List of snakes of Missouri facts for kids

Snakes are amazing creatures that live all over the world, and many different kinds call Missouri, United States home! Learning about the snakes in your area is super important, especially knowing which ones are harmless and which ones you should keep a safe distance from.

This article will introduce you to some of the common snakes found in Missouri. We'll look at snakes that are not venomous (meaning they don't have venom that can hurt you) and those that are venomous (meaning they can inject venom). Remember, all snakes play a role in nature, and it's always best to observe them from afar!

Non-Venomous Snakes in Missouri

Most snakes you might see in Missouri are not venomous. This means they don't produce venom to catch their food or defend themselves. They are generally harmless to humans, though like any wild animal, they might bite if they feel threatened. It's always best to leave them alone and admire them from a distance.

Here are some of the non-venomous snakes you might find slithering around Missouri:

• Western Worm Snake (Carphophis vermis)
• Northern Scarlet Snake (Cemophora coccinea copei)
• Eastern Yellowbelly Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris)
• Prairie Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi)
• Great Plains Rat Snake (Elaphe guttata)
• Black Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta)
• Western Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpina)
• Western Mud Snake (Farancia abacura reinwardtii)
• Plains Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus nasicus)
• Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
• Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster)
• Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula holbrooki)
• Red Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum syspila)
• Eastern Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum flagellum)
• Mississippi Green Water Snake (Nerodia cyclopion)
• Yellow-bellied Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster)
• Broad-banded Water Snake (Nerodia fasciata confluens)
• Diamond-backed Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer)
• Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon)
• Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus aestivus)
• Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys (Liochlorophis) vernalis)
• Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi)
• Graham's Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii)
• Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata)
• Midland Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi wrightorum)
• Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata)
• Flat-headed Snake (Tantilla gracilus)
• Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis proximus proximus)
• Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)
• Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)
• Lined Snake (Tropidoclonian lineatum)
• Rough Earth Snake (Virginia striatula)
• Western Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae elegans)

Interesting Non-Venomous Snakes

Some non-venomous snakes have special ways of protecting themselves. For example, the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake might pretend to be dead or flatten its head to look more dangerous when it feels scared. Kingsnakes are known for eating other snakes, including venomous ones!

Venomous Snakes in Missouri

Missouri is home to a few types of venomous snakes. These snakes have special fangs that can inject venom, which they use to catch prey and defend themselves. It's very important to learn how to identify these snakes so you can avoid them and stay safe. If you ever see a snake and aren't sure if it's venomous, the best thing to do is leave it alone and give it plenty of space.

Here are the venomous snakes found in Missouri:

• Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
  

  Eastern Copperhead
• Northern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
  

  Northern Cottonmouth
• Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
  

  Timber Rattlesnake
• Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius streckeri)
  

  Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
• Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus)

Identifying Venomous Snakes

Many venomous snakes in Missouri are part of the "pit viper" family. They often have:

• A triangular-shaped head that is wider than their neck.
• Vertical pupils, like a cat's eye (though this can be hard to see from a distance).
• A heat-sensing pit between their eye and nostril.
• Rattles on their tail (for rattlesnakes).

Remember, some non-venomous snakes can mimic these features to scare off predators, so it's always best to be cautious.

Safety Tips Around Snakes

• Look where you step: When you're hiking or playing outdoors, especially in tall grass or rocky areas, watch where you put your feet and hands.
• Leave them alone: Never try to pick up, poke, or play with a snake, even if you think it's not venomous.
• Keep your distance: If you see a snake, slowly back away and give it plenty of room to move away.
• Wear proper shoes: If you're in an area where snakes might be, wear closed-toe shoes or boots.

Learning about snakes helps us appreciate them and stay safe. They are an important part of Missouri's wildlife!