattlesnake, cottonmouth, western pygmy rattlesnake, and eastern massasauga rattlesnake. All these snakes are pit vipers and share some qualities, such as their triangular heads and cat-like pupils.
