Snake Facts
- Most nonvenomous snakes have teeth that can puncture human skin.
- If bitten by a snake the area must be extensively cleaned as they carry bacteria, and always seek medical attention.
- If required to handle snakes, handle with proper protective equipment, and with extreme care.
- All snakes, when sitting stationary, have a special odor they emit for social and mating purposes.
- Some snakes, when threatened, will excrete a harsh odor through their cloacal glands to scare or dissuade their enemies.
- Some nonvenomous snakes will coil themselves and try to rattle their tales as fast as possible to imitate more dangerous snakes. They may rattle their tails against debris and may mimic the sound be exhaling air.
- Most nonvenomous snakes will try to flatten their heads to triangular like shape to mimic more dangerous snakes.
- Colors and patterns of snakes do not matter regarding species identification. There are non-venomous snakes who have almost identical features to venomous snakes. i.e. water snakes vs cotton mouth snakes.
- Every snake is beneficial to its environment.
- Many snakes can open their mouths upwards of 180 degrees.
- Nonvenomous snakes feed upon bugs, insects, rodents, and even grow to eat venomous snakes, this helps control rodent populations in their area.
- Snakes venom can still produce up to 2 hours after death.
- Most snakes can climb and swim.
- Snakes get most of their water from their food source, but still need outside water sources.
- All species have detachable lower jaws to eat anything 4 to 5 times bigger than the size of their heads.
- A snake’s stomach acid is strong enough to break down bones. Occasionally you will see snakes pass hair.
Venemous Snakes in Kansas
Venemous snakes include: Copperhead Snake, Cotton Mouth Snake (aka: Water Moccasin), Timber Rattlesnake, Western Diamond Back Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamond Back Rattlesnake, and Massasauga Snake.
Copperhead
Scientific Name: Agkistrodon Contortirix
Prevalence: Very Common
Range: Eastern and Central U.S. (excluding FL and GA)
Average Length: 2-3 feet
Venom Toxicity: Least toxic compared to other snakes in the region, damage is local soft tissue, can get serious infection if not properly cared for, can be fatal in rare conditions.
Additional Information
Cottonmouth
Scientific Name: Agkistrodon Piscivores
Prevalence: Very Common
Range: Southeastern United States
Average Length: 3-4 feet
Venom Toxicity: Damage of tissue found near wound site, causes tissue and muscle damage, can lead to death if treatment is not received in a timely manner.
Additional InformationMassasauga
Scientific Name: Sistrurus Catenatus
Prevalence: Not Common
Range: Midwest
Average Length: 2-3 feet
Venom Toxicity: Cytotoxic venom, destroys tissue, contains blood clotting enzymes, internal bleeding.
Additional Information
Timber Rattlesnake
Scientific Name: Crotalus Horridus
Prevalence: Not Common
Range: Southeastern United States
Average Length: 2.5-12 feet
Venom Toxicity: Hemotoxic, destroys tissue, causes swelling, discoloration.
*small chances of being bit as they are docile, if bit it is likely a dry bite unless they think you are food.
Western Diamondback
Scientific Name: Crotalus Atrox
Prevalence: Not Common
Range: Southwestern United States
Average Length: 3-7 feet
Venom Toxicity: Large amounts of venom in bites, bigger glands, hemotoxic, contains cytotoxins, and mytotoxins. Cause damage to cardiovascular system, blood flow damage, tissue loss, internal bleeding, etc.
*Accounts for many of rattlesnake incidents*
Eastern Diamondback
Scientific Name: Crotalus Adamanteus
Prevalence: Not Common
Range: Southeastern United States
Average Length: 3-6 feet
Venom Toxicity: Can lead to blood clots, improper cardiovascular system functions, cardiac failure.
Additional Information*Note: All information contained is apposite to Kansas.