Asked by: Xiuhua Borchardt
pets reptiles

What kind of snakes are in Southern Illinois?

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The 3 Venomous Snakes of Southern Illinois
  • Copperhead. The copperhead is probably the most abundant venomous snake in Southern Illinois.
  • Cottonmouth. Also referred to as the water moccasin, this Southern Illinois snake has a far smaller range than the copperhead.
  • Timber Rattlesnake.


Regarding this, what kind of snakes does Illinois have?

Common and Venomous Snakes of Illinois

  • Southern Copperhead and Northern Copperhead (Highland Moccasin)
  • Western Coppermouth (Water Moccasin)
  • Timber Rattlesnake (Canebrake Rattlesnake)
  • Eastern Massasauga.

Similarly, what poisonous snakes live in Illinois? Four native Illinois snake species are venomous: the copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake and the massasauga. Venom is a toxin for subduing prey.

Also to know is, are there poisonous snakes in Southern Illinois?

"There are 39 species of snakes in Illinois," Guetersloh said. "Four of them are poisonous." Three of those species, the cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake and copperhead are found in Southern Illinois. On the poisonous snakes, they are about like a cat's eye.

Do water moccasins live in Illinois?

But really, cottonmouths (a.k.a. water moccasins) live only in extreme southern Illinois and, for the record, shouldn't be killed either. Northern water snakes, in contrast, can be found statewide.

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How do I get rid of snakes?

How to Get Rid of Snakes
  1. You can use glue-based traps, which are a humane way to get rid of snakes that have made it inside.
  2. Clear the clutter from your yard.
  3. Prune your trees and shrubs so the ground is visible and there are no shady areas for snoozing snakes.

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Is it illegal to kill rattlesnakes in Illinois?

Under the new federally protected status, it's illegal to kill eastern massasaugas, but the USFWS emphasizes “safety always comes first” and to protect oneself if threatened. “If people encounter a massasauga rattlesnake, we encourage them to step back and leave the area,” Clemency said.

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What is the largest snake in Illinois?

List of snakes of Illinois
Scientific name Common name Venomous
Coluber constrictor priapus southern black racer No
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Diadophis punctatus arnyi prairie ringneck snake No
Diadophis punctatus edwardsii northern ringneck snake No

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How can u tell if a snake is venomous?

Most poisonous snakes have a pupil that resembles a cat's; an oblong shape with peaked ends, like a slit in the center of the eye. Non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils. There is always the exception. The coral snake, a very venomous snake in the United States, has round pupils.

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What dangerous animals live in Illinois?

Illinois has its fair share of interesting and diverse wildlife.

Some of these Illinois animals are harmful – even deadly!
  • Timber Rattlesnake. wildherps.com.
  • Striped Bark Scorpion.
  • Black Widow Spider.
  • Mountain Lion.
  • Brown Recluse Spider.

Lola Momdji

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Can you own a hognose snake in Illinois?

Western Hognose snakes are protected in Illinois. They have a very limited range in that state. So, hobbyists are not allowed to keep or breed, sell or barter western hognoses. Eastern Hognose are very common, but the state of Illinois, also has a law regarding native animals.

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Where are rattlesnakes found in Illinois?

In Illinois, massasaugas are primarily found in wet prairies and floodplain areas; timber rattlesnakes are typically found on the bluffs near the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers; cottonmouths are restricted to the swamps of extreme southern Illinois; and copperheads are found along the western edge of southern Illinois

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Do garter snakes bite?

Bite. While most species are classified as harmless (non-venomous), their bite can cause minor swelling or itching in humans, and anyone bitten by a garter snake should clean the bite thoroughly. It is not ultimately a cause for concern.

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Are there water moccasins in central Illinois?

In Illinois, it lives in the counties at the southern tip of the state. Two subspecies of this snake are found in Illinois, the yellowbelly watersnake and the copperbelly watersnake.

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Are there Timber Rattlers in Illinois?

The timber rattlesnake may be found in those Illinois counties that border the Mississippi River and that have forested river bluffs. It also may be found in the southern one-third of Illinois. This snake lives in forested bluffs, abandoned sawdust piles and rock outcrops and may be found in fields in summer.

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Are there bears in Shawnee National Forest?

Our national forests are a refuge for wild animals, including dangerous animals like bears and venomous snakes.

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What kind of snakes live in northern Illinois?

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois hosts four venomous snake species: the cottonmouth, copperhead, timber rattlesnake and eastern massasauga.

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Are there rattlesnakes in the Midwest?

The massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) is a rattlesnake species found in midwestern North America from southern Ontario to northern Mexico and parts of the United States in between.

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Are western ribbon snakes poisonous?

Ribbon snakes can be distinguished from their close relatives the true garter snakes by their slender body shape, glossy scales, and relatively longer tails. Like the true garter snakes, ribbon snakes have prominent lateral body stripes and are shy, non-poisonous reptiles.

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Are king snakes venomous?

Kingsnakes are one of the most widespread snake species in the US. They are ground-dwelling snakes that often kill and eat other snakes, even venomous ones, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths—kingsnakes are highly resistant to their venom. Kingsnakes have a number of pattern and color variations.

Assuncao Bitria

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Are water moccasin poisonous?

The water moccasin, North America's only venomous water snake, has a distinctive blocky, triangular head; a thick body; and a dangerous bite. Water moccasins rarely bite humans, however, and only attack when threatened.

Esosa Legartza

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Does Chicago have snakes?

Chicago Is Slithering With Snakes, But Don't Be Afraid, Expert Says. Anchor said the region has one venomous native snake, the Massasauga rattlesnake, but it's next to impossible to find and there are no known populations within city limits.

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What do garter snakes eat?

Wild garter snakes eat a varied diet containing worms, amphibians, fish, eggs, snails, and rodents. While captive garter snakes can be fed predominantly frozen thawed rodents, occasionally they can be offered other prey items such as earthworms, fresh whole feeder fish, frogs, or toads.

Monsalud Minguell

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Are there fox snakes in Illinois?

The western fox snake is common in Wisconsin and Iowa, and in the northern half of Illinois in prairie areas, but not in forested areas.

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31st May, 2020

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