List of snakes of Illinois facts for kids

Snakes are amazing animals that can be found all over the world, and the state of Illinois is home to many different kinds! From tiny worm snakes to large rat snakes, these reptiles play an important role in nature. Some snakes in Illinois are quite common, while others are very rare and need our help to survive.

Scientists and experts from the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board and the Illinois Natural History Survey keep a close eye on these snakes. They want to make sure that rare snakes are protected so they don't disappear from Illinois forever.

Venomous Snakes in Illinois

It's important to know that some snakes can be dangerous if you get too close. These are called venomous snakes, meaning they can inject venom (a type of poison) if they bite. In Illinois, there are a few venomous snakes you should learn about.

Rattlesnakes

Illinois has two types of rattlesnakes:

• The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is a large, heavy-bodied snake. It's usually yellow, brown, or gray with dark bands. It has a rattle on its tail that it shakes to warn you to stay away. Timber rattlesnakes are considered State Threatened in Illinois, which means their numbers are low and they need protection.
• The eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is a smaller rattlesnake. It's gray or brownish with dark blotches. Like other rattlesnakes, it has a rattle. This snake is also very rare and protected.

Other Venomous Snakes

• The eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a medium-sized snake with a unique pattern that looks like hourglass shapes or Hershey's Kisses. They are usually reddish-brown or copper-colored. They are found in many parts of Illinois.
• The northern cottonmouth or water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) is a dark-colored snake often found near water. When threatened, it might open its mouth wide to show the white inside, which is why it's called "cottonmouth."

If you ever see a snake, especially one of these venomous types, it's best to admire it from a distance and never try to touch or pick it up.

Non-Venomous Snakes in Illinois

Most snakes in Illinois are not venomous and are harmless to humans. They help control pests like mice and insects. Here are some of the interesting non-venomous snakes you might find:

Common and Widespread Snakes

Many non-venomous snakes are quite common across Illinois:

• Garter snakes (like the common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) are some of the most frequently seen snakes. They often have stripes down their backs and can be found in many different habitats, even in backyards.
• Water snakes (like the diamondback water snake Nerodia rhombifer and northern water snake Nerodia sipedon sipedon) are often found near ponds, lakes, and rivers. They are good swimmers and eat fish and frogs.
• Rat snakes (like the gray ratsnake Pantherophis spiloides and Western fox snake Pantherophis vulpina) are excellent climbers and often hunt for rodents in trees or barns.
• The eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a fascinating snake that pretends to be dead when it feels threatened! It might flatten its head to look like a cobra, then roll over and play dead. It's completely harmless.
• Kingsnakes (like the prairie kingsnake Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster and speckled kingsnake Lampropeltis getula holbrooki) are known for eating other snakes, including venomous ones! They are immune to the venom of many snakes.

Rare and Protected Snakes

Some non-venomous snakes in Illinois are very rare and are listed as State Threatened or State Endangered. This means their populations are very low, and they need special protection to survive.

• The Kirtland's snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) is a small, shy snake that is State Threatened. It has a reddish belly and dark spots.
• The eastern coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum flagellum) is a long, slender snake that is State Endangered. It's very fast and can be hard to spot.
• The Mississippi green water snake (Nerodia cyclopion) and broad-banded water snake (Nerodia fasciata confluens) are both State Threatened or State Endangered water snakes.
• The flat-headed snake (Tantilla gracilis) is a tiny, secretive snake that is State Threatened.
• The northern lined snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum lineatum) is another small snake that is State Threatened.

These rare snakes are often found in specific habitats that are disappearing, which is why they need our help. Protecting their homes is key to helping them survive.

Snake Conservation in Illinois

Many snakes in Illinois face challenges like habitat loss (when their homes are destroyed for buildings or farms) and being accidentally killed. Organizations like the Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board work hard to:

• Identify which snakes are at risk.
• Protect the places where these snakes live.
• Educate people about the importance of snakes and how to live safely alongside them.

By learning about these amazing creatures, you can help protect them too! Remember, snakes are an important part of the natural world.

Images for kids

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  Eastern copperhead

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  Northern cottonmouth

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  Midwestern worm snake

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  Blue racer

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  Southern black racer

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  Timber rattlesnake

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  Northern ringneck snake

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  Plains hognose snake

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  Eastern hognose snake

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  Prairie kingsnake

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  Speckled kingsnake

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  Black kingsnake

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  Eastern milk snake

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  Red milk snake

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  Eastern coachwhip

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  Yellowbelly water snake

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  Copperbelly water snake

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  Broad-banded water snake

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  Diamondback water snake

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  Midland water snake

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  Rough green snake

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  Smooth green snake

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  Great Plains ratsnake

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  Western fox snake

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  Gophersnake or bullsnake

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  Northern pine snake

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  Queen snake

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  Eastern massasauga

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  Midland brown snake

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  Northern redbelly snake

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  Flat-headed snake

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  Plains ribbon snake

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  Eastern ribbon snake

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  Common garter snake

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  Western earth snake