Hobbies And Interests
Venomous Species
Timber rattlers (Crotalus horridus) are the largest of Kentucky's poisonous snakes, occasionally growing up to 5 feet. Found throughout eastern Kentucky, with the exception of the north-central sections, timber rattlers inhabit the rocky areas of forested sections, feeding mostly on rodents such as squirrels. These snakes live as long as 25 years. The copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), best identified from the chestnut shaded cross bands on its sides and back, is a denizen of all of Kentucky. The snake catches and consumes creatures such as mice, birds and lizards. This is a stout snake, sometimes measuring up to 40 inches long.
Black Species
The northern black racer (Coluber constrictor) is one of the predominantly all-black snakes of eastern Kentucky. It has great speed for a snake, quickly eluding danger but turning to fight if cornered and provoked. This slender snake grows to 60 inches and subsists on a diet of lizards, bugs, birds and rodents, according to the "National Audubon Society Filed Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians." The black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta) has a mix of cream or yellowish shades on its mostly black body. It is a common beneficial reptile around barns in eastern Kentucky. It catches and constricts rats and mice it locates, before devouring them. It is the largest of all native Kentucky snakes, growing to 72 inches long.
Small Species
Creatures such as slugs, worms and other reptiles comprise the diet of the harmless ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus). Growing to 15 inches, this small species has a telltale band of yellow about its neck, as well as a yellow belly and black or gray sides and back. They refrain from biting if handled, but do release a rank smell when touched. Search beneath rocks and logs for the worm snake (Carphophis amoenus), a 12-inch specimen in eastern Kentucky with a dull, brown body. Worm snakes resemble worms, but feature a short spine at their tail's end. They live on a diet of invertebrates such as worms.
Water Species
The northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) catches minnows and other small fish, along with frogs and bugs. It is a frequent inhabitant near any water in eastern Kentucky, retreating if possible, but fighting by biting repeatedly if it must. Commonly mistaken for the dangerous water moccasin -- which does not live in this region -- it does not possess a venomous bite. The queen snake (Regina septemvittata) is a water snake of small streams, living in the northern and southern areas of eastern Kentucky. It grows to 24 inches, is pale brown and eats mostly crayfish.