A list of the reptiles and amphibians of Iowa, and maps of their ranges. They feed primarily on small mammals but may also consume frogs, birds, and other smaller snakes. Bullsnakes are fast and can actively pursue prey in loose soil. A post shared by Wildlife Photographer (@no_coast_photography). 2023 BIRD WATCHING HQ BECCA PARO DESIGN CO. Peterson Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of North America. Unlike other rattlesnakes, the Eastern Massasauga hibernates alone. Despite potentially growing to a length of 5 feet, they are still docile animals that have no reason or means to hurt humans. The most common type of venomous snake in Iowa is the Timber Rattlesnake. Species . However, they may also vibrate their tails in the leaves when approached to produce a buzzing sound. Pantherophis obsoletus. They may also try to bury themselves or escape into a burrow. In these cases, mating frenzies occur, and dozens and dozens of these snakes can be found together. This is due to not only their shy nature but human-induced habitat loss as well. They burrow into the ground to escape danger and hot weather. Did you know that snakes are considered venomous, NOT poisonous? voted Snake Alley as the #1 Odd Spot in America. Coloration can be yellow, gray, brown, black, olive, or orange, often with darker blotches or spots down its side and back, though solid gray and black individuals are fairly common. They hunt exclusively for individuals that recently molted and temporarily have soft bodies. Iowa's prairies, woods and agricultural lands are home to quite a few species of snakes, from big timber rattlesnakes and fleet racers to diminutive, worm-eating smooth earth snakes. But getting back to nature could also put you face to face with another resident of the state. Related Read:What Do Milk Snakes Eat in the Wild & as Pets. Its similar to a strike, but with their mouth closed. However, when they do rattle, Western Massasaugas make a distinctive sound. Their favorite foods include frogs, earthworms, and leeches! In addition, they have faced pressure from habitat fragmentation and hunting. Thick-bodied, broad, triangle-shaped heads, and an upturned snout. They generally prefer slow-moving bodies of water with overhanging vegetation such as ponds, swamps, slow rivers, and streams. The venom they produce has relatively low potency. The western fox snake is named for its yellow-gold eyes, similar to those of a fox. If this display fails to scare off a predator, then the snake will play dead. These snakes are nicknamed salt and pepper snakes due to their unique appearance. Just a friendly reminder that when you in the great outdoors, some of these friends may be just below your feet! And if they continue to be provoked or grabbed, theyll strike their attacker as a last defense. When disturbed, Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes lift their head off the ground and flatten their neck like a cobra! Western Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus ) Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) Timber Rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus) Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) Shop Amazon for snake safety gear. They emerge in the spring, typically in April, and are active until October. This behavior is unique as most other water snakes consume their prey alive. Black Rat Snake Pantherophis obsoletus Last recorded in 2021. They prey almost exclusively on insects and spiders and dont use constriction; instead quickly striking and swallowing their prey alive. So, if so many are active at night, how do they hunt so effectively? Stout body, broad head, and elliptical pupils. Redbelly Snake Storeria occipitomaculata . Luckily, these venomous snakes are not only rare but often quite shy as well. Clearly, I am not alone. Iowas smallest snake species, Red-bellied snakes are either light brown or gray, sometimes with red stripes on their back. They can reach the age of 20 years in captivity and live for 3 or 4 years, though some have been known to reach age 5. The Speckled Kingsnakes unique appearance resulted in the nickname salt and pepper snake. Look for them in fields along the forests edge, prairies, grasslands, stream valleys, pastures, and roadside ditches. Even though they are predators and make up a large chunk of Iowas venomous species, their prey consists of small animals such as mice and birds. 40576. This venomous snake is listed as threatened, endangered, or a species of concern in all parts of its range. Look for them in Iowa everywhere, including forests, shrublands, wetlands, fields, and rocky areas. Sign up for my weekly emails and and receive my 179 page eBook "Bird Feeding Secrets" in your inbox. Adults range from 15 to 39 inches in length. This snake is pretty rare and isn't looking to pick a fight. Theyre well-adapted to living around people and can often be found in city parks, farmland, cemeteries, and suburban lawns and gardens. Another unusual feature of this species is that they will sit and wait to ambush their prey, especially on land. Kansas. They can be found in several types of areas, including urban locations. These venomous snakes are potentially the most dangerous species found in Iowa due to their large size, long fangs, and high yield of venom. They generally eat snails, worms, slugs. Western ribbon snakes are black with three orange and yellow stripes. One of 5 venomous snakes found in Iowa, the Timber rattlesnake lives in forest habitats. Normally dark green to black, but color varies. The smallest water snake found in Iowa, this species is also the shyest and the only one with stripes. They grab their prey and quickly swallow while its still alive! The more you agitate them, the more likely you could get bitten. This adaptation helps these venomous snakes locate and judge the size of their prey by being able to sense infrared! A great general rule for any wildlife is, enjoy the view, but let wild be wild. The name Massasauga actually comes from the Chippewa language and means great river mouth which describes their habitat. However, the fox snake has a narrower head and round pupils. Each of these is non-venomous. These snakes have cytotoxic venom (poisonous to cells) that destroys tissue, which also has the dangerous quality of disrupting blood flow and preventing clotting. Copyright 2022 Homelesspests.com. If captured, they will bite and release a foul-smelling musk from glands near the base of their tail. The lined snake is a small nonvenomous snake found in the Central United States. They also have enlarged teeth at the rear of the upper jaw that they use to puncture and deflate toads that puff up when threatened. A common venomous snake throughout the United States, the copperhead is considered an endangered species in Iowa, but this is mostly because the state lies just barely within its range. Are there any venomous If you eat something that makes you sick, then its considered poisonous. If an animal, like a snake, delivers its toxins when it bites, then its considered venomous., *If you come across any of these species, PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB! Look for a dark chain-like pattern down the back. That could mean, deer, bears, cows or horses. However, they are considered threatened and declining in parts of their range. Theyre also agile and can flee quickly if they must. They typically occupy brush-heavy areas around streams, lakes, ponds, and other water bodies. Look for dark brown or black crossbands on their back. 1 Snakes with. Even though they are more common than other snakes, they still prefer to avoid people (and other predators) altogether, so they will stick to trees, undergrowth, and rocky crevices to avoid detection. Beautifully marked, Fox snakes look similar to copperheads, often leading to a fatal case of mistaken identity. Smooth earth snakes only measure about 7 9 inches long and are often mistaken for worms. That being said, both types of massasauga are becoming increasingly rare encounters for hikers across Iowa, and as long as they dont openly antagonize them, they have little to fear. Please help us keep it up to date by reporting your sightings to HerpMapper. They have a pale or yellowish underside, and their head is indistinct from their body. As long as you leave them alone, you shouldnt have any trouble! Check Your Tickets! Lined snakes are gray or brown, with three light stripes. 2023 BIRD WATCHING HQ BECCA PARO DESIGN CO. Iowa. Particles picked up by the tongue are processed through an organ in the roof of their mouth called the Jacobson's organ. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). Another species in the south is Crotalus ruber, the red diamond rattlesnake. Northern Watersnake Range Map (Yellow area below). They feed on BOTH aquatic and terrestrial prey, including crayfish, fish, salamanders, frogs, and other amphibians. They may also hiss and false strike with a closed mouth. ), Snake Quiz - 70,157 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch a Gigantic Python Attack a Range Rover and Refuse to Give Up, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake, Watch an Indigo Snake Consume a Python Whole. The Prairie Rattlesnake hibernates during the winter, often in communal dens. Their coloration provides superb camouflage in dense, brushier areas. These snakes live in wetlands and streams of southeast Iowa. They primarily inhabit grassland habitats but can also be found in open sagebrush prairie, rocky hillsides, prairie hillsides, open wetlands, and grassy wetlands. s snakes in Iowa. Three yellow stripes; one down the back and one down each side. These adaptable snakes are often found near human habitats, including in cities. Age in years of Most Recent Record: 75+ 70: 65: 60: 55: 50: 45: 40: 35: 30: 25: 20: 15: 10: 5 : This map is generated from data provided by the Drake University Biodiversity Center, observations from HerpMapper.org, the Iowa DNR Natural Areas Inventory, as well as other sources. When startled, these snakes shake their tails, causing a rattling sound that often leads to them being mistaken for rattlesnakes. They control their body temperature by basking in the sun. Gentleness is needed when handling these delicate little snakes as they are much more fragile than most reptiles. This species is considered one of the most cold-tolerant of all snakes! Timber Rattlesnakes strike their prey and release them, waiting until the venom has taken effect before eating them. Louisiana. (Watch how the nature center snake's eat on our Videos page.). PARS has found northern copperheads - the second most common venomous snake in Pennsylvania - in 5 of the counties without timber rattlesnakes: Allegheny, Armstrong, Bucks, Chester and . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Blotches may appear like bands near the end of the tail, and the underside is yellowish with black spots. Look for these venomous snakes in lowland thickets, high areas around rivers and flood plains, agricultural areas, deciduous forests, and coniferous forests. (Watch our community relations coordinator attempt to hold a snake for the first time. She got her first cat at 5 years old and at 14, she started working for her local veterinarian. The bullsnake ( Pituophis catenifer sayi) is a large, nonvenomous, colubrid snake. That being said, if youre unsure, its safer to assume the worst and steer clear of it. The only species of snake that can be legally caught or killed in Iowa, Common garter snakes are found all over the state. These venomous snakes can be found in parts of western Iowa in open prairies, grasslands, semi-desert shrublands, and forested environments. When it sheds, it slithers out of its old skin, like pulling a sock off your foot, so it ends up inside out! Copperheads are listed as a venomous snake in Iowa, but their range only slightly extends into Missouri in the southernmost counties along the Mississippi River. The massasauga and timber rattlesnakes are rare, but found in eastern and southern Iowa . Age in years of Most Recent Record: 75+ 70: 65: 60: 55: 50: 45: 40: 35: 30: 25: 20: 15: 10: 5 : This map is generated from data provided by the Drake University Biodiversity Center, observations from HerpMapper.org, the Iowa DNR Natural Areas Inventory, as well as other sources. Adults range from 30 to 40 inches in length. As they move over land, they make quick, light thrusts of their head and upper body in different directions in sequences of three. The northern cottonmouth is a heavy-bodied, dark-colored, semiaquatic snake that is dark olive brown to nearly black. Youre more likely to see them active during the day in the spring and fall when the weather is cooler. Most common are several species of garter snakes, the fox snake and the bullsnake, all of which are harmless. They may also bleed from the mouth and cloaca, expel musk and fecal matter, and regurgitate recently eaten food. They vary in color but all have black-bordered splotches. There are 28 snakes in Iowa with only 5 being venomous. Look for these venomous snakes in the very southeastern corner of Iowa in deciduous forests and mixed woodlands, often near rocky outcroppings. YUM! Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Nonvenomous. Like many other kingsnakes, this species is sometimes kept as pets. Believe it or not, you can find FIVE types of venomous snakes in Iowa. The markings of this water snake look more like a chain than diamonds. Low Risk. Today they are still often killed out of fear AND face diminishing wetland habitat. Alaska is the only state with a zero snake population. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? The Western Ribbon Snake has an incredible, unique hunting technique. The timber rattlesnake is the largest and most dangerous snake, and can be found in eastern and southern Iowa on bits of relatively undisturbed habitat. In fact, they are typically the snake species that people come across the most in this area. However, they have also been observed preying on small mammals and birds, including the Eastern Meadowlark and Bank Swallow. Or at least the next five minutes, Read More , Besides their forked tongues, probably the main thing that creeps people out about snakes is their ability to move without legs or feet. Lizards There are five species of lizards in Iowa. Theres no mistaking these snakes with any other in Iowa! They are also the largest and most dangerous. It's a question that comes up when visitors see our animal ambassador snakes, and the answer is "No.". However, if grabbed or captured, theyre quick to defend themselves. Unless you happen to be a small rodent, they typically wont bother you unless you bother them. Fossorial snakes like these spend most of their time underground sheltering from the sun or hunting. Furthermore, the vast majority of these snakes, including the most common ones, are nonvenomous and safe for humans to handle, which means that they may make good pets! But please dont live in fear, thinking that you are going to be bitten. Some individuals may exhibit a checkered body pattern. They can even be found at elevations up to 9500 feet! People often mistake them for venomous cottonmouths and rattlesnakes. Coloration is varying shades of brown with darker brown blotches on the back, two alternating rows of smaller dark spots down the sides, and large longitudinal blotches on the sides of the neck. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. Adults are typically around 2 feet in length. If harassed, theyll raise their heads and vibrate their tails to mimic a rattlesnake. In 1775 it was featured at the center of the Gadsden Flag. This yellow flag depicts a coiled and ready-to-strike Timber Rattlesnake and the words Dont Tread on Me.. The smallest snake on this list at 13 inches, the brown snake poses no threat to humans. Another snake to avoid in Iowa is the Prairie Rattlesnake. November 1- March 31 homelesspests.com also participates in affiliate programs with Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. On this page, you can find an overview of snakes in Iowa. These rat snakes primarily feed on rodents, birds, and bird eggs but will also consume frogs. Theyre generally non-aggressive but may release a foul-smelling musk and strike if grabbed. Eastern Massasauga rattlesnakes are a venomous, endangered species in Iowa. Elizabeth Gray is a lifelong lover of all creatures great and small. They are tan, brown, or green with brown splotches and two lines on the side of their heads. Fun Facts The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is North America's longest, heaviest venomous snake! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is North America's longest, heaviest venomous snake, averaging 3-6 feet long, with some adults growing up to 8 feet. The following list of the reptiles of Iowa lists all of the snakes, turtles, and lizards that are known to occur in the US state of Iowa. For example, some species are venomous, while others use constriction to immobilize their prey. The species contains eleven subspecies that can be Agkistrodon Contortrix Copperhead Snake, Nerodia Erythrogaster Plain-Bellied Water Snake, Pantherophis Ramspotti Western Fox Snake, Lampropeltis Holbrooki Speckled Kingsnake, Pantherophis Obsoletus Western Rat Snake, Storeria Occipitomaculata Redbelly Snake, Thamnophis Sirtalis Common Garter Snake. They are adaptable enough to live within cities, making them one species often spotted by humans. It's rare for a snake to be both poisonous and venomous. Adults typically range between 3.3 and 5 feet in length. Coloration is a dull brown, yellowish-brown, or gray. Coloration is pale grey to dark brown with reddish-brown to black bands. You may spot them near abandoned buildings, trash heaps, or vacant lots. These snakes primarily feed on fish and amphibians by hunting along the waters edge and shallow water during the day. A post shared by Jimmy Randolph (@hootowlkarma). However, smaller prey may be swallowed whole without constriction. Adults typically range between 3.3 and 5 feet in length. These snakes are so abundant that they are the only species of snake you are allowed to capture or kill in the state. Wild animals just want you to leave them be. Coloration is uniformly light green with a yellow or white underside and a red tongue with a black tip. If you are traversing this area, keep an ear open for rattles. Check the head and pupil shape to distinguish between the two species. Air temperature is the main factor in snake activity. Both snakes are quite rare in the wild. Prairie Rattlesnake Range Map The Prairie Rattlesnake hibernates during the winter, often in communal dens. Worm snakes live in wooded areas in southern Iowa and eat mostly earthworms. The prairie rattlesnake and copperhead are even rarer in our state. Also called Grass Snakes, these bright green snakes can be found in marshes, meadows, pastures, savannas, open woods, and along stream and lake edges. Or the fact that certain snakes are rarely seen because they spend most of their time underground, but others are comfortable living EXTREMELY close to humans. Despite being a common sight in Iowa, the western fox snake is endangered in some states. When disturbed, Northern Watersnakes flee into the water to escape. The venom they produce has relatively low potency. They live in wooded areas and primarily eat slugs and snails. A member of the kingsnake family, Eastern Milksnakes occupy a wide variety of habitats in Iowa, including fields, woodlands, agricultural areas, and rocky outcrops. The snake had yellow stripes down the length of its body. (Read about the venomous snakes of Iowa here.) It's known for its iconic rattle and its venomous bite, which can be fatal to humans. These snakes primarily feed on small rodents, frogs, birds, and large insects, such as cicadas. Below youll find a complete list of the 28 snakes found in Iowa: Hopefully, youve picked up on something quite notable about Iowas snakes: the venomous snakes are actually quite shy! Adults reach lengths between 20 and 37 inches. As long as you dont deliberately provoke them, you should be fine. Gopher snakes kill by constriction and have been known to breed with fox snakes on occasion. Its body Pantherophis obsoletus, commonly called the western rat snake or the black rat snake is a large nonvenomous snake species. Eastern Milksnakes get their unique name from an old myth that they milked cows since theyre commonly found in barns! Unfortunately, they are sometimes killed out of ignorance. Timber Rattlesnakes strike their prey and release them, waiting until their venom has taken effect before eating them. Look for Grahams Crayfish Snakes in slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds, prairie streams, marshes, and roadside ditches. The sides and top of the head are dark, and the upper lip is whitish. Coloration is gray to light brown with dark brown blotches on the back. They are sometimes found in southern. Smooth Greensnakes rely on their EXCELLENT camouflage to avoid predators. However, they are very opportunistic and will eat other insects and small animals they can overpower.