Native Missouri Snake Species

Venomous

• Venomous snakes are native to Missouri just like many other states. In the Southeastern portion of Missouri, the Western Cottonmouth can be found in river sloughs and rocky streams. This snake is black and grows up to 42-inches long. The Western Cottonmouth is dangerously venomous and a bite can be fatal. Across the entire state of Missouri is the Osage Copperhead. Most Osage Copperheads are gray to tan in color with crossbands of dark gray or brown. Length averages 24 to 36-inches and the Copperhead can usually be found around trees and brush. A bite from a copperhead can be lethal but is usually treatable if help is sought right away.

Non-venomous

• Missouri is home to 23 types of non-venomous snakes. A diamond-backed water snake is non-venomous and just one of the seven types of water snakes in the state. Diamondbacks are normally light brown or a dull yellow color with dark markings on it's sides and back. Most range from 30 to 48-inches in length and are commonly found in rivers and lakes. Red Milk snakes are another non-venomous Missouri snake that is white with orange markings bordered with black. Most Red Milk snakes are from 21 to 28-inches long. Red Milk snakes got their name from a myth that said they had the ability to nurse on a cow.

Importance

• Snakes are an important part of wildlife in Missouri and around the world. As an integral part of the food chain, snakes play an important role in keeping nature balanced. Snakes are prey to animals, such as otters, hawks, blue herons and many fish. As predators, snakes help to keep the population of destructive rodents and insects in Missouri from becoming overly populated. Certain species of snakes are now even being used for their venom to treat diseases such as Parkinons Disease and cancer.

Conservation

• While snakes are usually not popular with people, it is important to remember that snakes are just fighting for survival. Due to habitat loss and snake killing, many snake species populations are declining. The Missouri Department of Conservation provides management tips to landowners of the state to help save snake species. The Wildlife Code of Missouri, says that snakes, as well as many turtles and lizards, are non-game animals and since there is no open season for snakes, it is against the law to kill them.