Introduction
Missouri is home to a diverse range of snake species, making it a fascinating region for reptile enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With 49 species and subspecies, snakes in Missouri can be found in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and even urban areas. While some people fear snakes, these reptiles play a crucial role in the ecosystem, helping maintain balance by controlling rodent and insect populations.
Snakes in Missouri are categorized into two main groups:
✅ Non-venomous snakes – The majority of Missouri’s snakes fall into this category and are harmless to humans. They play an important role in pest control by feeding on rodents, birds, and insects.
✅ Venomous snakes – Missouri has six venomous snake species, including the Eastern Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake. While they can deliver dangerous bites, they usually avoid human interaction and only bite in self-defense.
Understanding how to identify and coexist with these snakes can help eliminate unnecessary fear and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. This guide will explore Missouri’s non-venomous and venomous snakes, their habitats, behaviors, and safety tips for encountering them in the wild.
A Guide to Missouri’s Snakes
Snakes are an essential part of Missouri’s ecosystem, playing a significant role in maintaining biodiversity. They contribute to natural pest control, help balance prey populations, and serve as food for larger predators. Despite common fears, most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play a vital role in the environment.
Why Snakes Are Important to Missouri’s Ecosystem
Snakes provide several ecological benefits, including:
✅ Rodent Control – Many snake species feed on mice, rats, and other small mammals, reducing the risk of crop damage and disease spread.
✅ Balancing the Food Chain – Snakes regulate populations of amphibians, birds, and insects. In turn, they become prey for hawks, owls, foxes, and other predators.
✅ Healthier Ecosystems – By controlling pest species, snakes help maintain Missouri’s natural habitats, from forests to wetlands.
Where Are Snakes Found in Missouri?
Missouri’s diverse landscapes provide the perfect environment for different snake species. They can be found in:
🌲 Forests & Woodlands – Many species, such as the Western Ratsnake, prefer wooded areas with plenty of cover.
🌾 Grasslands & Prairies – Snakes like the Bullsnake thrive in open fields and prairies where they can hunt rodents.
🌊 Wetlands & Swamps – Water-loving species, including Northern Cottonmouths and Watersnakes, reside near lakes, rivers, and marshes.
🪨 Rocky Hills & Caves – Some snakes, such as the Timber Rattlesnake, seek refuge in rocky terrains and caves.
How Many Snake Species Live in Missouri?
Missouri is home to 49 species and subspecies of snakes. Among them:
🐍 43 species are non-venomous, meaning they pose no harm to humans.
🐍 6 species are venomous, including Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and Rattlesnakes.
Understanding these snake species and their habitats helps promote conservation efforts while reducing unnecessary fear. By learning how to identify and coexist with Missouri’s snakes, people can appreciate their ecological importance.
Get to Know Missouri’s Snakes
Missouri is home to a wide variety of snakes, both non-venomous and venomous. Understanding the differences between these two categories, along with their roles in the ecosystem, can help reduce fear and promote conservation.
Non-Venomous vs. Venomous Snakes: Key Differences
While most snakes in Missouri are non-venomous, there are six venomous species in the state. Knowing how to distinguish between the two is essential for safety and conservation.
✅ Non-Venomous Snakes (Harmless to Humans)
Characteristics:
✔ Round pupils
✔ No heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils
✔ Small head that blends with the body shape
✔ No fangs – only small, curved teeth
✔ Double row of scales on the underside of the tail
Behavior:
🐍 Non-venomous snakes usually flee rather than fight when approached.
🐍 Some species, like the Eastern Hognose Snake, may flatten their bodies or pretend to be dead as a defense mechanism.
Examples of Non-Venomous Snakes in Missouri:
- Western Ratsnake (excellent climber, often found in trees)
- Prairie Kingsnake (feeds on rodents and even other snakes)
- Northern Watersnake (often mistaken for a Cottonmouth but harmless)
⚠️ Venomous Snakes (Dangerous if Provoked)
Characteristics:
❌ Elliptical (slit-like) pupils
❌ Heat-sensing pits between the eyes and nostrils
❌ Broad, triangular head (wider than the neck)
❌ Hollow fangs used to inject venom
❌ Single row of scales on the underside of the tail
Behavior:
⚠️ Venomous snakes usually stay still or retreat when encountering humans.
⚠️ Some, like Copperheads, rely on camouflage and will not move unless disturbed.
⚠️ Rattlesnakes shake their tails as a warning before striking.
Examples of Venomous Snakes in Missouri:
- Eastern Copperhead (Missouri’s most common venomous snake)
- Northern Cottonmouth (also known as the “water moccasin”)
- Timber Rattlesnake (found in forests and rocky hillsides)
How Snakes Help Humans: Nature’s Pest Controllers
Snakes are often misunderstood, but they play a vital role in Missouri’s ecosystem.
✅ Rodent Control – Many species, such as Ratsnakes and Kingsnakes, help keep mice and rat populations in check, reducing crop damage and disease spread.
✅ Insect Reduction – Some smaller snakes, like the Smooth Greensnake, feed on grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars, naturally controlling insect populations.
✅ Ecosystem Balance – By being both predators and prey, snakes help maintain a healthy food chain.
📌 Fun Fact: Some snakes, like the Speckled Kingsnake, eat other snakes—including venomous ones like Copperheads!
How to Identify Missouri’s Snakes
Identifying a snake is easier than you think! Here are some common features to look for:
1️⃣ Head Shape
✔ Narrow & oval? → Non-venomous
❌ Broad & triangular? → Venomous
2️⃣ Pupil Shape
✔ Round pupils? → Non-venomous
❌ Slit-like pupils? → Venomous
3️⃣ Body Patterns & Colors
🐍 Solid-colored snakes (e.g., Western Ratsnake) are often non-venomous.
🐍 Snakes with blotches or bands (e.g., Copperheads) can be venomous—but some harmless species mimic them!
4️⃣ Tail & Movement
✔ Vibrating tail but no rattle? → Likely non-venomous (e.g., Ratsnakes mimic Rattlesnakes).
❌ Rattling sound? → Likely venomous (Rattlesnake species).
By learning these identification tips, you can better understand Missouri’s snakes and differentiate between harmless and dangerous species in the wild.
Non-Venomous Species Accounts
Western Wormsnake (Carphophis vermis)
About
The Western Wormsnake is a small, secretive, and burrowing snake commonly found in wooded hillsides and moist soil environments in Missouri. This non-venomous species spends most of its time hidden beneath rocks, logs, or underground, making it rarely seen by humans. It is harmless and plays a vital role in controlling insect populations. Due to its slender body and burrowing nature, it is often mistaken for earthworms, which also makes it difficult to spot in the wild.
Description
The Western Wormsnake has a smooth, glossy body with a dark purplish-brown to black back and a distinct pink or salmon-colored underside. Its head is small, and its tail is short with a slightly pointed tip, aiding its ability to burrow into the soil. Unlike larger snakes, it lacks distinct markings or patterns, making its solid coloration a key identifying feature.
Length
📏 7 to 11 inches (18–28 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Western Wormsnake primarily feeds on earthworms, insect larvae, and soft-bodied insects. It uses its small but effective teeth to capture and consume prey found in moist soil.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Western Wormsnake is found statewide in Missouri, except for extreme southeastern regions and a few counties in the north-central part of the state. It thrives in forested hills, moist soil areas, and under leaf litter, where it remains well-hidden from predators.
Northern Scarletsnake (Cemophora coccinea copei)
About
The Northern Scarletsnake is one of Missouri’s most strikingly colored snakes, but it is extremely rare and seldom seen due to its secretive, burrowing nature. This non-venomous species spends most of its life underground, surfacing mainly at night or after heavy rains. It is commonly mistaken for the Eastern Milksnake due to its red and white pattern. Despite its bright colors, it is completely harmless to humans and plays an important role in controlling small rodent and reptile populations.
Description
The Northern Scarletsnake features a brilliant red or crimson pattern of blotches along its back, separated by white or pale gray bands. Its snout is red or orange, distinguishing it from similar species. The belly is completely white and unmarked, setting it apart from the Eastern Milksnake, which has a checkered belly. Its body is smooth-scaled, allowing it to move easily underground.
Length
📏 14 to 20 inches (36–51 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Northern Scarletsnake primarily feeds on small reptile eggs, lizards, rodents, and occasionally small snakes. Its sharp teeth and powerful constricting ability allow it to subdue prey efficiently.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Northern Scarletsnake is extremely rare in Missouri, with scattered populations in south-central and southern parts of the state. It prefers sandy or loose soil environments, often near pine forests, grasslands, or farmland, where it can burrow easily.
Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii)
About
The Kirtland’s Snake is a small, secretive, and rare species found in only a few locations within Missouri. This non-venomous snake primarily inhabits wet grasslands, marshes, and areas near rivers or creeks, where it often takes shelter in crayfish burrows. Due to habitat destruction and the draining of wetlands, its population has significantly declined, making it one of the rarest snakes in Missouri. It is harmless to humans and plays an important role in controlling slug and insect populations.
Description
The Kirtland’s Snake has a reddish-brown to grayish body with two rows of dark blotches running down each side. Its belly is bright red or pink with a row of black spots along each side, making it easy to identify. This snake has a small, slightly upturned head, which helps it burrow into soft soil.
Length
📏 14 to 18 inches (36–46 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Kirtland’s Snake primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, and small aquatic creatures, such as crayfish and minnows. Its preference for moist habitats aligns with the availability of these food sources.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Kirtland’s Snake is extremely rare in Missouri and is found in only a few counties along the Mississippi River in the northeast corner of the state. It prefers wet grasslands, marsh edges, and riverbanks, where it can burrow into moist soil for shelter.
Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris)
About
The Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer is a fast-moving, agile, and diurnal snake commonly found in open fields, grasslands, and woodland edges across Missouri. As the name suggests, this snake is extremely quick and relies on its speed to escape predators rather than hiding or attacking. It is non-venomous and harmless to humans, although it may vibrate its tail and bite defensively when threatened. This species plays an important role in controlling rodent and insect populations, making it beneficial to the ecosystem.
Description
The Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer has a smooth, shiny body that varies in color from olive green, gray, or brown to nearly black. Its underside is yellow, cream, or light blue-gray, which contrasts with the darker upper body. Juveniles look very different from adults, featuring brown blotches and spots that fade as they mature. Unlike other snakes, racers have large eyes that provide excellent vision, helping them detect prey and threats from a distance.
Length
📏 30 to 50 inches (76–127 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer is an active predator that feeds on a variety of prey, including frogs, lizards, snakes, rodents, birds, and large insects. It actively hunts during the day, using its speed and agility to chase down its meals.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer is found statewide in Missouri but is replaced by the Southern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor priapus) in southeastern parts of the state. It prefers open habitats, such as grasslands, prairies, farmlands, and woodland edges, where it has space to move quickly.
Eastern Coachwhip (Coluber flagellum flagellum)
About
The Eastern Coachwhip is one of Missouri’s longest and fastest snakes, known for its incredible speed, alertness, and defensive behaviors. This non-venomous species thrives in rocky hillsides, open woodlands, prairies, and sandy habitats, where it actively hunts during the day. The name “Coachwhip” comes from its long, slender body and braided-like scale pattern, resembling an old-fashioned whip. While it may appear aggressive, this snake is harmless to humans and plays a valuable role in controlling rodent and insect populations.
Description
The Eastern Coachwhip has a two-toned coloration, with its head and upper body being dark brown to black, while the rest of the body fades to a tan or light brown. Some individuals may appear completely black, while others may have wide pinkish bands. It has large eyes with round pupils, giving it excellent vision to detect prey and predators from a distance. Unlike many snakes, it does not rely on ambush tactics but instead actively chases down its prey.
Length
📏 42 to 60 inches (107–152 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Coachwhip is a fast-moving predator that feeds on mice, lizards, small snakes, birds, and large insects. It subdues its prey by grasping and crushing it with its powerful jaws, rather than using constriction.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Coachwhip is primarily found in the southern half of Missouri, except for the southeastern corner. It prefers dry, open habitats, such as rocky hillsides, prairies, grasslands, and scrubby woodlands, where it can move quickly and hunt efficiently.
Prairie Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi)
About
The Prairie Ring-necked Snake is a small, secretive, and nocturnal species commonly found in wooded hillsides, grasslands, and rocky outcrops across Missouri. This non-venomous snake is rarely seen during the day, as it spends most of its time hiding under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. When threatened, it coils its tail and exposes its bright orange or red underside as a warning display. Although it is harmless to humans, it is an efficient predator of insects, worms, and small amphibians.
Description
The Prairie Ring-necked Snake has a smooth, slender body that is usually dark gray, brown, or black with a distinctive yellow or orange ring around its neck. Its belly transitions from bright yellow near the head to orange or red toward the tail, often featuring small black speckles. This coloration serves as a defensive mechanism, warning potential predators that it may be toxic (though it is completely harmless).
Length
📏 10 to 14 inches (25–36 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Prairie Ring-necked Snake primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, soft-bodied insects, and small salamanders. It uses mild venom (harmless to humans) in its saliva to help subdue its prey.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Prairie Ring-necked Snake is found throughout most of Missouri, except for the southeastern region, where it is replaced by the Mississippi Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus stictogenys). It prefers rocky, wooded hillsides, grasslands, and areas with loose soil, where it can burrow and remain hidden.
Prairie Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi)
About
The Prairie Ring-necked Snake is a small, secretive, and nocturnal species commonly found in wooded hillsides, grasslands, and rocky outcrops across Missouri. This non-venomous snake is rarely seen during the day, as it spends most of its time hiding under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. When threatened, it coils its tail and exposes its bright orange or red underside as a warning display. Although it is harmless to humans, it is an efficient predator of insects, worms, and small amphibians.
Description
The Prairie Ring-necked Snake has a smooth, slender body that is usually dark gray, brown, or black with a distinctive yellow or orange ring around its neck. Its belly transitions from bright yellow near the head to orange or red toward the tail, often featuring small black speckles. This coloration serves as a defensive mechanism, warning potential predators that it may be toxic (though it is completely harmless).
Length
📏 10 to 14 inches (25–36 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Prairie Ring-necked Snake primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, soft-bodied insects, and small salamanders. It uses mild venom (harmless to humans) in its saliva to help subdue its prey.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Prairie Ring-necked Snake is found throughout most of Missouri, except for the southeastern region, where it is replaced by the Mississippi Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus stictogenys). It prefers rocky, wooded hillsides, grasslands, and areas with loose soil, where it can burrow and remain hidden.
Western Mudsnake (Farancia abacura reinwardtii)
About
The Western Mudsnake is a rare, secretive, and semi-aquatic snake found in the southeastern swamps, marshes, and river sloughs of Missouri. This non-venomous species spends most of its time burrowing in mud or hiding under vegetation near water, making it difficult to spot. It is often referred to as the “hoop snake” due to a common myth that it bites its own tail and rolls like a wheel—however, this is entirely false. Despite its striking appearance, it is completely harmless to humans and primarily preys on amphibians.
Description
The Western Mudsnake has a smooth, glossy black back and a bright red, pink, or orange underside that extends onto its sides. Its body is heavily iridescent, giving it a shiny appearance. The snake has a small, blunt head and a pointed tail tip, which it sometimes uses to press against prey—earning it the nickname “stinging snake” (though it does not actually sting).
Length
📏 40 to 54 inches (102–137 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Western Mudsnake specializes in eating amphibians, particularly large aquatic salamanders such as the three-toed amphiuma and western lesser siren. It also consumes frogs, tadpoles, and fish.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Western Mudsnake is restricted to the southeastern corner of Missouri, where it inhabits swamps, floodplains, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving streams. Due to habitat loss, sightings of this species are becoming increasingly rare.
Dusty Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon gloydi)
About
The Dusty Hog-nosed Snake is a rare and elusive species found in the sandy prairies and savanna regions of southeastern Missouri. This non-venomous snake is best known for its dramatic defensive behaviors, which include hissing, flattening its head like a cobra, and even playing dead when threatened. Despite its intimidating display, it is completely harmless to humans. Due to its preference for loose, sandy soils, it is rarely seen and was once thought to be extirpated (locally extinct) in Missouri.
Description
The Dusty Hog-nosed Snake has a stout body with an upturned snout, which it uses to burrow into the sand. Its color varies from brown to grayish-brown, with dark blotches along the back and a black underside with scattered light markings. The belly is mostly black, especially under the tail. This snake’s most unique feature is its ability to fake its own death—flipping onto its back, opening its mouth, and remaining motionless until the perceived threat is gone.
Length
📏 15 to 25 inches (38–64 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Dusty Hog-nosed Snake primarily feeds on amphibians, especially frogs and toads. It also eats lizards, reptile eggs, and small rodents. Unlike most snakes, it has rear fangs that help it deflate toads, making them easier to swallow.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Dusty Hog-nosed Snake is found only in the sandy prairie and savanna areas of southeastern Missouri. Its restricted range and declining habitat make it one of the rarest snakes in the state.
Plains Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus)
About
The Plains Hog-nosed Snake is a small, burrowing snake that thrives in sandy, loose prairie soils of Missouri. It is best known for its upturned snout, which it uses to dig for prey and burrow into the ground. This non-venomous species has one of the most dramatic defensive displays among Missouri’s snakes—it can flatten its head, hiss loudly, and even play dead to deter predators. Despite its intimidating behavior, it is harmless to humans and plays a vital role in controlling small animal populations.
Description
The Plains Hog-nosed Snake has a stout body with a sharply upturned snout that gives it a shovel-like appearance. It is typically grayish-tan with dark brown spots running along its back. The belly and the underside of the tail are almost entirely black, which helps distinguish it from the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake. Unlike venomous snakes, it has round pupils and lacks heat-sensing pits.
Length
📏 16 to 25 inches (41–64 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Plains Hog-nosed Snake primarily feeds on toads, small snakes, and lizard eggs, but it also eats small rodents when available. Its rear fangs and mild venom (harmless to humans) help it subdue toads by neutralizing their natural defense mechanism of inflating their bodies.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Plains Hog-nosed Snake is extremely rare in Missouri, with its historic range limited to the loess hill prairies in extreme northwestern counties. It has not been seen in the state for many years, leading some experts to believe it may be extirpated (locally extinct) from Missouri.
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
About
The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake is a fascinating, highly defensive species found throughout Missouri’s forests, prairies, and open woodlands. Known for its dramatic threat displays, it can flatten its head like a cobra, hiss loudly, and even play dead when confronted. This non-venomous species is completely harmless to humans, despite its intimidating behavior. It specializes in hunting amphibians, particularly toads, and plays a crucial role in balancing local ecosystems.
Description
The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake has a thick body with a distinct upturned snout, which it uses to burrow into loose soil and leaf litter. Its color varies widely, ranging from gray, brown, or tan to yellow or orange, sometimes with dark blotches along the back. Some individuals may appear almost solid black. Its belly is mottled gray, helping distinguish it from similar species. This snake’s most unique feature is its elaborate defense mechanism, where it flips onto its back, opens its mouth, and “plays dead” when threatened.
Length
📏 20 to 33 inches (51–84 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake primarily preys on toads, frogs, and salamanders, though it may occasionally eat small rodents and insects. It has rear fangs and mild venom (harmless to humans) that help it neutralize the toxic defenses of toads, making them easier to consume.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake is found statewide in Missouri. It prefers sandy or loose soil environments, such as open woods, fields, and riverbanks, where it can burrow and hunt efficiently.
Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster)
About
The Prairie Kingsnake is a non-venomous, secretive snake that is commonly found in grasslands, open woodlands, and agricultural fields across Missouri. This species is an excellent rodent hunter, making it highly beneficial to farmers and landowners. It is often confused with the venomous Copperhead due to its similar pattern, but unlike the Copperhead, it is completely harmless to humans. Kingsnakes are also known for their ability to prey on other snakes, including venomous species, due to their resistance to snake venom.
Description
The Prairie Kingsnake has a smooth, tan or gray body with dark blotches along its back and sides, outlined in black. A distinctive “V” or “U” shaped marking is often present on the top of its head. Its belly is yellowish-tan with blocky brown markings. Juveniles are more vibrantly patterned, but their colors fade slightly as they mature.
Length
📏 30 to 42 inches (76–107 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Prairie Kingsnake feeds on a variety of small animals, including rodents, lizards, birds, and even other snakes. It is a constrictor, meaning it wraps around its prey and suffocates it before swallowing. This snake is especially useful in controlling rodent populations, making it a vital species in Missouri’s ecosystem.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Prairie Kingsnake is found statewide in Missouri, thriving in prairies, open fields, farmland, and forest edges. It is often encountered near barns, where it hunts for mice and rats.
Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki)
About
The Speckled Kingsnake, often referred to as the “Salt and Pepper Snake,” is a non-venomous species found throughout Missouri’s woodlands, grasslands, and near farms and wetlands. It is well known for its unique speckled pattern and strong resistance to venom, allowing it to prey on other snakes, including venomous species like Copperheads and Rattlesnakes. This kingsnake is a powerful constrictor and plays a key role in controlling rodent and reptile populations. Despite its defensive ability to bite if threatened, it is harmless to humans and highly beneficial to the ecosystem.
Description
The Speckled Kingsnake has a shiny black body covered in small, irregular yellow or white speckles, creating a salt-and-pepper appearance. Unlike the Prairie Kingsnake, which has large blotches, the Speckled Kingsnake’s scales appear evenly speckled across the entire body. Its belly is yellowish with black irregular markings.
Length
📏 36 to 48 inches (91–122 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Speckled Kingsnake is an opportunistic feeder, preying on a variety of animals, including rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes. It is one of the few snake species in Missouri that actively hunts and eats venomous snakes without being affected by their venom. This makes it an important species for natural pest control.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Speckled Kingsnake is found statewide in Missouri, with a preference for wooded areas, farmlands, wetlands, and prairies. It is often seen near barns and fields, where it hunts for rodents
Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
About
The Eastern Milksnake is a non-venomous, secretive species commonly found in wooded areas, grasslands, and rocky hillsides across Missouri. It is often mistaken for the venomous Coral Snake or the Eastern Copperhead due to its bold color patterns, but it is completely harmless to humans. The name “Milksnake” originates from the old myth that this snake sneaks into barns to drink milk from cows—which is false. Instead, this species is highly beneficial to farmers because it helps control rodent populations.
Description
The Eastern Milksnake has a light tan or grayish body with bright red or orange blotches outlined in black. Its belly is white with a distinct black checkerboard pattern, helping to differentiate it from similar-looking species. Juvenile milksnakes tend to have more vivid colors, which may fade slightly as they age. This snake is a constrictor, meaning it wraps around its prey and squeezes it before swallowing.
Length
📏 21 to 28 inches (53–71 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Milksnake primarily feeds on rodents, birds, and lizards, but it also consumes other snakes, including venomous species. Its ability to prey on rattlesnakes and copperheads makes it an important part of Missouri’s natural pest control system.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Milksnake is found statewide in Missouri, with a preference for rocky hillsides, forested regions, and farmlands. It is commonly encountered under rocks, logs, or inside barns and abandoned buildings, where it hunts for small prey.
Eastern Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra)
About
The Eastern Black Kingsnake is a non-venomous, secretive snake that is highly valued for its ability to control rodent and venomous snake populations. Like other kingsnakes, it has immunity to venom, allowing it to prey on species like Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and Rattlesnakes. This snake is primarily found in wooded areas, grasslands, and near water sources in southeastern Missouri. While it may bite when threatened, it is harmless to humans and is considered one of the most beneficial snake species in Missouri.
Description
The Eastern Black Kingsnake has a shiny black body covered in faint, irregular yellow or white speckles, giving it a slightly patterned appearance. Unlike the Speckled Kingsnake, which has a more prominent speckled pattern, the Eastern Black Kingsnake appears almost solid black from a distance. Its belly is yellowish with dark irregular blotches, and it has smooth, glossy scales.
Length
📏 36 to 45 inches (90–114 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Black Kingsnake is an opportunistic hunter, feeding on rodents, lizards, birds, and other snakes—including venomous species. It constricts its prey, wrapping around it tightly to suffocate it before swallowing.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Black Kingsnake is restricted to southeastern Missouri, where it inhabits forests, prairies, wetlands, and agricultural areas. It is less common than the Speckled Kingsnake but plays a similar ecological role.
Mississippi Green Watersnake (Nerodia cyclopion)
About
The Mississippi Green Watersnake is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous snake that was once commonly found in Missouri’s southeastern swamps, cypress wetlands, and slow-moving waters. However, due to habitat destruction and wetland drainage, this species has become extremely rare and is now considered likely extirpated (locally extinct) from Missouri. While it is harmless to humans, it is often mistaken for the venomous Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) and is unnecessarily killed. This snake plays a vital role in controlling fish and amphibian populations in its natural habitat.
Description
The Mississippi Green Watersnake has a thick, muscular body that is olive-green to dark brown, often with faint, small brown markings along its back. Its belly is dark gray with numerous yellow half-moon markings, which helps distinguish it from other watersnake species. Unlike the venomous Cottonmouth, it has round pupils, no heat-sensing pits, and lacks the distinctive white mouth lining.
Length
📏 30 to 45 inches (76–114 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Mississippi Green Watersnake is a predatory aquatic hunter, feeding primarily on fish, salamanders, frogs, and crayfish. It is an active forager, using its strong body to ambush prey in shallow water.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Mississippi Green Watersnake was historically found in the southeastern corner of Missouri, particularly in wetlands, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving rivers. However, it has not been observed in the state for many years, and is now considered likely extirpated from Missouri.
Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster)
About
The Plain-bellied Watersnake is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous species found in river bottoms, swamps, sloughs, lakes, and ponds across Missouri. Unlike other watersnakes that rely on the water for hunting, this species is known to venture farther onto land in search of food. It is often mistaken for the venomous Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) due to its stout body and defensive behavior, but it is completely harmless to humans. When threatened, it may flatten its body, strike repeatedly, or release a strong-smelling musk as a defense mechanism.
Description
The Plain-bellied Watersnake has a smooth, solid-colored body that ranges from gray, brown, or olive-green with little to no visible pattern. Unlike many watersnakes, its belly is usually plain yellow or occasionally orange, giving it its name. It has round pupils, no heat-sensing pits, and lacks the distinctive white mouth interior seen in Cottonmouths.
Length
📏 30 to 48 inches (76–122 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Plain-bellied Watersnake is an opportunistic hunter, feeding primarily on fish, amphibians, and crayfish. Unlike many other snakes that swallow their prey immediately, this species is known to bring its food onto land before eating it.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Plain-bellied Watersnake is commonly found in southeastern Missouri, extending north along the Mississippi River floodplain and into southwestern and western Missouri. It prefers calm, freshwater habitats such as swamps, ponds, and slow-moving rivers.
Broad-banded Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata confluens)
About
The Broad-banded Watersnake is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous snake that thrives in Missouri’s southeastern swamps, river sloughs, and oxbow lakes. This species is often misidentified as the venomous Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) due to its stout body and defensive behavior. However, it is completely harmless to humans and plays an essential role in controlling amphibian and fish populations. When threatened, it may flatten its body, strike aggressively, or release a strong musk, but it does not pose any real danger.
Description
The Broad-banded Watersnake has a thick body with wide, irregularly shaped dark bands that run across its back. These bands can be brown, reddish-brown, or black, separated by yellow or gray spaces. Unlike other watersnake species, the Broad-banded Watersnake’s pattern remains visible even in older individuals. It has round pupils, no heat-sensing pits, and lacks the distinctive white mouth lining seen in Cottonmouths. Its belly is pale with dark markings.
Length
📏 22 to 36 inches (56–91 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Broad-banded Watersnake primarily preys on fish, frogs, toads, and tadpoles. It is an active hunter, capturing prey in shallow water and swallowing it alive.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Broad-banded Watersnake is restricted to the southeastern corner of Missouri, where it inhabits cypress swamps, river floodplains, and slow-moving bodies of water. Due to habitat loss, it is considered a rare species in the state.
Diamond-backed Watersnake (Nerodia rhombifer)
About
The Diamond-backed Watersnake is Missouri’s largest watersnake species and is commonly found in slow-moving waters such as rivers, swamps, lakes, and ponds. This non-venomous snake is frequently mistaken for the venomous Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) due to its large size and defensive behavior. However, it is completely harmless to humans and plays an essential role in controlling fish and amphibian populations. When disturbed, it may emit a foul-smelling musk, flatten its body, or bite repeatedly, though it does not pose a real threat.
Description
The Diamond-backed Watersnake has a thick, muscular body with a brown to olive-green coloration. Its name comes from the diamond-shaped markings along its back, which may appear faint in some individuals. The belly is yellow with two rows of dark half-moon-shaped markings. Like all watersnakes, it has round pupils, lacks heat-sensing pits, and does not have the distinctive white mouth lining of the Cottonmouth.
Length
📏 30 to 48 inches (76–122 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Diamond-backed Watersnake primarily preys on fish, frogs, and toads. It is a skilled aquatic hunter, capturing prey in shallow water using its strong body to subdue and swallow it alive.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Diamond-backed Watersnake is common in southeastern Missouri and extends north along the Mississippi River floodplain and into northern and western Missouri. It is absent from the Ozark region but is frequently found near wetlands, riverbanks, and oxbow lakes.
Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon)
About
The Northern Watersnake is Missouri’s most common watersnake and can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. This non-venomous species is frequently mistaken for the venomous Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin) due to its aggressive defense behavior and similar coloration. However, it is completely harmless to humans and plays a crucial role in controlling fish and amphibian populations. When threatened, it may flatten its body, release a strong-smelling musk, or bite repeatedly, though its bite is non-venomous.
Description
The Northern Watersnake has a thick body with a gray to reddish-brown coloration, marked by dark brown crossbands along the neck that transition into blotches down the body. The belly is cream-colored with numerous black and reddish half-moon markings. Unlike the venomous Cottonmouth, it has round pupils, lacks heat-sensing pits, and does not have a white mouth lining.
Length
📏 24 to 42 inches (61–107 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Northern Watersnake is an active aquatic predator, primarily feeding on fish, frogs, tadpoles, toads, and salamanders. It hunts by ambushing prey in shallow water and swallowing it alive.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Northern Watersnake is found throughout Missouri, except in some areas of the southern Ozarks. It is especially common in wetlands, slow-moving rivers, and lakes, where it is often seen basking on rocks or logs near the water’s edge. A subspecies, the Midland Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon pleuralis), is found in the southern and eastern regions of the state.
Rough Greensnake (Opheodrys aestivus)
About
The Rough Greensnake is a slender, arboreal, and non-venomous snake commonly found in Missouri’s woodlands, streamside vegetation, and grassy fields. Unlike many other snake species, it is diurnal (active during the day) and relies on camouflage to avoid predators. This species is entirely harmless to humans, preferring to flee or freeze in place rather than defend itself. It plays an important role in controlling insect populations by feeding on grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars.
Description
The Rough Greensnake is long and thin, with a bright green back and a yellow or white belly. Its scales have small ridges (keels), giving it a rough texture, which differentiates it from the Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis), a species that is likely extirpated from Missouri. Its coloration allows it to blend perfectly with leaves and grasses, making it difficult for predators to spot.
Length
📏 22 to 32 inches (56–81 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Rough Greensnake is an insectivore, feeding mainly on spiders, grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects. Unlike many snakes, it actively hunts its prey during the day, using its excellent vision to spot movement.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Rough Greensnake is found throughout the southern two-thirds of Missouri, preferring wooded areas, wetlands, and grasslands near streams, lakes, and ponds. It is often seen climbing low-hanging branches or moving through dense vegetation.
Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
About
The Smooth Greensnake is a small, non-venomous, and insectivorous snake that was once found in grassy meadows, prairies, and open woodlands in Missouri. Unlike its close relative, the Rough Greensnake, this species has smooth scales and a more northern distribution. However, due to habitat destruction and pesticide use, it has not been observed in the state for many years and is now considered likely extirpated (locally extinct) from Missouri. This species is completely harmless to humans and plays an essential role in controlling insect populations.
Description
The Smooth Greensnake is a thin, bright green snake with a pale yellow or white belly. Unlike the Rough Greensnake, it has smooth, glossy scales, giving it a sleek appearance. Its small head and large eyes give it a somewhat delicate look. When it dies, its green color fades to a pale blue due to the breakdown of pigments.
Length
📏 14 to 20 inches (36–51 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Smooth Greensnake primarily feeds on insects, spiders, and slugs, making it highly beneficial for natural pest control in grasslands and gardens. It is an active daytime hunter, using its keen vision to track down prey.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Smooth Greensnake was historically found in scattered counties in the northern half of Missouri, but it has not been seen in the state for many years. It was most commonly found in grasslands, marsh edges, and moist meadows, where it could blend in with vegetation.
Great Plains Ratsnake (Pantherophis emoryi)
About
The Great Plains Ratsnake is a nocturnal, non-venomous snake that is rarely seen due to its secretive nature. It is a member of the ratsnake family, known for its excellent ability to control rodent populations. This species is often confused with Copperheads due to its blotched pattern, but it is completely harmless to humans. The Great Plains Ratsnake is a powerful constrictor, using its muscular body to subdue prey before swallowing it.
Description
The Great Plains Ratsnake has a light gray or tan body with dark brown blotches running down its back, which helps it blend into rocky and wooded environments. A brown stripe runs through each eye, and a distinct spear-shaped marking is present on top of the head. Its belly is white with a checkered black pattern, further distinguishing it from venomous species.
Length
📏 24 to 36 inches (61–91 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Great Plains Ratsnake is an efficient hunter, feeding mainly on rodents, small birds, and bats. It is an excellent climber and often enters barns, attics, or hollow logs to find prey.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Great Plains Ratsnake is primarily found in the southern half of Missouri, especially in rocky, wooded hillsides and near Missouri River counties. It avoids wetland areas and is more commonly encountered in dry, forested environments.
Western Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
About
The Western Ratsnake, also known as the Black Ratsnake, is one of Missouri’s largest and most commonly encountered non-venomous snakes. It is an excellent climber and is frequently found in wooded areas, farmland, and even barns, where it helps control rodent populations. Despite its large size, it is completely harmless to humans. When threatened, it may vibrate its tail, coil its body, or release a musky odor, but it does not pose any danger.
Description
The Western Ratsnake has a shiny black body with faint traces of light brown or gray blotches, especially in younger individuals. The belly is white or gray with a mottled pattern, and its skin between the scales may appear reddish. Juveniles have a lighter gray body with dark brown blotches, making them resemble the Great Plains Ratsnake before they darken with age.
Length
📏 42 to 72 inches (107–183 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Western Ratsnake is a powerful constrictor, feeding primarily on rodents, birds, bird eggs, and even other snakes. It is known to climb trees in search of bird nests and is highly beneficial for controlling pest populations in farms and rural areas.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Western Ratsnake is found statewide in Missouri, preferring wooded hillsides, agricultural fields, and rocky outcrops. It is frequently seen around barns, abandoned buildings, and forest edges, where it hunts for rodents.
Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti)
About
The Western Foxsnake is a non-venomous, rodent-eating constrictor that is commonly found in grasslands, marsh edges, and woodland borders in northwestern Missouri. This species is often mistaken for venomous Copperheads due to its blotched pattern, but it is completely harmless to humans. When threatened, it may vibrate its tail, coil defensively, or release a musky odor, mimicking the behavior of a rattlesnake. This snake plays a valuable role in controlling rodent populations, making it beneficial for farmers and homeowners.
Description
The Western Foxsnake has a yellowish, greenish-brown, or tan body with a series of large, dark brown blotches along the back and smaller blotches on the sides. Its head may have an orange hue, which often leads to misidentification as a Copperhead. The belly is yellow with a distinct black checkered pattern, setting it apart from other blotched snakes in Missouri.
Length
📏 36 to 54 inches (91–137 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Western Foxsnake is a powerful constrictor, feeding primarily on small rodents, birds, and bird eggs. It helps maintain a healthy balance in agricultural and natural ecosystems by keeping pest populations in check.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Western Foxsnake is restricted to a few counties in northwestern Missouri, where it inhabits open grasslands, prairies, and woodland edges near water sources. Due to its limited range, it is considered an uncommon species in the state.
Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus)
About
The Eastern Foxsnake is a non-venomous, rodent-eating constrictor found in grasslands, marshes, and forest edges along Missouri’s Mississippi River floodplain. Like the Western Foxsnake, it is often mistaken for a Copperhead or rattlesnake due to its coloration and defensive behaviors. When threatened, it may vibrate its tail against dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake, but it is completely harmless to humans. This species is a valuable predator of rodents and small birds, making it beneficial for the ecosystem.
Description
The Eastern Foxsnake has a tan to yellowish-brown body with dark brown or black blotches running down its back. Its head is often a rich brown or reddish color, making it easy to mistake for a Copperhead. The belly is yellowish with a distinct black checkered pattern, similar to the Western Foxsnake. Unlike venomous snakes, it has round pupils, lacks heat-sensing pits, and does not have a triangular head shape.
Length
📏 36 to 54 inches (91–137 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Foxsnake is a powerful constrictor, feeding mainly on rodents, small birds, and bird eggs. It is frequently found near barns, in grasslands, and in marshy areas, where it helps control pest populations.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Foxsnake is restricted to a few counties along the Mississippi River floodplain in northeastern Missouri. It prefers moist grasslands, marsh edges, and areas with tall vegetation, making it less commonly seen than the Western Foxsnake.
Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi)
About
The Bullsnake is Missouri’s largest non-venomous snake, often reaching over 6 feet in length. It is a powerful constrictor and is highly beneficial in controlling rodent populations, making it a favorite among farmers. Despite being harmless to humans, it has an aggressive defensive display, which includes hissing loudly, flattening its head, and vibrating its tail, often causing people to mistake it for a rattlesnake. However, unlike rattlesnakes, it lacks venom and a rattle and is completely non-dangerous.
Description
The Bullsnake has a thick body with tan, cream, or yellowish coloration, covered with large dark brown or black blotches running along its back. The tail may have alternating light and dark bands. It has a pointed snout, which helps it burrow, and a dark line that runs from its eye to the corner of its jaw. The belly is yellow or cream-colored with dark brown or black spots along the sides.
Length
📏 37 to 72 inches (94–183 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Bullsnake primarily feeds on rodents, making it one of Missouri’s most important natural pest controllers. It also preys on small mammals, birds, bird eggs, and even other snakes. It is an excellent climber and burrower, allowing it to hunt in a variety of environments.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Bullsnake is most common in western and northern Missouri, particularly in grasslands, open prairies, and farmland. It is also found in scattered locations throughout the Ozarks. Due to habitat loss, its population has declined in some areas.
Graham’s Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii)
About
The Graham’s Crayfish Snake is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous snake that is rarely seen due to its secretive nature. As its name suggests, it primarily feeds on crayfish, making it unique among Missouri’s watersnakes. This species is commonly found near slow-moving waters, including marshes, ponds, and river floodplains. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is harmless to humans and rarely bites, even when handled.
Description
The Graham’s Crayfish Snake has a smooth, slender body with a brown or olive coloration and two yellowish-tan stripes running along the sides. The belly is light yellow or tan, and its scales appear slightly keeled. It has a small head and large eyes, giving it an alert look. Unlike many watersnakes, this species is not as aggressive and is more likely to flee than to bite when threatened.
Length
📏 18 to 28 inches (46–71 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Graham’s Crayfish Snake has a specialized diet, feeding primarily on soft-bodied crayfish that have recently molted. It may also consume frogs and tadpoles when crayfish are scarce.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Graham’s Crayfish Snake is found throughout Missouri, except in the Ozarks. It prefers wetlands, slow-moving rivers, and marshes, where crayfish populations are abundant. It often takes shelter under rocks, logs, or within crayfish burrows.
Variable Groundsnake (Sonora semiannulata semiannulata)
About
The Variable Groundsnake is a small, secretive, and non-venomous species that is rarely seen due to its preference for hiding under rocks, logs, and in loose soil. It is known for its highly variable coloration, which can range from solid brown to bright orange with dark bands. This species is found in rocky glades and open woodlands in southwestern Missouri. Despite its small size, it is an effective predator of scorpions and venomous spiders, making it an important part of the ecosystem.
Description
The Variable Groundsnake has a shiny, smooth-scaled body that can appear in a variety of colors, including gray, brown, orange, or red, with or without dark bands. Its belly is white or cream-colored, and its tail often has black markings on the underside. This variability in appearance makes it difficult to identify, but its small size and secretive behavior help distinguish it from larger snakes.
Length
📏 8 to 12 inches (20–31 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Variable Groundsnake primarily feeds on scorpions, centipedes, and spiders, including black widows. It also consumes small insects and larvae.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Variable Groundsnake is found only in the southwestern corner of Missouri, where it inhabits rocky glades, dry open woodlands, and areas with loose soil. It is rarely seen in the open and spends most of its time hidden beneath rocks and debris.
Midland Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi wrightorum)
About
The Midland Brownsnake is a small, secretive, and non-venomous species commonly found in moist woodlands, gardens, and urban areas across Missouri. It is known for its mild temperament and underground lifestyle, spending most of its time hidden under logs, leaf litter, or debris. Despite its small size, this snake plays an essential role in controlling insect and slug populations. Because of its secretive nature and brown coloration, it is often overlooked and mistaken for a worm or juvenile snake of another species.
Description
The Midland Brownsnake has a gray-brown to reddish-brown body with a lighter tan stripe running down the back, bordered by two rows of small dark spots. Its belly is pale yellow or cream, and it lacks any bold markings. Unlike many other snake species, it has keeled (ridged) scales, giving it a slightly rough texture.
Length
📏 9 to 13 inches (23–33 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Midland Brownsnake primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, snails, and soft-bodied insects, making it beneficial for gardens and natural pest control.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Midland Brownsnake is found statewide in Missouri, preferring moist habitats such as forests, marshy areas, and urban gardens. It is commonly encountered under rocks, logs, and mulch piles. In western Missouri, it may intergrade (hybridize) with the Texas Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi texana).
Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata)
About
The Northern Red-bellied Snake is a small, secretive, non-venomous species that is commonly found in woodlands, meadows, and marsh edges throughout Missouri. Despite its striking belly coloration, this snake is rarely seen due to its preference for hiding under rocks, logs, and leaf litter. It is completely harmless to humans and plays an essential role in controlling slug and insect populations. Because of its size and habits, it is often mistaken for juvenile snakes of other species.
Description
The Northern Red-bellied Snake has a slender, gray-brown or reddish-brown body with a light tan stripe running down its back. Its most distinctive feature is its bright red or orange belly, which is solid in color without markings. Some individuals may have three small light spots behind the head, adding to their unique appearance.
Length
📏 8 to 10 inches (20–25 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Northern Red-bellied Snake primarily feeds on slugs, earthworms, and soft-bodied insects, making it an important natural pest controller in forest ecosystems and gardens.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Northern Red-bellied Snake is found throughout Missouri, except for some northwestern counties. It prefers moist environments, including forests, grassy fields, and marsh edges, where it can find ample cover and food sources.
Flat-headed Snake (Tantilla gracilis)
About
The Flat-headed Snake is Missouri’s smallest snake species, rarely growing longer than 8 inches. This non-venomous, burrowing species is extremely secretive and spends most of its life hidden under rocks, in loose soil, and beneath leaf litter. Due to its tiny size and subterranean habits, it is rarely seen, even in areas where it is common. This snake is completely harmless to humans and plays a key role in controlling small insects and centipedes in the soil.
Description
The Flat-headed Snake has a slender body with a uniform tan, gray-brown, or reddish-brown coloration. As its name suggests, it has a distinctively flattened head, which helps it burrow into the soil. Its belly is salmon pink, which sets it apart from other small snakes in Missouri. Due to its tiny size and subtle coloration, it is often mistaken for earthworms or juvenile snakes.
Length
📏 7 to 8 inches (18–20 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Flat-headed Snake primarily feeds on centipedes, insect larvae, and small soft-bodied invertebrates. It is an active burrower, hunting its prey just beneath the surface of the soil.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Flat-headed Snake is found in the southern half of Missouri, except for the southeastern region. It prefers rocky, wooded hillsides with loose soil, where it can easily burrow and remain hidden.
Orange-striped Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus proximus)
About
The Orange-striped Ribbonsnake is a slender, fast-moving, and non-venomous species that thrives near wetlands, streams, and ponds across Missouri. This snake is a subspecies of the Western Ribbonsnake and is recognized for its distinct orange stripe running down its back. It is harmless to humans and plays a crucial role in controlling frog and fish populations. Unlike many other snakes, it is diurnal (active during the day) and often seen basking or hunting near water.
Description
The Orange-striped Ribbonsnake has a long, thin body with a dark brown or black coloration, featuring a bright orange or yellow stripe running down its back. It also has two lighter yellowish stripes on each side. Its belly is greenish or yellowish, and its tail is longer than most garter snakes, helping distinguish it from similar species.
Length
📏 20 to 30 inches (51–76 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Orange-striped Ribbonsnake primarily preys on small frogs, tadpoles, and minnows, but it may also consume insects and small fish. Unlike constrictors, it actively hunts and swallows its prey alive.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Orange-striped Ribbonsnake is found statewide in Missouri, especially near wetlands, ponds, slow-moving streams, and marshes. It prefers grassy edges of water sources, where it can easily hunt for amphibians.
Plains Gartersnake (Thamnophis radix)
About
The Plains Gartersnake is a non-venomous, adaptable, and widely distributed species found in Missouri’s wetlands, prairies, and grasslands. It is one of the most commonly encountered gartersnakes in the state and is known for its bold coloration and active behavior. Like other gartersnakes, it is harmless to humans and plays a crucial role in controlling insect and amphibian populations. When threatened, it may release a foul-smelling musk but will rarely bite.
Description
The Plains Gartersnake has a slender body with three distinct stripes running along its back. The center stripe is yellow or orange, while the side stripes are lighter in color and bordered by a dark checkerboard pattern. It also has black vertical bars on the upper jaw (labial scales), which help distinguish it from other gartersnake species. Its belly is pale yellow or greenish.
Length
📏 15 to 28 inches (38–71 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Plains Gartersnake primarily feeds on earthworms, amphibians (frogs and toads), small fish, and insects. Unlike constrictors, it captures prey and swallows it alive.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Plains Gartersnake is mainly found in the north-central and western regions of Missouri, with an isolated population near St. Louis. It prefers wet meadows, prairies, and marshy areas, where it can find ample food sources.
Eastern Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
About
The Eastern Gartersnake is one of the most common and widely distributed non-venomous snakes in Missouri. It is frequently encountered in yards, gardens, fields, and near water sources. This adaptable species is harmless to humans and plays a vital role in controlling insect and amphibian populations. When threatened, it may release a foul-smelling musk and occasionally strike, but it is not aggressive.
Description
The Eastern Gartersnake has a long, slender body with three distinct yellowish stripes running down its back and sides. The coloration varies from greenish, olive, or brown to nearly black, with dark markings between the stripes. Some individuals may have a red or orange tint on their sides. The belly is pale yellow or greenish, sometimes with faint spots.
Length
📏 18 to 26 inches (46–66 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Gartersnake primarily feeds on earthworms, frogs, toads, salamanders, minnows, and occasionally small mice. It is an active daytime hunter and uses its quick reflexes to capture prey.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Gartersnake is found statewide in Missouri, occurring in yards, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It is more common in the eastern half of the state, while a subspecies, the Red-sided Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis), is found mainly in western and northern Missouri.
Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum)
About
The Lined Snake is a small, secretive, non-venomous species commonly found in prairies, grasslands, and urban lots throughout Missouri. It closely resembles gartersnakes but has subtle differences in scale pattern and coloration. This nocturnal snake is rarely seen during the day and is harmless to humans. It plays an essential role in controlling earthworm populations and contributes to the health of grassland ecosystems.
Description
The Lined Snake has a grayish-brown to tan body with a light-colored stripe running down its back, similar to gartersnakes. However, it can be distinguished by two rows of small black half-moon markings along its belly. Its scales are keeled, giving it a rough texture, and it has a short, stocky body compared to other slender snakes in Missouri.
Length
📏 8 to 15 inches (20–38 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Lined Snake primarily feeds on earthworms, making it highly beneficial for soil health and natural pest control. It may also eat small insects and soft-bodied invertebrates.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Lined Snake is primarily found in western Missouri, with scattered populations in northeastern counties and around the St. Louis area. It prefers native prairies, grasslands, and open fields, often taking shelter under rocks, logs, and debris.
Rough Earthsnake (Haldea striatula)
About
The Rough Earthsnake is a small, burrowing, and non-venomous species that is rarely seen due to its secretive nature. It spends most of its life underground, hiding beneath logs, rocks, and leaf litter in forests and gardens across southern Missouri. This snake is completely harmless to humans and plays an important role in controlling insect populations, especially earthworms and slugs.
Description
The Rough Earthsnake has a smooth, brown to grayish-brown body with a slightly pointed snout, which helps it burrow. Its scales are keeled (ridged), giving it a rough texture—hence its name. It lacks any bold markings, making it easy to mistake for a juvenile snake of another species or even an earthworm. Its belly is pale cream or yellowish-white.
Length
📏 7 to 10 inches (18–25 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Rough Earthsnake primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, and small soft-bodied insects, making it beneficial for gardens and forest ecosystems.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Rough Earthsnake is found in the southern half of Missouri, excluding southeastern counties. It thrives in moist woodlands, gardens, and areas with loose soil, where it can burrow and remain hidden.
Western Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae elegans)
About
The Western Smooth Earthsnake is a small, burrowing, non-venomous species that spends most of its life hidden under leaf litter, logs, and rocks in forests and grasslands. It closely resembles the Rough Earthsnake but has smooth scales instead of keeled ones. This species is harmless to humans and plays an important role in controlling insect populations, especially earthworms and soft-bodied invertebrates.
Description
The Western Smooth Earthsnake has a slender, gray to light brown body, sometimes with faint darker spots. Unlike the Rough Earthsnake, its scales are smooth and glossy, giving it a more polished appearance. Its belly is pale cream or yellowish-white, and it has a small, slightly pointed snout that helps it burrow into the soil.
Length
📏 7 to 10 inches (18–25 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Western Smooth Earthsnake primarily feeds on earthworms, insect larvae, and soft-bodied invertebrates, making it beneficial for gardens and forest ecosystems.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Western Smooth Earthsnake is primarily found in the southern half of Missouri, with scattered populations in north-central Missouri. It prefers moist woodlands, grasslands, and loose soil habitats, where it can burrow and remain hidden.
Venomous Species Accounts
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
About
The Eastern Copperhead is Missouri’s most common venomous snake, found in forests, rocky hillsides, grasslands, and urban edges throughout the state. Known for its excellent camouflage, this species often remains motionless when approached, relying on its coloration to blend into leaf litter and forest floors. While Copperhead bites are venomous, they are rarely fatal to humans. Copperheads generally avoid confrontation and will only bite if they feel directly threatened.
Description
The Eastern Copperhead has a stout body with a distinctive hourglass-shaped pattern along its back. Its color ranges from pinkish-tan to coppery brown, with darker brown crossbands that resemble hourglasses or saddlebags. The head is broad and triangular, a key characteristic of pit vipers. Juvenile Copperheads have a bright yellow or green tail tip, which they use to lure small prey.
Length
📏 24 to 36 inches (61–91 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Copperhead primarily feeds on small rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects. It is an ambush predator, waiting for prey to come close before striking with its venomous bite. Juveniles may use tail-luring to attract frogs and lizards.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Copperhead is found statewide in Missouri, except for the far northern border near Iowa. It prefers forested areas, rocky outcrops, riverbanks, and urban woodlands, often hiding under logs, rocks, and leaf litter.
Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
About
The Northern Cottonmouth, also known as the Water Moccasin, is Missouri’s only venomous semi-aquatic snake. This pit viper is primarily found in swamps, slow-moving rivers, and wetland areas in the southeastern part of the state. It gets its name from the bright white interior of its mouth, which it displays as a defensive warning when threatened. Although Cottonmouths are venomous, they rarely bite unless provoked and typically flee or stay motionless when encountered.
Description
The Northern Cottonmouth has a thick, muscular body with a dark brown to black coloration. Younger individuals have light brown bodies with dark crossbands, but they darken with age, sometimes appearing almost completely black. The head is large, triangular, and distinct from the neck, and the pupils are vertical (slit-like), similar to other pit vipers. Unlike non-venomous watersnakes, the Cottonmouth has heat-sensing pits between its eyes and nostrils.
Length
📏 30 to 42 inches (76–107 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Northern Cottonmouth is an opportunistic predator, feeding on fish, frogs, small snakes, lizards, rodents, and even carrion. It is an ambush hunter, striking prey with its venomous bite before swallowing it.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Northern Cottonmouth is found in southeastern Missouri, particularly in swamps, oxbow lakes, slow-moving rivers, and floodplains. It is less common in the Ozark region, where it prefers rocky streams and river sloughs.
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
About
The Timber Rattlesnake is Missouri’s largest venomous snake, commonly found in forested hillsides, rocky bluffs, and river valleys. As a member of the pit viper family, it has heat-sensing pits that help it locate prey. Despite its intimidating reputation, the Timber Rattlesnake is shy and prefers to avoid human interaction. It will rattle as a warning before striking, and bites occur only when the snake feels cornered or provoked.
Description
The Timber Rattlesnake has a thick, muscular body with a tan, gray, or yellowish background color covered in dark brown or black crossbands. The tail is solid black, and a rust-colored stripe runs down the center of its back. Its broad, triangular head, vertical slit pupils, and distinctive rattle at the end of the tail make it easy to identify as a venomous species.
Length
📏 36 to 60 inches (91–152 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Timber Rattlesnake primarily preys on rodents, birds, and small mammals. It is an ambush predator, lying in wait before striking with its venomous fangs, injecting a potent venom that immobilizes its prey.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Timber Rattlesnake is found statewide in Missouri, except for northern agricultural regions. It prefers forested areas, rocky hillsides, and bluffs, often denning in crevices and rock piles. It is most active during the warmer months and hibernates in dens with other snakes during the winter.
Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)
About
The Eastern Massasauga is a small, venomous rattlesnake that was once more widespread in Missouri’s wetlands, marshes, and river floodplains. Due to habitat destruction and population decline, it is now considered state-endangered and is rarely seen. Like other rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, using its heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded prey. This snake is shy and reclusive, preferring to avoid human contact and relying on its camouflage to stay hidden.
Description
The Eastern Massasauga is small and stout-bodied, with a gray to light brown background color and dark brown or black blotches running down its back. The head is broad and triangular, and it has a small, segmented rattle at the end of its tail. Unlike the larger Timber Rattlesnake, the Massasauga has heavily keeled scales, giving it a rough texture. Its belly is dark gray or black, helping distinguish it from non-venomous species.
Length
📏 18 to 30 inches (46–76 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Eastern Massasauga primarily preys on small rodents, frogs, and lizards. It is an ambush predator, striking its prey with venomous fangs and waiting for the toxins to immobilize it before swallowing.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Eastern Massasauga was historically found along the Mississippi River floodplain in northeastern Missouri, but it has not been seen in the state for many years. It prefers marshy grasslands, wet prairies, and moist lowlands, often sheltering in crayfish burrows. Due to wetland destruction, its numbers have drastically declined, and it is now considered likely extirpated (locally extinct) in Missouri.
Prairie Massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus tergeminus)
About
The Prairie Massasauga is a small, venomous rattlesnake found in wet prairies, grasslands, and marshy areas in north-central and northwestern Missouri. This species is rare and state-endangered due to habitat loss and declining populations. Like other rattlesnakes, it is a pit viper, using its heat-sensing pits to detect prey. The Prairie Massasauga is a shy and reclusive species, typically avoiding human interaction and relying on camouflage to remain hidden.
Description
The Prairie Massasauga has a thick body with a gray to light brown background color and dark brown or black blotches running down its back. It has a broad, triangular head and a small rattle at the end of its tail. Compared to the Eastern Massasauga, this species has a lighter belly, usually pale or grayish, rather than black. It also has heavily keeled scales, giving it a rough texture.
Length
📏 18 to 30 inches (46–76 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Prairie Massasauga primarily feeds on small rodents, frogs, and lizards. It is an ambush predator, striking its prey with venomous fangs and waiting for the venom to take effect before consuming it.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Prairie Massasauga is found in north-central and northwestern Missouri, preferring wet prairies, bottomland grasslands, and marshy habitats. However, due to habitat destruction, it has become increasingly rare and is considered state-endangered.
Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius streckeri)
About
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is Missouri’s smallest venomous rattlesnake, known for its cryptic coloration and secretive nature. It is primarily found in woodlands, glades, and rocky hillsides in the southern and southeastern parts of the state. Unlike larger rattlesnake species, its rattle produces a faint buzzing sound, often mistaken for the sound of an insect. Though its bite is venomous, it is rarely fatal to humans, but medical attention should always be sought if bitten.
Description
The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake has a short, stout body with a light gray to reddish-brown background color. It features a row of dark blotches running down the back, with smaller spots on the sides. A rust-colored stripe may be present along its spine. Unlike larger rattlesnakes, its tail is thin, with a tiny rattle that produces a soft buzzing sound when vibrated. The belly is pale with scattered dark spots.
Length
📏 15 to 20 inches (38–51 cm)
Diet
🍽️ The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake primarily preys on small lizards, frogs, mice, and other snakes. It is an ambush predator, striking quickly and using its venom to immobilize prey before consuming it.
Missouri Distribution
📍 The Western Pygmy Rattlesnake is found in southern and southeastern Missouri, particularly in rocky glades, pine woodlands, and forested hillsides. It is most active in the spring and summer and hibernates in rock crevices or underground burrows during the colder months.
To see real-time snake sightings and track their locations, visit HerpMapper’s Missouri Snake Database.
Venom, Fangs, and Humans
How Venomous Snakes Use Their Fangs and Venom
Venomous snakes in Missouri, including Copperheads, Cottonmouths, and Rattlesnakes, use their venom primarily to hunt prey, not to attack humans. These snakes have hollow, retractable fangs that deliver venom deep into their prey’s body, helping to immobilize and digest it. The venom acts by breaking down tissues, disrupting blood flow, or affecting the nervous system, depending on the species.
📌 Key Facts:
✅ Venom is a survival tool—snakes use it to subdue prey, not to attack humans.
✅ Fangs are hollow and retractable, meaning they fold back when not in use.
✅ Missouri’s venomous snakes are pit vipers, using heat-sensing pits to detect warm-blooded prey.
✅ Bites are defensive, not aggressive—snakes usually strike humans only when provoked or stepped on.
How Common Are Venomous Snakebites?
Despite the fear surrounding venomous snakes, bites are rare in Missouri. On average, fewer than 100 venomous snakebites occur annually in the state, and the majority are not life-threatening.
📌 Why Are Snakebites Rare?
✅ Venom is valuable—snakes don’t want to waste it on non-prey.
✅ Snakes prefer to escape rather than bite when confronted.
✅ Most bites occur when people try to handle or kill a snake.
🚑 Fatal snakebites are exceptionally rare, as modern medical treatments and antivenoms significantly reduce the risk of serious complications.
Symptoms of a Venomous Snakebite
A venomous snakebite may cause a range of symptoms, depending on the species and amount of venom injected.
⚠️ Common Symptoms Include:
- Immediate, intense pain at the bite site
- Swelling and bruising spreading from the bite
- Tingling, numbness, or sweating
- Nausea, dizziness, or difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
- Tissue damage (in rare cases, if left untreated)
🚑 Copperhead bites are the most common in Missouri and typically result in localized pain and swelling but are rarely severe. However, Timber Rattlesnake and Cottonmouth bites can be more serious and require immediate medical attention.
What to Do If Bitten by a Venomous Snake
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, stay calm and follow these steps:
✅ Step 1: Get to Safety – Move away from the snake to avoid additional bites.
✅ Step 2: Call 911 Immediately – Professional medical help is critical.
✅ Step 3: Keep the Bite Below Heart Level – This helps slow venom spread.
✅ Step 4: Stay Still and Calm – Moving too much increases venom circulation.
✅ Step 5: Remove Jewelry or Tight Clothing – Swelling may occur quickly.
✅ Step 6: Note the Snake’s Appearance – This helps doctors provide the right antivenom.
⚠️ What NOT to Do:
🚫 Do NOT apply a tourniquet – This can worsen tissue damage.
🚫 Do NOT cut or suck the venom out – This is a myth and is ineffective.
🚫 Do NOT drink alcohol or caffeine – These increase blood circulation, spreading the venom faster.
📌 Antivenom is available at major hospitals, and treatment is highly effective when given promptly.
Why Venomous Snakebites Are Rarely Fatal
Even though venomous snakes can deliver a potent bite, deaths from snakebites are exceptionally rare in Missouri.
📌 Reasons Why Fatalities Are Rare:
✅ Medical Treatment Is Readily Available – Antivenom and modern treatments significantly reduce risks.
✅ Venomous Snakes Often Deliver “Dry Bites” – In some cases, a snake will bite defensively without injecting venom.
✅ Most Snakes Give a Warning Before Biting – Rattlesnakes rattle, Cottonmouths display their white mouth, and most snakes attempt to flee first.
🚑 Missouri has not had a confirmed fatal snakebite in decades, thanks to quick access to medical care.
Too Close to Home: Preventing Snakes Near Human Dwellings
While snakes in Missouri play an essential role in the ecosystem, encountering one too close to home can be unsettling. Fortunately, there are safe and effective ways to prevent snakes from entering your yard or home while respecting their role in nature.
How to Keep Snakes Away from Homes and Backyards
The best way to avoid unwanted snake encounters is by eliminating food sources, hiding spots, and easy access points.
✅ Effective Snake Prevention Tips:
✔ Keep Grass Trimmed – Snakes prefer tall grass for cover, so mowing regularly reduces their hiding spots.
✔ Remove Debris & Woodpiles – Rocks, logs, firewood stacks, and junk piles create ideal snake shelters.
✔ Seal Entry Points – Close gaps under doors, holes in siding, and openings around pipes or vents.
✔ Reduce Rodent Populations – Snakes follow their food; controlling mice and rats makes your property less attractive.
✔ Avoid Excessive Mulch or Thick Vegetation – Snakes love to hide in dense flower beds or heavy landscaping.
✔ Install Snake Fencing – A fine mesh fence (buried a few inches underground and angled outward) can help deter snakes.
📌 Tip: Commercial snake repellents are often ineffective. The best prevention is removing attractions rather than relying on chemicals.
Common Places Where Snakes May Be Found Near Human Dwellings
Snakes seek warm, sheltered areas that provide food and protection.
🚨 Common Snake Hideouts Near Homes:
🏡 Under porches and decks – Snakes may crawl underneath for shade and shelter.
🌳 Near bushes and rock piles – Overgrown landscaping creates a perfect hiding spot.
🏠 Inside sheds, garages, and basements – These cool, dark places are attractive to snakes, especially in hot weather.
🐭 Near rodent nests – If you have mice or rats, snakes may follow.
🌾 Tall grass and compost piles – Snakes may hunt insects or rodents in these areas.
📌 Tip: Regularly inspect dark, undisturbed areas around your home to minimize snake presence.
Safe Ways to Remove a Snake Without Harming It
If you find a non-venomous snake on your property, it’s best to let it leave on its own. However, if removal is necessary, do so safely and humanely.
✅ Steps for Safe Snake Removal:
1️⃣ Stay Calm & Observe – Most snakes will leave on their own if given space.
2️⃣ Gently Guide It Away – Use a broom or long stick to direct the snake toward an open area.
3️⃣ Use a Bucket & Lid – Place a large container over the snake, slide a rigid object underneath, and carry it away from your home.
4️⃣ Call a Professional – If you’re unsure whether a snake is venomous, contact a local wildlife expert for safe removal.
🚫 What NOT to Do:
❌ Don’t kill the snake – Snakes are valuable pest controllers and are often protected by conservation laws.
❌ Don’t try to handle it with your hands – Even non-venomous snakes may bite in defense.
❌ Don’t use glue traps or sticky pads – These are inhumane and can cause unnecessary suffering.
Do Snakes Enter Houses? (Myths vs. Reality)
One of the biggest fears homeowners have is finding a snake inside their house. While it is uncommon, it does happen—usually because the snake was seeking shelter, food, or a cool hiding spot.
🐍 Myths vs. Facts About Snakes Entering Homes
🚫 Myth: Snakes invade homes to attack people.
✅ Fact: Snakes do not seek out humans—they enter homes accidentally, usually while following prey.
🚫 Myth: Snakes can squeeze through tiny holes like mice.
✅ Fact: While snakes are flexible, they cannot flatten themselves completely and need openings at least the size of their head.
🚫 Myth: Pouring chemicals around the house keeps snakes away.
✅ Fact: Most chemical snake repellents do not work—removing food sources and sealing entry points is far more effective.
📌 How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Home:
✔ Inspect for small openings – Seal cracks in foundations, walls, doors, and vents.
✔ Install door sweeps – Snakes can slip under loose doors.
✔ Keep storage areas tidy – Don’t leave piles of clothes, boxes, or pet food in garages or basements.
✔ Reduce indoor rodents – If you have mice, snakes may follow.
🔍 In Case of a Snake Inside Your Home:
- Open doors or windows to give it an escape route.
- Use a broom or snake hook to gently guide it outside.
- Call a wildlife removal professional if you’re unsure.
🚑 If a venomous snake enters your home, evacuate the area and call professional wildlife control.
Snake Myths: Common Misconceptions About Snakes
Snakes have been the subject of many myths and misconceptions, leading to unnecessary fear and misunderstandings. In Missouri, both venomous and non-venomous snakes are often wrongly accused of being aggressive or dangerous. Let’s debunk some of the most common snake myths!
Do Copperheads Smell Like Cucumbers?
🚫 Myth: Copperheads give off a strong cucumber-like odor when nearby.
✅ Fact: While Copperheads, like many snakes, can release a musky defensive odor, it does not always smell like cucumbers. The strength of the odor varies, and in most cases, it is only noticeable if you are very close to the snake.
📌 Reality: Many animals, including some insects and amphibians, can produce musky scents. The cucumber smell myth is exaggerated and unreliable as a way to identify a Copperhead’s presence.
Do Venomous Snakes Always Travel in Pairs?
🚫 Myth: If you see one venomous snake, there is always another nearby.
✅ Fact: Snakes are solitary creatures and do not travel in pairs. If you see two snakes together, it is either mating season or a coincidence.
📌 Reality: Snakes do not hunt, move, or live in packs. Even during mating season, they do not form permanent pairs. Most of the time, a single snake is just passing through an area alone.
Are Baby Venomous Snakes More Dangerous Than Adults?
🚫 Myth: Baby venomous snakes are more dangerous because they can’t control how much venom they inject.
✅ Fact: While baby snakes do have venom, they are not necessarily more dangerous than adults. The idea that they cannot control their venom is a misconception.
📌 Reality:
✔ Adult snakes inject more venom per bite because they have larger venom glands.
✔ Baby snakes can control their venom to some extent, but their bites usually contain less venom than an adult bite.
✔ Most bites (whether from adults or babies) are defensive, and snakes often deliver a dry bite (without venom) to conserve it.
Can Snakes Bite Underwater?
🚫 Myth: Snakes cannot bite when they are underwater.
✅ Fact: Snakes can bite and inject venom underwater, but they only bite when threatened or hunting prey.
📌 Reality:
✔ Venomous water-dwelling snakes, like the Northern Cottonmouth, hunt fish and amphibians underwater, meaning they can bite while submerged.
✔ Snakes do not attack humans underwater unless provoked—most snakebites in water happen when people step on or try to handle a snake.
Do Snakes Chase People?
🚫 Myth: Snakes will chase you if you get too close.
✅ Fact: Snakes do not chase people—they flee or defend themselves when threatened.
📌 Reality:
✔ If a snake moves toward you, it is likely trying to find an escape route or is defensive and hoping to scare you away.
✔ Some snakes, like Cottonmouths, may hold their ground and appear aggressive, but they do not actively pursue humans.
✔ Snakes may seem like they are chasing you if you run in the same direction they were already moving.
How to Prevent Snakebites
While snakes in Missouri play a crucial role in the ecosystem, encounters with venomous snakes can be dangerous if not handled properly. Fortunately, snakebites are highly preventable with the right knowledge and precautions. Here’s what hikers, campers, and homeowners need to know to stay safe in snake-prone areas.
Practical Safety Tips for Hikers, Campers, and Homeowners
Following basic safety precautions can significantly reduce the risk of snakebites.
✅ General Snake Safety Guidelines:
✔ Watch Where You Step – Snakes often rest in tall grass, leaf litter, and under rocks. Always look before stepping in these areas.
✔ Be Cautious When Lifting Objects – If you move logs, rocks, or firewood, be prepared for the possibility of a snake underneath.
✔ Stay on Clear Trails – Avoid walking through dense brush or tall grass, where snakes may be hidden.
✔ Use a Flashlight at Night – Snakes are more active after dark, especially in warm weather.
✔ Don’t Put Hands or Feet in Hidden Areas – Never reach into holes, cracks, or under debris where you cannot see.
✔ Keep Your Yard Clean – Trim grass, remove woodpiles, and seal small openings around your home to deter snakes.
📌 Tip: Snakes typically avoid humans and only bite in self-defense. Give them space, and they will leave you alone.
What to Wear When Walking in Snake-Prone Areas
If you’re hiking or working in snake habitats, wearing the right clothing can help reduce the severity of a bite if one occurs.
🏕️ Recommended Protective Clothing:
👖 Long Pants & Thick Fabric – Jeans or thick hiking pants provide a layer of protection.
🥾 High Boots or Snake Gaiters – Leather boots or snake-proof gaiters protect your lower legs.
🧤 Gloves – If handling rocks, wood, or brush, wear thick gloves to prevent accidental bites.
📌 Tip: Snakes strike low, so protecting your legs and feet is the best defense.
What to Do If You See a Snake on a Trail
Encountering a snake on a hiking trail or in the wild can be alarming, but following the right steps can prevent unnecessary danger.
🚶♂️ How to Respond to a Snake Encounter:
✅ Stop & Stay Still – Most snakes will not chase you; they prefer to avoid confrontation.
✅ Give It Space – Slowly back away at least 6 feet—even venomous snakes can only strike about half their body length.
✅ Do Not Try to Kill or Provoke It – Most snakebites occur when people try to handle or kill a snake.
✅ Let the Snake Leave on Its Own – In most cases, snakes will move away within a few minutes.
✅ Walk Around the Snake If Necessary – If a snake is stretched across the trail, walk far around it, giving it plenty of space.
📌 Tip: If you’re unsure whether a snake is venomous or non-venomous, treat it as venomous and avoid approaching it.
How to Educate Children About Snakes
Teaching children how to react safely to snakes can prevent bites and unnecessary fear.
🐍 Key Lessons for Kids:
👀 Look, Don’t Touch – Teach children never to pick up or poke a snake, even if it appears dead.
🚶 Stay on Trails – Encourage kids to walk on clear, open paths to avoid stepping on hidden snakes.
❌ Never Chase or Throw Objects at Snakes – Snakes will only bite if they feel threatened.
📞 Tell an Adult Immediately – If a child sees a snake, they should alert an adult instead of trying to handle it.
📌 Tip: Snakes are not out to get people, and teaching children to respect rather than fear them is key to safe interactions.
Conserving Missouri’s Wildlife: Protecting Snake Populations
Snakes play a vital role in Missouri’s ecosystem, helping to control rodent, insect, and amphibian populations while serving as prey for larger animals. However, many snake species face threats due to habitat loss, urbanization, and negative human perceptions. Conservation efforts are essential to maintaining balanced ecosystems and ensuring that Missouri’s native snakes continue to thrive.
The Importance of Snake Conservation
Snakes are often misunderstood, but they provide numerous ecological benefits:
✅ Pest Control – Snakes help regulate rodent, insect, and amphibian populations, reducing crop damage and disease spread.
✅ Prey for Other Wildlife – Snakes are an important food source for hawks, owls, foxes, and larger mammals.
✅ Biodiversity Indicators – The presence of snakes in an environment indicates a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
✅ Medical Benefits – Snake venom has been studied for potential medicinal uses, including blood pressure regulation and cancer treatments.
📌 Fact: Without snakes, rodent populations could explode, leading to increased crop loss and disease transmission.
Threats to Snake Populations
Despite their ecological importance, snakes face numerous threats in Missouri.
🚨 Major Threats to Missouri’s Snakes:
❌ Habitat Destruction – Urban development, deforestation, and wetland drainage are reducing snake habitats.
❌ Urbanization & Road Mortality – Many snakes fall victim to vehicle collisions while trying to cross roads.
❌ Negative Human Perceptions – Fear and misunderstanding lead to unnecessary killings of harmless snakes.
❌ Pesticides & Pollution – The use of chemical pesticides reduces prey populations and harms snakes indirectly.
📌 Fact: The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is now considered state-endangered due to habitat loss.
How People Can Help Protect Snakes in Missouri
Conservation efforts start with education and awareness. Here’s how you can help:
🐍 Ways to Protect Missouri’s Snake Populations:
✅ Respect & Educate – Learn to identify Missouri’s snakes and teach others about their ecological benefits.
✅ Preserve Natural Habitats – Support conservation programs that protect forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
✅ Drive Carefully in Snake-Prone Areas – Be aware of snakes crossing roads, especially in rural or wetland areas.
✅ Avoid Unnecessary Killing – Snakes do not seek out conflict—if you encounter one, simply give it space to leave.
✅ Support Local Conservation Groups – Organizations like the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) work to protect native wildlife.
📌 Tip: If you find a snake in your yard, don’t kill it—instead, use humane removal methods or let it leave on its own.
Learn More About Missouri’s Snakes
For those interested in learning more about Missouri’s native snake species, there are plenty of resources available, including field guides, online databases, and nature centers where you can safely observe snakes in their natural habitats.
For a full list of Missouri’s native snakes, check out the Missouri Department of Conservation website for expert identification guides and resources.
📖 Books and Guides
For an in-depth look at Missouri’s snake species, including identification, behavior, and conservation efforts, these books are highly recommended:
📌 The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri – A comprehensive field guide detailing all of Missouri’s native snake species, written by Tom R. Johnson.
📌 Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America – A useful resource for identifying snakes in Missouri and neighboring states.
📌 Missouri Department of Conservation’s Snakes of Missouri Guide – A detailed guide specifically focused on the state’s native snakes, available online and in print.
📌 Tip: These books are available at local libraries, nature centers, and online retailers.
🌐 Online Resources
Missouri has several educational websites and online resources dedicated to its native snakes.
🖥️ Where to Learn More Online:
🔗 Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) – mdc.mo.gov
- Offers detailed species profiles, habitat information, and conservation efforts.
- Provides guidelines for safely coexisting with snakes in Missouri.
🔗 HerpMapper – herpmapper.org
- A community-driven database where users report and track snake sightings in Missouri.
🔗 iNaturalist – inaturalist.org
- A great tool for identifying snakes in the wild and contributing to citizen science projects.
📌 Tip: Many of these sites allow you to submit snake sightings, helping conservationists track populations.
🛶 Where to See Snakes in Missouri
Missouri has many nature centers, wildlife preserves, and state parks where you can safely observe snakes in their natural habitats.
🌿 Best Places to Observe Snakes in Missouri:
🏞️ Mingo National Wildlife Refuge (Southeastern Missouri) – A wetland habitat where you may spot Cottonmouths, Watersnakes, and Eastern Copperheads.
🌲 Busch Conservation Area (St. Charles County) – A great location for seeing Rough Greensnakes and Rat Snakes.
🏕️ Mark Twain National Forest (Southern Missouri) – Home to a variety of woodland and rocky hillside snakes, including Timber Rattlesnakes.
🌾 Prairie State Parks (Western Missouri) – Prairie Massasaugas and Plains Gartersnakes can be found in grassland habitats.
🏡 Missouri Botanical Gardens & MDC Nature Centers – Offer educational programs where visitors can learn about snakes up close.
📌 Tip: If you want to see snakes in the wild, visit on warm days in spring and summer, when they are most active.
Wildlife enthusiasts can find and identify snakes in the wild using iNaturalist’s Missouri Reptile Guide.
Snakes play an essential role in Missouri’s ecosystems, helping to control rodent and insect populations, maintain biodiversity, and serve as an important part of the food chain. While some species are venomous, the majority of Missouri’s snakes are harmless and beneficial to humans. By learning to identify and understand these reptiles, we can move past fear and appreciate their presence in nature.
🐍 Why Snakes Matter
✅ Control pests naturally – Snakes help keep mice, rats, and insect populations in check.
✅ Indicate a healthy environment – Their presence reflects a balanced ecosystem.
✅ Are often misunderstood – Most snakes prefer to avoid humans and only bite when threatened.
🌿 Respect, Don’t Fear
Instead of fearing snakes, we should respect and protect them. Whether hiking in Missouri’s forests, exploring wetlands, or working in your own backyard, remember that snakes are not out to harm you—they simply want to go about their lives undisturbed.
💬 Share Your Snake Encounters!
Have you ever seen a Copperhead on a trail? A Rat Snake in your barn? A Garter Snake in your garden?
📢 We’d love to hear about your experiences! Drop a comment below and share your Missouri snake sightings, encounters, or questions.
📌 Remember: Knowledge leads to appreciation, and appreciation leads to conservation and coexistence.