What kind of snakes are found in Missouri?

Several Missouri snakes, such as ratsnakes, kingsnakes, milksnakes, and bullsnakes, kill by constriction. The snake grasps the prey in its mouth and immedi- ately wraps several tight coils around it. It was once believed that constriction prevented the prey from breathing, and it would die from lack of oxygen.

What are the 5 poisonous snakes in Missouri?

There are five poisonous snakes in the state of Missouri: the Osage Copperhead, Western Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and the Pygmy Rattlesnake.

How can you tell if a snake is poisonous in Missouri?

If a Missouri snake is venomous:
  1. It is in the pit viper family – it will have a distinguishable pit between each eye and nostril. …
  2. Its pupils will be vertical slits.
  3. It will have a single row of scales along its underside.

Is killing snakes in Missouri illegal?

The Wildlife Code of Missouri treats snakes, lizards, and most turtles as nongame. This means that there is no open season on these animals, and it is technically unlawful to kill them.

Does Missouri have Anacondas?

Breaking News (Taney County Missouri) – Giant anaconda found in Mark Twain National Forest near Branson. A 33 foot 900 pound anaconda was discovered by a construction crew deep inside the Mark Twain National Forest.

Can you smell a snake in your house?

“They usually don’t smell like anything unless you pick one up and smell it a lot, you might smell a musky, really nasty smell.” People might see snake skin sheddings around the house if a snake has been there for a while. It is common to see snakes in a home if there is a mice problem.

Is killing copperheads illegal in Missouri?

Status. This is our most common venomous snake, and it is common in suitable habitats. All snakes native to our state are protected by law. It is against the law to kill them, except when a venomous snake is in such close association with people that it might result in someone being bitten.

Do water moccasins live in Missouri?

Habitat and conservation. This species lives in two distinctly different habitats; in southeastern Missouri, they live in swamps and oxbow lakes, and in the southern Ozarks, they live in cool, spring-fed rocky creeks and river sloughs. The cottonmouth is a dangerously venomous species that can deliver a fatal bite.

What is the largest snake in Missouri?

The bullsnake
Field Guide. The bullsnake is Missouri’s largest snake. It is tan, yellow, or cream-colored with numerous, large, brown, or black blotches. The markings along the back and sides are generally black on the neck and tail, and brown at midbody.

Are there poisonous water snakes in Missouri?

Cottonmouths are the ONLY venomous water snake in Missouri.

But they aren’t limited to just aquatic habitats. Cottonmouths can also be found in palmetto thickets, pine forests, dune areas, and prairies.

What happens when you are bitten by a copperhead?

Redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or blistering around the bite. Severe pain and tenderness at the site of the bite. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether)

Where are Cottonmouths located in Missouri?

This species lives in two distinctly different habitats; in southeastern Missouri, they live in swamps and oxbow lakes, and in the southern Ozarks, they live in cool, spring-fed rocky creeks and river sloughs. The cottonmouth is a dangerously venomous species that can deliver a fatal bite.

Can you smell a snake in your house?

“They usually don’t smell like anything unless you pick one up and smell it a lot, you might smell a musky, really nasty smell.” People might see snake skin sheddings around the house if a snake has been there for a while. It is common to see snakes in a home if there is a mice problem.

Does Missouri have a lot of snakes?

Missouri is known for having wide open plains, expansive waterways, and a large section of the Mississippi River. It also is home to almost 40 different species of snakes. That’s a lot of snakes, but only five of those snakes are venomous.