What are the 5 poisonous snakes in Missouri?
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.
Are snakes in Missouri protected?
The Wildlife Code of Missouri protects snakes, classifying them as nongame species. While it’s technically unlawful to kill snakes, MDC officials note there is a realistic exception when venomous snakes are near humans.
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.
What is the most venomous snake in Missouri?
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) The Timber Rattlesnake can be found in almost every state in the eastern half of the United States, including most of east and central Missouri. It is the largest venomous snake in Missouri, spanning up to five feet in length.
What is the largest snake in Missouri?
The bullsnake
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 Copperhead snakes protected in Missouri?
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.
Are water moccasins protected in Missouri?
These harmless watersnakes and others vastly outnumber the much-feared cottonmouths. All are protected by law. The northern cottonmouth has a limited range in Missouri; it is likely that most semiaquatic snakes seen or killed are in fact nonvenomous watersnakes.
Are copperhead snakes protected in Missouri?
Which state has the most copperheads?
States having the highest bite rates per million population per year are North Carolina, 157.8; West Virginia, 105.3; Arkansas, 92.9; Oklahoma, 61; Virginia, 48.7; and Texas, 44.2.
Are King snakes in Missouri?
Missouri is home to three different species of kingsnakes (Lampropeltis). Most common in the southwest region is the speckled kingsnake (L. holbrooki) which has a beautiful black-and-yellow flecked pattern.
What is Missouri’s state snake?
The black rat snake is found statewide, while the plains rat snake is found in the southern half of the state along the Missouri River. The plains rat snake has a distinct pattern and is light tan in body color….24. Rat Snake.
Species: | Pantherophis obsoletus, Pantherophis emoryi |
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Diet: | Rodents, birds |