List of snakes of Oklahoma facts for kids

Oklahoma is a state in the United States that is home to many different kinds of snakes. Some snakes are harmless and help keep the environment balanced, while others are venomous and can be dangerous if not respected. It's important to learn about these amazing creatures, whether they are found in your backyard or in the wild.

Discovering Oklahoma's Snakes

Snakes are fascinating reptiles that play a vital role in their ecosystems. They are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature changes with their surroundings. Snakes are known for their unique way of moving without legs and their ability to swallow prey whole. In Oklahoma, you can find many species, each with its own special characteristics and habits.

Non-Venomous Snakes in Oklahoma

Most snakes you might encounter in Oklahoma are non-venomous. This means they do not produce venom, a special kind of poison, to hunt or defend themselves. These snakes are often shy and prefer to avoid people. They are very helpful in controlling populations of rodents and insects, which can be good for farms and gardens.

Here is a list of some of the non-venomous snakes found in Oklahoma:

• Arizona elegans—glossy snake
• Carphophis amaenus—worm snake
• Cemophora coccinea—scarlet snake
• Coluber constrictor—Southern Black Racer
• Diadophis punctatus—ring-neck snake
• Elaphe guttata—great plains rat snake
• E. obsoleta—black rat snake
• Farancia abacura—mud snake
• Heterodon nasicus—western hognose snake
• H. platyrhinos—eastern hognose snake
• Hypsiglena torquata—Texas night snake
• Lampropeltis calligaster—prairie kingsnake
• L. getulus—speckled and desert kingsnakes
• L. triangulum—milk snake
• Leptotyphlops dulcis—blind snake
• Liodytes rigida — glossy water snake
• Masticophis flagellum—coachwhip snake
• Nerodia erythrogaster—yellow-bellied and blotched water snake
• N. fasciata—broad-banded water snake
• N. rhombifera—diamond-back water snake
• N. sipedon—northern and midland water snake
• Opheodrys aestivus—keeled green or rough green snake
• Pituophis catenifer sayi—bullsnake
• Regina grahami—Graham's water snake
• Rhinocheilus lecontei—long-nosed snake
• Sonora semiannulata—great plains ground snake
• Storeria dekayi—brown snake
• S. d. texana-Texas brown snake
• S. occipitomaculata—red bellied snake
• Tantilla gracilis—flat-headed snake
• T. nigriceps—black-headed snake
• Thamnophis cyrtopsis—black-necked garter snake
• T. elegans—wandering garter snake
• T. marcianus—checkered garter snake
• T. proximus—western ribbon snake
• T. radix—plains garter snake
• T. sirtalis—red-sided and Texas garter snakes
• Tropidoclonion lineatum—lined snake
• Virginia striatula—rough earth snake
• V. valeriae—smooth earth snake

Common Non-Venomous Species

• Rat Snakes: These are often found in barns and old buildings. They are excellent climbers and help control rodent populations.
• Kingsnakes: Known for their beautiful patterns, kingsnakes sometimes eat other snakes, including venomous ones!
• Garter Snakes: These are very common and often seen in gardens or near water. They are usually small and harmless.
• Hognose Snakes: These snakes have a unique upturned snout. When threatened, they might play dead, flipping over and staying still.

Venomous Snakes in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is also home to several species of venomous snakes. These snakes produce venom, which they use to overpower their prey. They also use it as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened. It's very important to know how to identify these snakes and to give them plenty of space.

Here is a list of the venomous snakes found in Oklahoma:

• Agkistrodon contortrix—copperhead
• A. piscivorus—cottonmouth or water moccasin
• Crotalus atrox—western diamond-back rattlesnake
• C. horridus—timber rattlesnake
• C. viridis—prairie rattlesnake
• Sistrurus catenatus—western massasauga rattlesnake
• S. miliarius—western pygmy rattlesnake

Identifying Venomous Snakes

• Rattlesnakes: These snakes are famous for the rattle at the end of their tail, which they shake to warn off danger. They are usually thick-bodied with triangular heads.
• Copperheads: Named for their coppery-red heads, these snakes have hourglass-shaped patterns on their bodies. They often blend in well with leaf litter.
• Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins): These snakes are usually found near water. When threatened, they might open their mouths wide to show a white, cotton-like lining inside.

Safety Around Snakes

It's always best to observe snakes from a safe distance. Never try to pick up or handle a snake, even if you think it's non-venomous. If you see a snake, especially a venomous one, simply back away slowly and give it room to move away. If you are hiking, wear sturdy shoes and watch where you step. Learning about snakes helps us appreciate them and stay safe.