Are you curious about the types of snakes in Missouri? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the various types of snakes found in Missouri.
From the well-known copperheads to the lesser-known water snakes, there’s a wide variety of slithery friends to learn about.
Whether you’re looking to learn about these critters or simply curious about the snakes in Missouri, you will learn something new here.
So let’s dive right in and get to know the slithery friends that call the Show Me State home.
1. Ring-Necked Snake
The Ring-necked snake is a fascinating species that can be found in Missouri. Known for its unique appearance, it has a distinct ring of yellow or orange around its neck, giving it its name.
These non-venomous snakes are relatively small, growing about 10-15 inches long.
They are secretive and nocturnal, often hiding under rocks or logs during the day and emerging to hunt for small insects, worms, and salamanders at night.
Despite their striking appearance, Ring-necked snakes are harmless and play an important role in controlling populations of pests in their ecosystem.
2. Eastern Hognose Snake
The Eastern hognose snake is another fascinating species that can be found among the types of snakes in Missouri.
These snakes are known for their unique defense mechanism – when threatened, they will flatten their heads, hiss loudly, and even play dead.
They are often mistaken for venomous snakes due to their behavior, but they are harmless.
The Eastern hognose snake can vary in color and pattern, ranging from solid black to brown with blotches. Their diet mainly consists of toads, frogs, and small rodents.
Keep an eye out for these intriguing creatures on your next Missouri adventure!
3. Eastern Milk Snake
The Eastern Milksnake is another interesting snake species found in Missouri.
These snakes have a distinct pattern of reddish-brown or blackish-brown blotches on a lighter background, resembling the markings of a milk cow.
Despite their name, milksnakes do not consume milk but instead feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.
These non-venomous snakes are often mistaken for the venomous copperhead due to their similar appearance, but they pose no threat to humans.
Watch for these fascinating creatures while exploring Missouri‘s diverse types of snakes.
4. Western Hognose Snake
The Western hognose snake is a fascinating addition to the types of snakes in Missouri. This snake has a unique appearance with its upturned snout and flattened head.
It is known for its theatrical behavior when threatened – it will hiss loudly, puff up its body, and even play dead!
Don’t be fooled, though, as these snakes are harmless and only use their defense mechanisms as a bluff. They mainly feed on toads, frogs, and small rodents.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Western hognose snake during your next Missouri adventure!
5. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake is a venomous snake species that can be found in Missouri. It is a small rattlesnake, typically measuring 2-3 feet long.
These snakes have a distinctive pattern of dark brown or black bands on a lighter background, making them easily recognizable.
While their venom can be dangerous, they are generally shy and usually try to avoid confrontation.
If you come across an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake in Missouri, it’s best to give it plenty of space and admire it from a safe distance.
6. Rough Green Snake
The Rough green snake is an intriguing species that can be found among the types of snakes in Missouri.
These snakes have a vibrant green color, which allows them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. They are relatively small, typically measuring around 2-3 feet long.
Despite their name, Rough green snakes are not venomous and pose no threat to humans. They mainly feed on insects, making them beneficial for controlling pest populations.
Keep your eyes peeled for these charming and beautifully colored snakes while exploring the diverse snake species in Missouri.
7. Black Rat Snake
The Black rat snake is another fascinating species among the types of snakes in Missouri.
These snakes are known for their sleek and shiny black scales, which give them a striking appearance.
They can grow long, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to six feet or more. Despite their name, Black rat snakes are not venomous and pose no threat to humans.
They are excellent climbers, often found in trees or other elevated areas. Their diet primarily consists of rodents, such as rats and mice, which makes them valuable in controlling pest populations.
These snakes are often found in wooded areas and occasionally spotted near buildings or barns, where they may hunt for rodents.
If you encounter a Black rat snake in Missouri, remember to give it its space and appreciate its important role in the ecosystem.
8. Garter Snake
Now, let’s move on to another fascinating species among the types of snakes in Missouri – the Garter snake.
Garter snakes are quite common in the state and can be found in various habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. They are medium-sized snakes, usually 18 to 26 inches long.
What makes them stand out is their vibrant and eye-catching colors. Garter snakes come in various patterns and colors, ranging from shades of green to brown, and often have distinct stripes running down their bodies.
These non-venomous snakes are beautiful and play an important role in their ecosystem.
Garter snakes mainly feed on small prey, such as insects, earthworms, and small amphibians. They are excellent hunters and help control populations of pests in their environment.
Garter snakes are also known for their docile nature, making them a favorite among snake enthusiasts and pet owners.
However, it’s important to remember that they are still wild animals and should be observed from a safe distance in their natural habitat.
So, keep your eyes peeled for these colorful and beneficial creatures while exploring Missouri’s diverse snakes. You never know when you might encounter a garter snake in all its vibrant glory!
9. Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber rattlesnake is a venomous snake species that can be found in Missouri.
This impressive snake is one of the largest venomous snakes in the state, with adults reaching lengths of up to six feet or more.
Timber rattlesnakes have a distinct pattern of dark brown or black bands on a lighter background, and they are known for their iconic rattles on the end of their tails.
While encountering a Timber rattlesnake can be intimidating, it’s important to remember that they are shy and will typically try to avoid confrontation.
If you ever come across one in Missouri, give it plenty of space and admire it from a safe distance.
10. Eastern Copperhead
The Eastern copperhead is a venomous snake species that can be found in Missouri.
Known for its distinct pattern of dark brown or reddish-brown bands on a lighter background, this snake can grow about 2-3 feet long.
While encounters with the Eastern copperhead are rare, it’s important to be cautious if you come across one.
Their venomous bite can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms, so it’s best to give them plenty of space and avoid disturbing them.
Appreciate these beautiful creatures from a safe distance while exploring the types of snakes in Missouri.
11. Western Mud Snake
The Mud snake (Farancia abacura ) is a non-venomous, semiaquatic snake native to the southeastern United States. Its upperside is glossy black.
The underside is red and black, and the red extends up the sides to form bars of reddish pink.
However, some have a completely black body with slightly lighter black spots instead of the common reddish colors.
Its body is heavy and cylindrical in cross-section, and the short tail has a terminal spine.
12. Nerodia Rhombifer
Diamond-backed Watersnakes are large, stocky snakes identified by dark, diamond-shaped scars on their back and sides.
Their background color is usually brown but can range from yellowish to greenish. Their belly is light yellow with dark, half-moon-shaped spots. Their scales are keeled, and the anal plate is divided.
Most adults are approximately 3 feet in total length. Diamond-backed Watersnakes are found in the Jackson Purchase and western Kentucky coalfields.
They can be found within or around any permanent aquatic habitat (i.e., ponds, rivers, lakes, etc.).
Diamond-backed Watersnakes mate in spring and give birth to up to 50 live young in the late summer.
Fish, especially catfish, make up a large part of the diet of these snakes. Diamond-backed Watersnakes will bite and expel a pungent musk when handled like other Watersnakes.
13. Speckled Kingsnake
The Speckled Kingsnake is a nonvenomous snake native to the United States.
Its common name is derived from the pattern, which is black, with small yellow-white specks, one speck in the center of almost every dorsal scale.
This snake is also known as the “salt-and-pepper snake. “They inhabit wet habitats, like swamps and rivers, but they commonly venture to dry areas like woodlands and grassy fields.
They use constriction to kill their prey and tend to be opportunistic in their diet. Speckled kingsnakes are usually docile and harmless.
If sensing danger, they will shake their tail like a rattlesnake to deter predators. They may also expel musk and feces or bite when feeling threatened.
14. Prairie Kingsnake
The Prairie kingsnake is another fascinating snake found among the types of snakes in Missouri.
These snakes have a unique appearance, with their shiny black scales and alternating yellow or white bands.
They can grow to be about 3-4 feet in length. Prairie kingsnakes are non-venomous and mainly feed on rodents like mice and rats.
With their striking colors and impressive hunting skills, these snakes are a sight in Missouri’s prairies.
So keep your eyes peeled for these mesmerizing creatures during your next adventure in the Show Me State!
15. Banded Water Snake
The Banded water snake is an interesting species found in Missouri. As their name suggests, these snakes are often found near bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and streams.
They have a unique pattern of dark bands or stripes on a lighter background, giving them a striking appearance.
Banded water snakes are non-venomous and primarily feed on small fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals.
Watch for these sleek and aquatic creatures while exploring the diverse types of snakes in Missouri’s waterways.
16. Bull Snake
The Bullsnake is another fascinating snake that you may come across in Missouri. These snakes are known for their impressive size, often growing to be around six feet long.
They have a beautiful pattern of light brown or tan scales, with dark blotches along their body.
Bullsnakes are non-venomous and play an important role in controlling populations of small rodents, making them valuable in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
Keep your eyes peeled for these magnificent creatures during your next adventure in Missouri!
17. DeKay’s Brown Snake
The DeKay’s Brown snake is an interesting addition to the types of snakes in Missouri.
These snakes have a unique appearance, with a light brown or grayish-brown coloration and dark spots along their body. They are relatively small, usually growing to be about 9-13 inches long.
DeKay’s Brown snakes are non-venomous and feed on small invertebrates such as earthworms and slugs.
They are known for their docile nature, making them a favorite among snake enthusiasts.
Keep your eyes peeled for these charming and harmless creatures while exploring Missouri‘s diverse types of snakes.
18. Common Garter Snake
The Common garter snake is one of Missouri’s most well-known and widespread snakes. These colorful snakes can be found in various habitats, from grasslands to woodlands.
They are non-venomous and play an important role in their ecosystem by controlling populations of pests such as insects and earthworms.
With their vibrant colors and distinct patterns, the Common garter snake is a fascinating species to observe in the wild.
Keep your eyes peeled for these beautiful and beneficial creatures on your next adventure in Missouri!
19. Coachwhip
The Coachwhip is an intriguing snake species that can be found among the types of snakes in Missouri.
These snakes are known for their incredible speed and agility, making them excellent hunters.
They have a slender and elongated body, typically ranging in color from tan or brown to reddish-brown.
Coachwhips are non-venomous and feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Watch for these fast and elusive creatures while exploring the diverse snakes in Missouri’s wilderness.
20. Eastern Racer
The Eastern racer is a fascinating snake species found among the types of snakes in Missouri.
These snakes are known for their slender and fast-moving bodies, making them excellent hunters. They have a sleek and shiny appearance, with colors ranging from dark brown to gray.
Eastern racers are non-venomous and feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Watch for these speedy and agile creatures while exploring Missouri’s diverse types of snakes.
21. Plain-Bellied Water Snake
The Plain-bellied water snake is an intriguing species among the types of snakes in Missouri.
As its name suggests, this snake can be found near bodies of water, such as rivers, streams, and lakes. They have a plain belly, usually light, and their back is typically dark brown or gray.
These non-venomous snakes are excellent swimmers and feed on small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Watch for these sleek and aquatic creatures while exploring the diverse snakes in Missouri’s waterways.
22. Corn Snake
The Corn snake is a fascinating species found in Missouri. These snakes are known for their vibrant colors and distinctive pattern, which resembles the pattern on Indian corn.
They can range in color from orange and brown to red and black, with a checkered belly.
Corn snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. They mainly feed on small rodents and are excellent climbers.
Keep an eye out for these beautiful and agile snakes while exploring the diverse snake species in Missouri.
23. Cottonmouth
The Cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is a venomous snake found in Missouri.
The Cottonmouth is easily recognizable with its distinct pattern of dark brown or black bands on a lighter background.
These snakes are commonly found in and around bodies of water such as swamps, marshes, and streams.
While encounters with the Cottonmouth are rare, it’s important to be cautious if you come across one.
Their venomous bite can be dangerous, so it’s best to give them plenty of space and avoid disturbing them.
Admire these powerful and fascinating creatures from a safe distance while exploring the types of snakes in Missouri.
24. Northern Water Snake
The Northern water snake is another species found among the types of snakes in Missouri.
These snakes are commonly found in and around bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and streams. They have a dark brown or grayish-brown coloration with dark blotches and bands.
Northern water snakes are non-venomous and play an important role in their ecosystem by helping to control populations of fish, frogs, and other small aquatic animals.
Keep an eye out for these fascinating aquatic snakes while exploring Missouri’s diverse types of snakes.
Conclusion
Missouri is home to a diverse range of snake species. From the harmless and beneficial Ring-necked snake to the venomous Eastern copperhead, Missouri has many types of snakes in Missouri to learn about and appreciate.
These slithery friends play important roles in their ecosystems, whether it be controlling pest populations or maintaining the balance of their habitats.
So the next time you venture into Missouri’s wilderness, watch for these fascinating creatures and remember to observe them from a safe distance.
