Rattlesnakes are a type of venomous snake that can be found in many parts of the United States, including Kansas. In fact, there are four types of rattlesnakes that are native to Kansas, each with its own unique characteristics and habitat.
In this article, we will explore the four types of rattlesnakes found in Kansas, including their identification characteristics, range maps, interesting facts, and safety precautions.
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Whether you are a nature enthusiast or simply want to learn more about the wildlife in your area, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the rattlesnakes of Kansas.
4 Types Of Rattlesnakes In Kansas
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake is a species of venomous snake that is native to the eastern third of Kansas. It is considered a “species in need of conservation” in Kansas. Compared to other venomous snakes in Kansas, the Timber Rattlesnake is said to have a mild disposition and stays quiet to avoid being seen.
Here are some additional facts about the Timber Rattlesnake in Kansas:
– The maximum weight for a Kansas specimen is 2,386 grams (5 pounds, 4 ounces) .
– The Timber Rattlesnake is known from the Marais des Cygnes, Kansas, and Missouri drainage basins.
– It enters Kansas from Oklahoma in the Cross Timbers but is conspicuously absent from the Neosho River basin.
– The Timber Rattlesnake is found along heavily vegetated, rocky outcrops on partially forested hillsides.
– Highly secretive, usually living in woodlands with plenty of rocks and brush on the ground, Timber Rattlesnakes are seldom seen by most people.
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It’s important to note that the Timber Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Timber Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to keep your distance and give the snake plenty of space to move away.
Prairie Rattlesnake
The Prairie Rattlesnake is the most commonly encountered rattlesnake in the western half of Kansas. Here are some additional facts about the Prairie Rattlesnake in Kansas:
– The Prairie Rattlesnake is 3-5 feet in length, with the largest reported specimen found in Hamilton County.
– It is especially common in western Kansas in open rocky areas, prairies, and even agricultural land.
– The Prairie Rattlesnake is venomous and should be treated with caution if encountered in the wild.
– Compared to other venomous snakes in Kansas, the Prairie Rattlesnake is said to have a more aggressive disposition and will often rattle its tail when threatened.
If you encounter a Prairie Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to keep your distance and give the snake plenty of space to move away. If you are bitten by a Prairie Rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately.
Western Massasauga Rattlesnake
The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake is a small venomous snake that is native to the American Midwest, including eastern Kansas. Here are some additional facts about the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake:
– The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake is the smallest rattlesnake in Kansas.
– It is characterized by a small pit between the eye and nostril, a triangular head, and a rattle at the end of its tail.
– The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake is found in wet meadows, marshes, and grasslands.
– Compared to other venomous snakes in Kansas, the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake is said to have a mild disposition and will often rattle its tail when threatened.
– The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake is considered a “species of special concern” in Kansas.
It’s important to note that the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Western Massasauga Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to keep your distance and give the snake plenty of space to move away. If you are bitten by a Western Massasauga Rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, also known as the Texas Diamond-back, is a venomous snake species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Here are some additional facts about the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake:
Identification:
– The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied snake with a triangular-shaped head.
– It has two dark diagonal lines on each side of its face and alternating black and white or gray bands on its tail that end in rattles.
– It has heat-sensing pits located behind each nostril that can detect differences in temperature, helping it to determine predator from prey.
Habitat and Range:
– The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake ranges throughout the Southwestern United States and northern half of Mexico, from central and western Texas, through southern New Mexico and Arizona, and into southern California.
– It occupies diverse habitats from sea level to 7,000 feet, ranging from desert flats to rocky hillsides, grassy plains, forested areas, river bottoms, and coastal prairies.
Diet and Predators:
– The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake eats small mammals such as chipmunks, prairie dogs, gophers, ground squirrels, rabbits, mice, and rats, as well as birds within reach.
– Common predators of Western Diamondbacks include hawks, bald eagles, roadrunners, and wild turkeys.
Behavior and Threats:
– The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is not considered endangered or threatened.
– It is responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in northern Mexico and the greatest number of snakebites in the U.S..
– The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is not aggressive, but it will coil, rattle, and stand its ground when threatened.
– Rattlesnake roundups still occur in some areas where people gather and kill as many as possible, which throws local ecosystems out of balance with a dramatic loss of many predators at one time.
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It’s important to note that the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution.
If you encounter a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to keep your distance and give the snake plenty of space to move away. If you are bitten by a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately.
FAQS
1. What are the four types of rattlesnakes in Kansas?
The four types of rattlesnakes in Kansas are the Timber Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga Rattlesnake, and Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
2. Where can I find each type of rattlesnake in Kansas?
The Timber Rattlesnake can be found in eastern Kansas, the Prairie Rattlesnake is most commonly found in the western half of Kansas, the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake is found in the eastern third of Kansas, and the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is not native to Kansas but has been recorded in a few central-Kansas locations.
3. Are these rattlesnakes dangerous?
Yes, all four types of rattlesnakes in Kansas are venomous and should be treated with caution if encountered in the wild.
4. What should I do if I encounter a rattlesnake in the wild?
If you encounter a rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to keep your distance and give the snake plenty of space to move away. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately.
5. Are rattlesnakes protected in Kansas?
Yes, all four types of rattlesnakes in Kansas are protected by state law and should not be killed or removed from the wild.
6. How can I avoid encountering a rattlesnake in the wild?
To avoid encountering a rattlesnake in the wild, stay on designated trails, wear long pants and boots, and be aware of your surroundings. Rattlesnakes are most active during the warmer months, so be especially cautious during this time.
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