A GUIDE TO MISSOURI’S

SNAKES

M I S S O U R I D E PA R T M E N T O F C O N S E R VAT I O N
A Guide to Missouri’s Snakes
by Jeffrey T. Briggler, herpetologist, and Tom R. Johnson, retired herpetologist,
Missouri Department of Conservation

Photographs by Jeffrey T. Briggler, Richard Daniel, Tom R. Johnson, and Jim Rathert
Edited by Larry Archer
Design by Susan Ferber
Front cover: Eastern milksnake. Photo by Jim Rathert.

mdc.mo.gov
Copyright © 2017 by the Conservation Commission of the State of Missouri

Published by the Missouri Department of Conservation

PO Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102–0180

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Missouri Depart-
ment of Conservation is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color,
religion, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, veteran status,
or disability. Questions should be directed to the Department of Conser-
vation, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102, 573-751-4115 (voice) or
800-735-2966 (TTY), or to Chief, Public Civil Rights, Office of Civil
Rights, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW,
Washington, D.C. 20240.
GET TO KNOW
MISSOURI’S SNAKES
Snakes have generated more fear and misunderstanding than any
other group of animals. Psychologists have proven that a fear of
snakes (called ophidiophobia) is acquired; we are not born with it.
Once people learn some of the interesting facts about snakes and
discover that most of them are harmless and beneficial, their aversion
may diminish. With patience and understanding, almost anyone can
overcome a dread of snakes and actually enjoy studying them. One
thing is certain — even people with a well-developed fear of snakes
are curious about them.
Missouri, with its wide variety of wildlife habitats — prairies, Ozark
hills and valleys, swamps, marshes — has 49 species and subspecies
of snakes (a subspecies is a geographic race of a species). Most of our
snakes are harmless. Although many may bite in self-defense, their
bites usually produce nothing more than harmless scratches. There
are only six species of venomous snakes in all of Missouri, and they are
described in a separate section of this pamphlet.
Snakes are members of the Class Reptilia, a group
that also includes turtles, alligators, crocodiles,
and lizards. Snakes and lizards are similar in
many ways, but there are some import-
ant differences. A clear, non-movable
scale covers the eyes of all snakes,
whereas most lizards have move-
able eyelids. Most lizards have
legs, but some are legless. The
slender glass lizard, which lives
nearly statewide in Missouri, is
an example; it looks like a snake
because it has no legs, but like all our lizards, the slender glass lizard
has moveable eyelids and external ear openings, both of which are
lacking in snakes. In addition, lizards have a pair of lungs, while most
snakes have an elongated right lung and either no left lung or only a
rudimentary one.
Although snakes are legless, they are able to move about with ease. A
snake’s backbone has from 200 to 400 vertebrae, depending on the

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 species, which permits extreme flexibility. Snakes move forward by
a side-to-side movement, or in a straight line using muscles that are
anchored to the ribs and attached to skin, allowing forward movement.
Sometimes this movement is described as walking on their ribs. All
snakes can swim.
Snakes must swallow
their food whole, and
some can engulf animals
three times the diameter
of the snake’s head. The
lower jaws of snakes are

TOM R. JOHNSON
loosely joined to the
skull and the upper jaws
are moveable. A snake
grasps its prey (fish, frog,
mouse) by the head and
A bullsnake eating a mouse.
engulfs it by advancing
first one side of the jaw
and then the other. The snake’s teeth also help it swallow. The teeth
are sharp and curve toward the rear of the mouth. They hold the prey
and prevent its escape. Some snakes, such as watersnakes and garter-
snakes, eat their prey alive, while venomous snakes usually inject
venom into the animal and swallow it after it is dead. Several Missouri
snakes, such as ratsnakes, kingsnakes, milksnakes, and bullsnakes, kill
by constriction. The snake grasps the prey in its mouth and immedi-
ately wraps several tight coils around it. It was once believed that
constriction prevented the prey from breathing, and it would die from
lack of oxygen.
However, recent
research shows that
constriction stops blood
flow and causes heart
failure in prey. Then the
snake swallows its prey.
NOPPODOL PAOTHONG

The snake’s long,

forked, extendable
tongue is often thought
to be dangerous; in fact,
it is completely harm-
less. Snakes and lizards
An Eastern gartersnake picks up a scent with its tongue. use their tongues to
4
 pick up odors that are transferred to special sense organs (Jacobson’s
organ) in the roof of the mouth.
The food habits of Missouri’s snakes are as varied as the types of
snakes we have. Some, such as the rough greensnake, eat insects and
insect larvae. Others, like watersnakes, eat fish, frogs, tadpoles, or
crayfish. The western ratsnake and bullsnake eat rodents, small birds,
and small bird eggs. Kingsnakes also eat rodents and are important
predators of lizards and other
snakes, including venomous
species.
All snakes shed their outer
layer of skin periodic s usually
shed once every four or five
TOM R. JOHNSON

weeks during warm months,

whereas adults may shed
once every six or eight weeks
during their active season.
In the case of rattlesnakes,
A Prairie kingsnake shedding its skin. a new segment is added at
the base of the rattle at each
shedding. In Missouri, rattlesnakes may shed from two to five times a
year, depending on their growth rate. As the rattle becomes longer,
the old segments weaken and may break off, so it is not possible to
determine the age of a rattlesnake by counting the segments in the
rattle.
In Missouri, snakes normally breed in the spring, soon after they
emerge from winter
dormancy. Studies show,
however, that a few
species may breed in
the fall. About half of
Missouri’s snake species
lay eggs; the rest give
birth to fully developed
young.
TOM R. JOHNSON

Some of the egg-laying

snakes include western
ratsnakes, bullsnakes,
kingsnakes, racers,
wormsnakes, ring- A rough greensnake emerges from its egg.

5
necked snakes, and rough greensnakes. The size of the egg depends
on the species; the number of eggs produced depends on the size of
the female. The larger the female, the more eggs she can produce.
Snake eggs are elongated and have a tough, leathery shell. Females
select rotten logs or stumps, leaf litter or sawdust piles in which to
deposit their eggs. As a young snake develops within the egg, a small
“egg tooth” grows on the tip of its snout; the snake uses this “tooth”
to slit the shell when hatching. Afterwards, the “tooth” is shed. Snakes
usually hatch in late summer or early fall.
Some of the snakes that retain their young until they are completely
developed are watersnakes, gartersnakes, brownsnakes, copperheads,
cottonmouths, and
rattlesnakes. This
form of reproduc-
tion is slightly
advanced over egg
layers. The young
snakes are retained
and protected

TOM R. JOHNSON
inside the female
during their devel-
opment. Each
young snake is
protected inside a Newborn diamond-backed watersnakes
thin, sac-like emerging from their sac-like membranes.
membrane contain-
ing yolk for nourishment. Some of the young snakes break through the
membrane while inside the female and emerge from the female in a
tight coil; others break through after being born. Snakes that develop
inside the female are normally born in mid to late summer.
The smallest snake native to Missouri is the flat-headed snake (Tantilla
gracilis), which averages from 7 to 8 inches (18–20 cm) long. The larg-
est is the bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi), which can grow to over 6
feet.

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 SPECIES
ACCOUNTS
Non-venomous Snakes

For more details, visit mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.

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Western Wormsnake
Carphophis vermis
About: This species is never seen in the
open; it either hides under rocks, logs, or
boards, or burrows into damp soil or leaf
litter. Wormsnakes mainly live on wooded
hillsides.
Description: This species is usually
purplish-brown above and salmon pink
on the belly and lower sides. The tail has
an interesting (and harmless) spike, which
also helps it maneuver through soil.
Length: Ranges from 7 to 11 inches (18–28 cm).
Diet: Earthworms, and insect larvae and eggs.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide, except for extreme southeastern
corner and a few counties in the north-central part of the state.

TOM R. JOHNSON

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 Rare Species

Northern Scarletsnake
Cemophora coccinea copei
About: One of Missouri’s most
brilliantly colored snakes, the northern
scarletsnake is extremely rare to find.
This secretive snake spends much of its
life underground, surfacing primarily to
feed. It is named for the red or crimson
blotches along the back.
Description: It is similar in pattern and
color to the Eastern milksnake, but instead has a red or orange snout
and a spotless, white belly.
Length: Ranges from 14 to 20 inches (36–51 cm).
Diet: Eggs of other reptiles, and occasionally rodents, lizards, and
small snakes.
Missouri Distribution: Scattered counties in south-central and
southern parts of the state.

TOM R. JOHNSON

9
 Rare Species

Kirtland’s Snake
Clonophis kirtlandii
About: This small, hard to find, and
poorly known species occurs in only a
few Midwestern states. The Kirtland’s
snake uses mainly crayfish burrows in
grassland habitats that are damp and
adjacent to a river, creek, or wetland. Due
to loss of native grasslands, this species
is extremely rare in the state.
Description: Reddish brown with two
rows of dark spots along each side and a pink to red belly with a row
of black spots on each side.
Length: Ranges from 14 to 18 inches (36–46 cm).
Diet: Earthworms and slugs, and occasionally crayfish and small
minnows.
Missouri Distribution: Restricted to a few counties along the
Mississippi River in the northeast corner of the state.

JEFFREY T. BRIGGLER

10
Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer
Coluber constrictor flaviventris
About: Also known as the blue racer,
the eastern yellow-bellied racer prefers
bushy fields, grasslands, and open
woods. This species is active by day and
will take shelter under rocks, brush, or in
animal burrows if pursued. As the name
implies, racers can move fast, especially
through tall grass or brush. As with
many of our harmless snakes, a racer will
sometimes vibrate its tail when alarmed.
Description: The color of this common snake is variable — from
olive, tan, brown, or blue to nearly black. The belly may be yellow,
cream or light blue-gray. Young racers are clearly marked with brown
blotches and spots (see inset), but these markings fade and eventually
disappear as the young snakes grow.
Length: Ranges from 30 to 50 inches (76–127 cm).
Diet: Frogs, lizards, snakes, small rodents, and birds.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide, replaced by the southern black racer
(Coluber constrictor priapus) — a subspecies — in southeastern Missouri.
TOM R. JOHNSON

11
Eastern Coachwhip
Coluber flagellum flagellum
About: This is one of Missouri’s longest
snakes. The eastern coachwhip lives on
rocky, wooded, south-facing hillsides,
open woods, and prairies. Because
it is fast-moving and thrashes about
when captured, some people believe
coachwhips can whip a person to death.
This is a myth. The coachwhip will bite
to defend itself and may vibrate its tail
when alarmed.
Description: It is dark brown or black from the head and back over
half the length of the snake. The rest of the snake is tan or light brown.
Occasionally, some individuals in our area are totally black or have
wide pinkish bands along the dark body.
Length: Averages from 42 to 60 inches (107–152 cm).
Diet: Mice, insects, lizards, small snakes, and, occasionally, small birds.
Missouri Distribution: Southern half of the state except for the
southeastern corner.
TOM R. JOHNSON

Eastern coachwhip
hatchling ►

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Prairie Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus arnyi
About: Prairie ring-necked snakes prefer
to live on rocky, wooded hillsides, but
can be found in grasslands and edges of
woodlands. These snakes are secretive
and not only take shelter under rocks, but
also find prey there.
Description: Ring-necked snakes are
easily recognizable by their small size,
uniform dark color on the back, bright yellow-orange belly and distinct
yellow ring around the neck. The back can be dark brown, gray or
blue-black. The belly is yellow, changing to orange near the tail. The
belly also has small, black spots that are irregular in size and pattern.
Length: Ranges from 10 to 14 inches (25–36 cm).
Diet: Worms, slugs, soft-bodied insects, and small salamanders.
Missouri Distribution: Nearly statewide, but likely replaced by the
Mississippi ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus stictogenys) — a
subspecies — in the southeastern portion of its state range.

JEFFREY T. BRIGGLER

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 Rare Species

Western Mudsnake
Farancia abacura reinwardtii
About: Also known locally as the hoop
snake, the western mudsnake lives in
and near the large swamps in the south-
eastern corner of the state. According to
myth, this species can place its tail in its
mouth and roll downhill at high speed.
There is no scientific basis to this myth.
Description: This is a shiny, iridescent
snake of the southeastern swamps. It is
shiny black on top, and the belly is red, pink, and orange with some black
spots. The tail of most specimens ends in a sharp point, which is harmless.
Length: Ranges from 40 to 54 inches (102–137 cm).
Diet: Mudsnakes have specialized food habits; primarily, they eat
aquatic salamanders such as the three-toed amphiuma and western
lesser siren. Mudsnakes also eat frogs, tadpoles, and fish.
Missouri Distribution: Restricted to the southeastern corner of the state.

TOM R. JOHNSON

14
 Rare Species

Dusty Hog-nosed Snake

Heterodon gloydi
About: This species is found in the sandy or
loose prairie and savanna soils in southeast-
ern Missouri. This species has always been
quite rare in Missouri, but was only recently
rediscovered in the state. This snake is
extremely similar in appearance to the
plains hog-nosed snake and mainly identi-
fied to species based upon geographical
range in Missouri (see distribution).
Description: The dusty hog-nosed snake has a sharply upturned
snout, similar to a shovel, used to dig in loose or sandy soils. It is
brown to brownish gray with dark brown spots along the body, and
the belly and underside of the tail are chiefly black.
Length: Ranges from 15 to 25 inches (38–64 cm).
Diet: Amphibians (frogs and toads), lizards, reptile eggs (snakes and
lizards), and small rodents.
Missouri Distribution: Restricted to the sand prairie and savanna
areas of southeastern Missouri.

JIM RATHERT

15
 Likely Extirpated

Plains Hog-nosed Snake

Heterodon nasicus
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.
Description: This species is grayish-tan
with rows of dark brown spots along the body, and a sharply upturned
snout. The belly and especially the underside of the tail are mainly
black. The plains hog-nosed snake and dusty hog-nosed snake differs
from the eastern hog-nosed snake by having a sharply upturned snout
and black pigment on the underside of the tail.
Length: Ranges from 16 to 25 inches (41–64 cm).
Diet: Primarily toads, snakes, and lizard eggs, with a secondary diet of
small rodents.
Missouri Distribution: Historically known to occur in the loess hill
prairies in extreme northwestern counties.
TOM R. JOHNSON

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Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
About: Also known locally as the spread-
head, puff adder, and hissing viper, the
eastern hog-nosed snake’s preferred
habitat is sandy areas or open woods
with loose soil. This harmless snake has
the ability to hiss loudly and spread its
neck like a cobra. If this defense fails to
ward off an enemy, the snake may thrash
around, open its mouth, roll over, and
play dead.
Description: A snake with an upturned snout, the eastern hog-nosed
snake normally is gray-brown or tan with distinct dark brown markings
down its back. However, it is not uncommon for individuals to be yellow
or orange. Also, some individuals lack most of the spots, except for two
large black spots behind the head. The belly is mottled with gray.
Length: Ranges from 20 to 33 inches (51–84 cm).
Diet: Toads, frogs, and salamanders.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide.

TOM R. JOHNSON

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Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
calligaster
About: The prairie kingsnake is fairly
common throughout the state. It lives
in prairies and open woods, as well as
rocky, wooded hillsides. Kingsnakes
kill their prey by constriction. Young
or newly hatched prairie kingsnakes
often are confused with the venomous
copperhead. Kingsnakes have round to
rectangular markings on their back (see inset), while copperheads have
hourglass-shaped markings.
Description: Its overall color is tan or gray with numerous dark
blotches down the back and sides that are outlined in black. There is
usually a “v” or “u” shaped marking on top of the head. The belly is
yellowish tan covered by blocky, brown markings.
Length: Ranges from 30 to 42 inches (76–107 cm).
Diet: Small rodents, lizards, snakes, and, occasionally, birds.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide.

▲ Prairie kingsnake
hatchling
TOM R. JOHNSON

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Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis holbrooki
About: Also known locally as the salt and
pepper snake, the speckled kingsnake
can be found under rocks, logs, or
boards on rocky, wooded hillsides
or near farm buildings. Kingsnakes,
especially the speckled kingsnake,
are known for their ability to eat other
snakes, including venomous species,
and are immune to the venom of
copperheads, cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. Like other kingsnakes,
the speckled kingsnake vibrates its tail when alarmed.
Description: This handsome snake is generally black. A white or yellow
spot in the center of most of the scales causes it to look speckled. Its
belly is yellowish with some irregular black markings.
Length: Ranges from 36 to 48 inches (91–122 cm).
Diet: Snakes, lizards, and small rodents.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide.

TOM R. JOHNSON

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Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
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.
Description: This is one of Missouri’s
most beautifully colored snakes. Its
general body color is white or light tan with red or orange markings
bordered with black, and its belly is white and strongly checked with
black. The eastern milksnake often is misidentified as a coralsnake,
which is not found in Missouri. Coralsnakes have red bands bordered
by yellow.
Length: Ranges from 21 to 28 inches (53–71 cm).
Diet: Lizards, small mice, and small snakes.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide.

TOM R. JOHNSON

20
Eastern Black Kingsnake
Lampropeltis nigra
About: This species can be found in
open woodlands and dry, rocky hills.
It was known to occur east of the
Mississippi River, and recently individuals
were discovered west of the Mississippi
River in southeastern Missouri.
Description: This species is similar to the
speckled kingsnake, with white to yellow
dots on a black body. However, the eastern black kingsnake pattern
is very faint or incomplete with white or yellow dots and in some
individuals the pattern can be a faint chainlike marking along the side.
Length: Ranges from 36 to 45 inches (90–114 cm).
Diet: Lizards, other snakes (including venomous snakes), and small
rodents.
Missouri Distribution: Restricted to the southeastern corner of the
state.

RICHARD DANIEL

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 Likely Extirpated

Mississippi Green Watersnake

Nerodia cyclopion
About: This semi-aquatic, heavy-bodied
snake was once somewhat common
in southeastern Missouri, but is now
quite rare. Due to drastic reductions
in native cypress swamps, this species
is endangered in Missouri and has not
been seen in the state for many years.
Watersnakes bite viciously to defend
themselves and also secrete a strong-
smelling musk from glands at the base of the tail.
Description: It is greenish-brown with numerous small, obscure brown
markings and a dark gray belly with numerous, yellow half-moon
shaped markings.
Length: Ranges from 30 to 45 inches (76–114 cm).
Diet: Fish, salamanders, frogs, and crayfish.
Missouri Distribution: Restricted to the southeastern corner of the
state.

TOM R. JOHNSON

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Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster
About: Also known locally as the yellow-
bellied watersnake, this species is found
in river bottoms, swamps, sloughs, lakes,
and ponds where it can be found basking
on overhanging branches or logs in the
water. Like other species of watersnakes,
plain-bellied watersnakes give birth to
live young.
Description: The plain-bellied watersnake is mainly gray or greenish
with little or no pattern and a belly that is typically plain yellow or
occasionally orange.
Length: Ranges from 30 to 48 inches (76–122 cm).
Diet: Fish, amphibians, and crayfish.
Missouri Distribution: Lives throughout southeastern Missouri,
north along the Mississippi River floodplain, and in southwestern and
western Missouri.

TOM R. JOHNSON

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Broad-banded Watersnake
Nerodia fasciata confluens
About: They often are seen basking
on logs or among branches above the
water in cypress swamps, river sloughs,
or oxbow lakes. Like other watersnakes,
broad-banded watersnakes often are
mistaken for western cottonmouths
and needlessly killed. Watersnakes bite
viciously to defend themselves and also
secrete a strong-smelling musk from
glands at the base of the tail.
Description: The broad-banded watersnake is a beautiful, semi-
aquatic snake named for its broad, irregular shaped bands along
the back. These bands can be brown, red-brown, or black, and are
separated by yellow and gray.
Length: Ranges from 22 to 36 inches (56–91 cm).
Diet: Fish, frogs, toads, and tadpoles.
Missouri Distribution: Restricted to the southeastern corner of the state.

TOM R. JOHNSON

24
Diamond-backed Watersnake
Nerodia rhombifer
About: Of the five species of watersnakes
native to Missouri, the diamond-backed
watersnake is the largest. Diamond-backed
watersnakes may live along slow-moving
rivers, but more commonly are seen along
river sloughs, oxbow lakes, and swamps.
Description: The common name is derived
from the light areas along the snake’s
back, which may be shaped like diamonds. Its overall color may be light
brown or dull yellow, with dark brown markings on the sides and back,
and two rows of dark brown half-moon shaped markings bordering its
yellow belly. Similar to other watersnake species, the scales along its
body have keels, which cause watersnakes to feel rough.
Length: Ranges from 30 to 48 inches (76–122 cm).
Diet: Fish, frogs, and toads.
Missouri Distribution: Absent from the Ozarks; common in
southeastern corner, north along the Mississippi River floodplain, and
in northern and western Missouri.

TOM R. JOHNSON

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Northern Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon sipedon
About: Also known locally as the
banded watersnake, the northern
watersnake is Missouri’s most common
species of watersnake. It lives in or
near any aquatic habitat: ponds, lakes,
sloughs, streams, rivers, and marshes.
Although watersnakes will bite to defend
themselves, their bite is harmless. Like
other watersnakes, northern watersnakes
often are mistaken for western cottonmouths and needlessly killed.
Description: A gray to reddish-brown snake with dark brown cross-
bands, its belly is cream-colored with numerous black and reddish
half-moon markings. The scales along its back and sides are keeled.
Length: Ranges from 24 to 42 inches (61–107 cm).
Diet: Fish, frogs, tadpoles, toads, and salamanders.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide. Northern watersnakes are found
throughout the western and northern two-thirds of the state. A
subspecies, the midland watersnake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis), lives
in the southern and eastern third of the state.
TOM R. JOHNSON

26
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
About: This is a long and slender snake
often seen in the Ozarks. This species is
active by day and lives in bushes, vines,
and low-hanging branches of trees near
streams or lakes. It is often overlooked
because it blends so well with its
vegetative surroundings.
Description: It is light green above and
has a white or yellowish belly. Scales on its back have small ridges or
keels.
Length: Ranges from 22 to 32 inches (56–81 cm).
Diet: Spiders, and soft-bodied insects — especially grasshoppers,
crickets, and caterpillars.
Missouri Distribution: Throughout the southern two-thirds of the
state.

TOM R. JOHNSON

27
 Likely Extirpated

Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
About: This gentle snake lives in grassy
meadows in the northern half of the
state. This harmless snake will struggle
to escape, but seldom attempts to bite
when handled. Due to habitat destruc-
tion and insecticide use, smooth green-
snakes have not been seen in the state
for many years. Upon death both species
of greensnakes will turn a pale blue.
Description: This species differs from the rough greensnake by having
smooth scales, a smaller size, and a more northern distribution in
Missouri.
Length: Ranges from 14 to 20 inches (36–51 cm).
Diet: Insects, spiders, and slugs.
Missouri Distribution: Scattered counties in the northern half of the
state.

TOM R. JOHNSON

28
Great Plains Ratsnake
Pantherophis emoryi
About: This species is a member of the
ratsnake group and is seldom seen.
It lives in open, rocky, wooded hill-
sides, where it ventures out at night
to feed. Like other ratsnakes, Great
Plains ratsnakes vibrate their tails when
alarmed. They will bite to defend them-
selves, but the bite is harmless.
Description: This snake has numerous brown blotches along the body,
a brown eye stripe, and a spear-point marking on top of the head. The
belly is white and covered with small, squarish black markings.
Length: Ranges from 24 to 36 inches (61–91 cm).
Diet: Rodents, bats, and small birds.
Missouri Distribution: Mainly wooded areas in the southern half of
the state and along Missouri River counties, excluding southeastern
counties.

TOM R. JOHNSON

29
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
About: Also known locally as the black
snake, the western ratsnake is one of our
largest common snakes. Western ratsnakes
live in a wide variety of habitats: rocky,
wooded hillsides, wooded areas along
rivers, and in or near farm buildings. This
species is well known for its ability to climb
trees. They kill their prey by constriction.
Farmers are well aware of the value of
ratsnakes in controlling destructive rodents.
Description: It is generally shiny black, but some individuals show dark
brown blotches. The skin between the scales along the sides may be
red, and the belly is mottled with gray or may be checkered with black.
Young of this species are light gray with dark brown or black markings
(see inset), but after a year or two of growth, the color normally will
change to a more uniform black.
Length: Ranges from 42 to 72 inches (107–183 cm).
Diet: Rodents, birds, and bird eggs.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide, but shows some indication of
being replaced by the gray ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) in the
southeastern corner.

◄ Western ratsnake hatchling

TOM R. JOHNSON

30
 Rare Species

Western Foxsnake
Pantherophis ramspotti
About: This is a marsh-dwelling member of
the ratsnake group. The species is believed
to be an inhabitant of open grasslands and
borders of woods. In Missouri, the foxsnake
has been found near large, natural
marshes, but it is not a common snake.
Foxsnakes kill their prey by constriction,
vibrate their tail when alarmed, and will
bite to defend themselves.
Description: General color is yellowish, greenish-brown or tan, with an
average of 37 large brown blotches on the back and smaller ones on
the sides. The head of foxsnakes may show some orange color, which
might cause them to be misidentified as a copperhead. Belly color is
normally yellow, marked with a distinct black, checkered pattern.
Length: Ranges from 36 to 54 inches (91–137 cm).
Diet: Small rodents, birds, and bird eggs.
Missouri Distribution: Restricted to a few counties in the
northwestern corner of the state.

JEFFREY T. BRIGGLER

31
 Rare Species

Eastern Foxsnake
Pantherophis vulpinus
About: This snake is extremely similar
in appearance to the western foxsnake
and mainly identified to species based
upon geographical range in Missouri (see
distribution). This species is mainly an
inhabitant of grasslands, scrub brush and
borders of woods, and along edges of
agriculture fields that adjoin wet prairies
and marshes. Foxsnakes kill their prey by
constriction.
Description: It averages 43 dark blotches on the back and sides with
a brown to reddish brown head. Its belly is yellowish with a prominent
dark, checkered pattern.
Length: Ranges from 36 to 54 inches (91–137 cm).
Diet: Rodents, occasionally birds, and bird eggs.
Missouri Distribution: Restricted to a few counties along the
Mississippi River floodplain north from St. Louis.

TOM R. JOHNSON

32
 Rare Species

Bullsnake
Pituophis catenifer sayi
About: The bullsnake is Missouri’s largest
snake. Commonly considered a prairie
species, it may also be found in open
areas along the border of the Ozarks.
Bullsnakes take shelter in large clumps
of grass or mammal burrows. This large
snake may hiss loudly and vibrate its tail
when alarmed. This species is extremely
valuable in controlling destructive
rodents. Bullsnakes kill their prey by constriction.
Description: It is tan or cream colored with numerous, large, brown or
black blotches. The tail may have light and dark bands. Often a dark
line angles from the eye down to the jaw. The belly is yellow or cream
colored, with dark brown or black spots along the sides.
Length: Ranges from 37 to 72 inches (94–183 cm).
Diet: Small mammals, especially rodents, as well as birds and bird eggs.
Missouri Distribution: Most common along the western grassland
areas of the state with scattered locations throughout the Ozarks and
northern Missouri.
TOM R. JOHNSON

33
Graham’s Crayfish Snake
Regina grahamii
About: This reclusive snake often
takes shelter under rocks, logs, or in
crayfish burrows along the edge of
streams, marshes, sloughs, or ponds. It
is named for feeding mainly on freshly
molted crayfish and overwintering in
crayfish burrows. Like most other snakes
associated with water, Graham’s crayfish
snake are often misidentified as western
cottonmouths and needlessly killed.
Description: This semi-aquatic snake is fairly nondescript. They are
brown to yellow-brown in color with yellowish-tan stripes along the
side of the body.
Length: Ranges from 18 to 28 inches (46–71 cm).
Diet: Mainly soft-bodied crayfish, as well as frogs and tadpoles.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide, except for the Ozarks.

TOM R. JOHNSON

34
Variable Groundsnake
Sonora semiannulata
semiannulata
About: Groundsnakes are usually found
along rocky glades and open, rocky
woodlands on south- and southwest-
facing slopes where they remain hidden
under flat rocks. They are seldom seen
in the open, and spend most of their
time under rocks or within rock crevices.
Females lay from 4 to 6 eggs during
mid-summer.
Description: A small, secretive, shiny snake that is highly variable in
color. It can be gray, brown, orange or even red with or without dark
bands, and it has a white or cream-colored belly with dark transverse
bars on the underside of the tail.
Length: Ranges from 8 to 12 inches (20–31 cm).
Diet: Scorpions, centipedes, and spiders, including the black widow.
Missouri Distribution: Southwestern corner of the state.

TOM R. JOHNSON

35
Midland Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi wrightorum
About: The Midland brownsnake is a
close relative of the red-bellied snake.
This species prefers a moist environment
and can be found under logs, boards
or rocks near marshes, swamps, moist
woods and, sometimes, rocky hillsides.
From 3 to 30 young are born in late
summer.
Description: The general color is gray-
brown to reddish-brown, with a white or yellowish belly. Its back has
a distinct tan stripe bordered by two rows of small, dark brown spots;
the spots normally are joined by small lines across the tan stripe.
Length: Ranges from 9 to 13 inches (23–33 cm).
Diet: Earthworms, slugs, snails, and soft-bodied insects.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide, but intergrades with the Texas
brownsnake (Storeria dekayi texana) in the western part of the state.

JIM RATHERT

36
Northern Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
occipitomaculata
About: Red-bellied snakes are secretive
and normally live under rocks or logs
in rocky or damp woods. This species
is sometimes mistaken for a young
copperhead and needlessly killed. From
1 to 21 young are born in late summer or
early autumn.
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.
Length: Ranges from 8 to 10 inches (20–25 cm).
Diet: Earthworms, slugs, and, occasionally, insects.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide, except for several northwestern
counties.

TOM R. JOHNSON

37
Flat-headed Snake
Tantilla gracilus
About: The flat-headed snake is most
likely to be under rocks where there
is slightly moist soil, and south-facing,
rocky, wooded hillsides are its preferred
habitat. This tiny snake lays one to four
eggs in moist soil under rocks.
Description: Missouri’s smallest snake,
the flat-headed snake is tan, gray-brown,
or reddish-brown. The head sometimes
is slightly darker than the rest of the body or is black, and the belly is
salmon pink.
Length: Ranges from 7 to 8 inches (18–20 cm).
Diet: Centipedes and insect larvae.
Missouri Distribution: Southern half of the state except for the
southeastern corner.

TOM R. JOHNSON

38
Orange-striped Ribbonsnake
Thamnophis proximus proximus
About: This long, slender snake is a
type of gartersnake. This species lives
in wooded areas near water and may be
seen along the banks of streams or the
edges of ponds. They also will secrete
a foul-smelling musk from glands at the
base of the tail when first captured, as
with other members of the gartersnake
group.
Description: Two wide, black stripes border a yellow or orange stripe
down its back, and often there is a yellow or orange spot on its head.
The belly is greenish.
Length: Ranges from 20 to 30 inches (51–76 cm).
Diet: Small frogs and, sometimes, minnows.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide

TOM R. JOHNSON

39
Plains Gartersnake
Thamnophis radix
About: The plains gartersnake is another
kind of gartersnake that is associated
with wet meadows and prairies, marshes,
lakes, and ponds.
Description: It is very similar to the
other gartersnakes, but it usually has a
yellowish-orange stripe down the middle
of the back, an alternating double row
of black spots along the sides, and black
bars along the edge of the upper green lip.
Length: Ranges from 15 to 28 inches (38–71 cm).
Diet: Earthworms, amphibians, and minnows.
Missouri Distribution: Occurs mainly in the north-central and western
corner, with an isolated population in the eastern part of the state near
St. Louis.

TOM R. JOHNSON

40
Eastern Gartersnake
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
About: Of the three species of garter-
snakes in Missouri, the eastern garter-
snake is the most common. Gartersnakes
often are found under boards, rocks or
other objects in city lots, near farm build-
ings, in meadows, or along streams. Like
many kinds of harmless snakes, garter-
snakes will bite to defend themselves.
Description: It may be dark brown, greenish or olive, and normally there
are three yellowish stripes — one on the back and one on each side.
Dark areas between the light stripes may be spots instead of stripes.
The skin between scales along the sides may be red or orange. The
belly is usually yellowish-green with two indistinct rows of black spots.
Length: Ranges from 18 to 26 inches (46–66 cm).
Diet: Earthworms, frogs, toads, salamanders, minnows, and occasion-
ally small mice.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide. Eastern gartersnakes occur
throughout the eastern half of the state. The red-sided gartersnake
(Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) (see inset) — a subspecies — lives
mainly in the prairie region of western and northern Missouri. TOM R. JOHNSON; INSET: JEFFREY T. BRIGGLER

▼ Red-sided
gartersnake

41
Lined Snake
Tropidoclonian lineatum
About: Lined snakes live in a wide variety
of habitats, from native prairies and
glades to old trash dumps and empty
town lots. It will release a foul-smelling
musk from the base of the tail when
handled.
Description: This small, secretive snake
is fairly easy to identify. It is mainly brown
to grayish-brown, with a lighter color
stripe down the middle of the back and distinctive double row of half-
moon shaped markings along the belly.
Length: Ranges from 8 to 15 inches (20–38 cm).
Diet: Almost exclusively earthworms.
Missouri Distribution: Lives mainly in the western part of the state
with scattered populations in extreme northeast counties and the
St. Louis area.

TOM R. JOHNSON

42
Rough Earthsnake
Haldea striatula
About: This species is mainly found in
open woodlands with abundant ground
cover (logs, rocks, bark, stumps, leaf litter).
They give birth to live young, with females
producing up to 10 young in a litter.
Description: The rough earthsnake is
a close relative of the western smooth
earthsnake and is extremely similar in
appearance. Rough earthsnakes differ from western smooth earthsnakes
by having keeled scales along the back, five labial scales along the
upper lip, and a single scale between the nostrils — compared to rela-
tively smooth scales along the back, six labial scales along the upper lip,
and two scales between the nostrils for the western earthsnake.
Length: Ranges from 7 to 10 inches (18–25 cm).
Diet: Earthworms, and, occasionally, snails and slugs.
Missouri Distribution: Southern half of the state excluding
southeastern counties.

TOM R. JOHNSON

43
Western Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae elegans
About: This nondescript little snake is a
woodland species and usually remains
hidden under rocks, logs, or in leaf litter.
They are active mainly at night, espe-
cially during warm, humid conditions,
searching for food. Similar to the rough
earthsnake, they give birth to live young.
Description: A small snake with a cone-
shaped head, this snake generally is gray
to light brown or reddish-brown. It has no distinct markings. The belly
is white or cream colored. See description of the rough earthsnake to
distinguish species.
Length: Ranges from 7 to 10 inches (18–25 cm).
Diet: Earthworms, and, occasionally, soft-bodied insects and slugs.
Missouri Distribution: Mainly southern half of the state with scattered
populations in the north-central part of the state.

JIM RATHERT

44
 SPECIES
ACCOUNTS
Venomous Snakes

For more details, visit mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.

45
Venomous Snake Facts
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.

Some physical differences between

non-venomous and venomous snakes

Non-venomous
round pupil
nostril

Underside of tail

double row of scales

46
Many people insist on using the triangular shape of the head to deter-
mine whether a snake is dangerous or harmless, but this is not the
best way to identify these snakes. Although venomous snakes have a
triangular shaped head, several harmless species (e.g., watersnakes,
gartersnakes, and hog-nosed snakes) can flatten their head, which
cause them to appear triangular. Harmless snakes lack the sensory
focal pit and fangs. They have round pupils and a double row of scales
along the underside of their tail.
It is important for those who spend time in Missouri’s outdoors to
learn to identify venomous snakes. Use these photos, descriptions,
and maps to familiarize yourself with the size, color, and distribution of
these snakes discussed in the following pages.

Venomous
elliptical pupil
nostril

facial pit
(absent in
non-venomous
snakes

fangs
(absent in
non-venomous
snakes)

Underside of tail

single row of scales

47
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
About: This is our most common venom-
ous snake. Copperheads make their homes
on rocky hillsides and along the edges
of forests. They also spend time among
trees and in brush along prairie streams.
Copperheads, often found near abandoned
farm buildings, will vibrate their tails when
alarmed. Copperhead venom is considered
mild compared to other venomous snakes, but medical treatment
should still be sought if a person is bitten.
Description: Its color varies from grayish-brown to pinkish-tan, with
hourglass-shaped crossbands of dark gray, brown or reddish-brown.
The head may have some pink or orange color, hence the name
“copperhead.” The tail may be yellow or greenish-yellow, especially in
young specimens (see inset), and the belly usually is a dusky mixture of
gray, tan, and black.
Length: Ranges from 24 to 36 inches (61–91 cm).
Diet: Mice, lizards, frogs, and sometimes small snakes.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide, except for extreme northern border
with Iowa. TOM R. JOHNSON

◄ Eastern
copperhead
newborn

48
Northern Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
About: Also known locally as the water
moccasin, this semi-aquatic snake is
so named because of the cotton-white
lining of its mouth, which it opens widely
when alarmed. This species lives in two
distinctly different habitats: in southeast-
ern Missouri, they live in swamps and
oxbow lakes, and in the southern Ozarks,
they live in rocky streams and river
sloughs. The cottonmouth is a dangerously venomous species that can
deliver a fatal bite. Various harmless snakes, especially watersnakes,
are often misidentified as cottonmouths.
Description: Its general body color is black with little or no pattern
or dark brown with darker crossbands on the back and a dark brown
or black belly. Young cottonmouths are superficially patterned like a
copperhead and usually have a yellowish-green tail.
Length: Ranges from 30 to 42 inches (76–107 cm).
Diet: Fish, frogs, snakes, lizards, and rodents.
Missouri Distribution: Southeastern corner and a spotty distribution
in the Ozark Region. JIM RATHERT; INSET: JEFFREY T. BRIGGLER

▲ Northern
cottonmouth
newborn

49
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
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).
Diet: Rodents and small rabbits.
Missouri Distribution: Statewide.

TOM R. JOHNSON

50
 Likely Extirpated

Eastern Massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus
About: Also known locally as the swamp
rattler, this snake lives in marshy areas
or wet prairies and may take shelter in
burrows of crayfish or other animals. This
species was once known to occur along
the Mississippi River floodplain from the
St. Louis area to northeastern Missouri.
However, this rattlesnake is state-
endangered and has not been seen in the state for many years.
Description: This snake is gray to dark gray with numerous brown or
gray-brown blotches, and often a dark line extending from the eye
onto the side of the neck. The belly is dark gray or black, and there is a
small rattle at the end of the tail.
Length: Ranges from 18 to 30 inches (46–76 cm).
Diet: Mice, shrews, small snakes, and lizards.
Missouri Distribution: Along the Mississippi River floodplain north
from St. Louis.

JEFFREY T. BRIGGLER

51
 State Endangered

Prairie Massasauga
Sistrurus tergeminus tergeminus
About: Prairie massasaugas live mainly in
bottomland or wet prairies dominated by
grasses and sedges that have numerous
crayfish burrows providing shelter from
predators and weather conditions. This
snake has declined drastically due to the
draining of wetlands and conversion of
prairies for agriculture and pastureland.
Human deaths caused by its bite are rare,
but studies show that the massasauga’s venom is highly toxic, so it
must be respected and classified as dangerous.
Description: This species is light gray to dark gray with rows of dark to
light brown blotches along the body. The belly is generally light in color,
and there is a small rattle at the end of the tail. This snake is extremely
similar in appearance to the Eastern massasauga and mainly identified
to species based upon geographical range in Missouri (see distribution).
Length: Ranges from 18 to 30 inches (46–76 cm).
Diet: Small rodents, small snakes, and lizards.
Missouri Distribution: North-central and northwestern corner of the state.
TOM R. JOHNSON

52
Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius streckeri
About: Also known locally as the ground
rattler, the western pygmy rattlesnake
is one of the smallest species of rattle-
snakes in North America. This species
lives under rocks on glades and wood-
lands, and is so secretive that few people
encounter it. The sound of the vibrating
rattle is a faint buzz like the sound of a
grasshopper. Although the bite of this
species is not fatal, a bite victim should seek immediate medical atten-
tion. Pygmy rattlesnakes should be respected and left alone.
Description: It’s generally light grayish-brown, with a row of small,
dark brown spots on the back and similar spots on each side. Most
specimens also have a rust-colored stripe down the back. The belly is
usually gray. Pygmy rattlesnakes have a thin tail and tiny rattle.
Length: Ranges from 15 to 20 inches (38–51 cm).
Diet: Small lizards, snakes, frogs, and mice.
Missouri Distribution: Counties bordering Arkansas and the eastern
Missouri Ozarks.
TOM R. JOHNSON

53
VENOM, FANGS,
AND HUMANS
Venomous snakes have a venom system (glands, ducts, and fangs) to
deliver venom, which evolved to allow them to kill mice and other prey
animals. 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.
Any of these venomous species will likely bite a person who steps
on it because it is trying to defend itself. This type of bite is not that
common. Most bites occur when someone sees a venomous snake and
decides to handle or kill the snake. During such scenarios the venom-
ous snake will do its best to defend itself.
Of the approximately 7,000 to 8,000 people bitten by venomous
snakes each year in the United States, fewer than five die. A person is
approximately 10 times more likely to die from being struck by light-
ning than to die from a venomous snakebite.
In Missouri, venomous snakes — primarily copperheads — bite an
average of 100 people annually. The extremely rare deaths from
these bites are typically due to the victim’s allergic reaction to the
snake venom, poor health, or failure to seek medical treatment in a
reasonable timeframe. The overwhelming majority of bites are treated
to prevent infection, reduce pain, and minimize tissue damage, not
because of the threat of death.
The bite of a venomous snake usually produces immediate, intense,
burning pain. This may be followed by tingling or throbbing and
nausea. In several minutes there may be signs of swelling on the bitten
area such as a hand, arm, or leg. It is important to remain as calm as
possible, remove constrictive jewelry and clothes (e.g., rings, watches,
shoes, etc.) from bitten area, and most importantly take the victim
immediately to a hospital emergency room. Various first-aid measures,
such as applying a tourniquet, cutting and sucking out the venom,
applying ice packs, electric shock therapy, or consuming alcohol or
caffeinated drinks are not recommended for snakebites.

54
The majority of venomous snakebites can be prevented simply by not
trying to capture or handle venomous snakes. Most venomous snakes,
by nature, are not aggressive. They do not go after people, do not
search for people to bite, and would rather stay motionless and unde-
tected or try to avoid an intruder.

How to Prevent Snakebites

Encounters with venomous snakes can be prevented if you
follow these simple rules:
1. Stay away from areas where there may be a concentration of
venomous snakes, such as swamps, marshes, and bluffs.
2. Wear protective footwear in areas where there are likely to
be snakes. Thick leather or rubber boots or hightop hiking
shoes will protect feet, ankles and lower legs. In areas with
concentrations of venomous snakes, gaiters or chaps may be
preferred to protect shins, calves, and legs.
3. Never place your hands under rocks or logs; do not step over
rocks or logs. Step on them first, then over.
4. Step lively when hiking. Look the ground over, particularly
around large rocks or logs, when you stop to stand or sit.
5. Wear rubber boots when fishing in streams that may harbor
the venomous cottonmouth. If a cottonmouth falls in your
canoe or boat, don’t panic — get to shore and flip the snake
out with a paddle, net or fishing rod. Trying to kill the snake
in the boat may cause the snake to bite you or cause you to
fall into the water.
6. Learn to identify venomous snakes in your area, and avoid
any snake you cannot identify.

For current information on snakebite first-aid, contact your nearest

American Red Cross or Poison Control Center. In the event of a
venomous snakebite, seek medical attention immediately!

55
Too Close to Home
Although snakes are a part of Missouri’s outdoors, there may be
times and places where their presence is objectionable. 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.

JEFFREY T. BRIGGLER

Wood piles make excellent habitat for snakes.

To discourage snakes, debris such as this should be
removed, especially if located near dwellings.

56
Snake Myths
Copperheads smell like cucumbers
You may have heard someone say you always know when a copper-
head is around because it smells like cucumbers. Although true, it
is misleading. Copperheads and most other kinds of snakes give off
an offensive odor when molested, cornered, or captured. This odor,
produced by glands at the base of the tail, is given off at will and may
also be mixed with feces. To some individuals this musk may smell
somewhat like cucumbers. However, a snake must have a reason to
expel its musk. Thus, a copperhead at rest under a rock or alongside
a log will have no reason to give off its musky defense. You could walk
within a few inches of a snake and never know it’s there.

Black snakes breed with venomous snakes to produce venomous

black snakes
This myth has no biological basis. Western ratsnakes (formerly black
snake) are not closely related to venomous snakes and have no interest
in breeding with a venomous species. This would be like expecting a
chicken to breed with a hawk.

Venomous snakes move in pairs

Snakes compete with each other for food and shelter, so remaining
together reduces their chances of finding enough prey to eat. If snakes
are seen together, it is because the habitat is ideal and may sustain
more than one snake, they might be mating, or the site may be an
overwintering site.

Baby venomous snakes are more dangerous than adults

There is no biological reason for a newly born venomous snake to have
more potent venom than adults. They have smaller glands and fangs,
and are not capable of producing a venom more potent than an adult.

A snake must be venomous if it vibrates its tail

Many types of harmless snakes (e.g., ratsnakes, kingsnakes, racers,
bullsnakes, etc.) can and will vibrate their tails when alarmed or
threatened.

57
Snakes cannot bite while underwater
Snakes can and do bite underwater. This is how they capture aquatic
prey such as fish, tadpoles, and salamanders. Watersnakes and venom-
ous cottonmouths are able to defend themselves while underwater.

Some snakes chase people

There are many stories of snakes chasing people, but there is no
biological reason for a snake to just chase a person. Snakes will defend
themselves when threatened, and may advance toward a person if an
escape route is not available or if the person is positioned between
the snake and a hiding place.

Conserving Missouri’s Wildlife

Snakes are not popular creatures in our culture; the very mention of
them evokes images of evil for some people. These animals, however,
have a difficult time surviving — not only because of persecution, but
primarily because of habitat destruction (deforestation, pollution, and
urbanization).
As with many animals whose numbers are declining, most problems
associated with the plight of our native snakes result from a lack of
understanding. People traditionally have been brought up to fear and
hate snakes; consequently, snakes have not fared well in their relations
with humanity.
However, snakes are an
important part of the natural
food chain and play an
important role in the balance
of nature. As an example,
snakes are helpful in reducing
populations of destructive
rodents and, in turn, are prey
to such wildlife as hawks,
JIM RATHERT

great blue herons, otters, and

game fish. Ironically, the
properties of snake venom
that are harmful to humans
Snakes, like the Graham’s crayfish snake, are an
also make them valuable for important part of the food chain and are prey to
human medicines. There are other species such as the great blue heron.

58
many drugs derived
from snake venom
that are used in
cancer research
and pain relief, and
to treat human
conditions such as
arthritis, heart
disease, and
diabetes.
Overall, snakes

STACY KEMPER
are a fascinating
part of the natural
world in which we
live, and seeing a
snake in the wilds Interpretive snake programs at MDC nature
of Missouri can add centers introduce young audiences to snake
to your outdoor biology and ecological importance.
adventures.

Learn More About Missouri’s Snakes

In Print
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.

Online
Visit mdc.mo.gov and search the keyword “snake” to find
Missouri’s online Field Guide, photos and videos of snakes, snake
facts, and Missouri Conservationist and Xplor magazine stories
about snakes.

In Person
Attend an interpretive program on snakes at an MDC nature
center near you.

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Rough greensnake Photo by Jeffrey T. Briggler

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