The gopher snake.
The gopher snake is the largest species of snake in Iowa. This snake ranges from 37 – 72 inches (94.8-183 cm) in length. Max 100 inches (254 cm) (Conant and Collins 1991).
How big do snakes get in Iowa?
Because most are snakes are shy, Iowans may not be aware of all the serpents who share their state. Here are 28 snakes found in Iowa.
1. Timber Rattlesnake.
| Species: | C. horridus |
|---|---|
| Good to own as a pet?: | No |
| Legal to own?: | Not in Iowa |
| Adult size: | 44 – 50 inches (112 – 127 cm) |
| Diet: | Carnivorous |
What is the most venomous snake in Iowa?
The most common type of venomous snake in Iowa is the Timber Rattlesnake. They are also the largest and most dangerous. They can be found in eastern and southern Iowa especially in wooded areas untouched by man. Another venomous snake that can be found in Iowa is the Massasauga.
How big do bull snakes get in Iowa?
The 28 species of Iowa snakes range from the tiny and uncommon 7-inch western worm snake to the common bullsnake which can be over 5 feet long. Most common are several species of garter snakes, the fox snake and the bullsnake, all of which are harmless.
What poisonous snakes live in Iowa?
Iowa has only four venomous snakes, and their bites are rarely fatal if treated. The massasauga and timber rattlesnakes are rare, but found in eastern and southern Iowa. The prairie rattlesnake and copperhead are even rarer in our state. Only garter snakes can be legally caught, collected or killed in all counties.
Does Iowa have king snakes?
Prairie kingsnakes are found in the southern third of Iowa. These snakes utilize a wide variety of habitats. They are found in prairies, (including sand prairies), open grassland, fields, pastures, in ditches along cultivated field and roads, woodlands, and some stream valleys and blufflands.
Do water moccasins live in Iowa?
The famous, and venomous, cottonmouth (or water moccasin), Agkistrodon piscivorus, is not found in Iowa. The farthest north cottonmouths have been recorded is central Missouri. Northern water snakes are active from April to October, spending their winters in rock crevices they have migrated to from the water.
Where are copperheads found in Iowa?
Eastern copperheads are one of the rarest snakes in Iowa and barely enter Iowa in the southeastern corner. They have been recorded in Lee, Van Buren, and Davis counties. The populations are small and they remain only because the integrity of the land on which they occur has been maintained.
How many snakes live in Iowa?
Snakes of Iowa
Iowa has 28 species of snakes.
What snakes are illegal in Iowa?
(d) A member of the family elapidae, viperidae, crotalidae, atractaspidae, or hydrophidae which are venomous, including but not limited to cobras, mambas, coral snakes, kraits, adders, vipers, rattlesnakes, copperheads, pit vipers, keelbacks, cottonmouths, and sea snakes.
Will a bull snake bite you?
The bullsnake is non-venomous and kills its prey by strangulation. However, it can inflict a painful bite. When threatened, a bullsnake can mimic a venomous rattlesnake by puffing up its body, shaking its tail, and hissing.
Will bull snakes keep rattlesnakes away?
Bullsnakes do not repel rattlesnakes; they’re both snakes, and each species wants about the same thing out of life—to eat, and make little snakes.
Will a bull snake eat a cat?
Yes snakes do eat cats. While cats aren’t natural prey for snakes, snakes are opportunists who will eat small mammals.
What counties in Iowa have rattlesnakes?
A timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, from Jackson County, Iowa. A timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, from Allamakee County, Iowa. A timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, from Madison County, Iowa. A timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, baby, from Madison County, Iowa.
Are there bull snakes in Iowa?
The bullsnake is found statewide in Iowa. Bullsnakes are active April to October. This species favors native sand prairie, tallgrass prairie, bluff prairie, oak savanna, and pasture.
Are milk snakes in Iowa?
Eastern milk snakes are found almost statewide in Iowa. Rocky hillsides provide the favored habitat in Iowa, at least that is where they are most often seen.
Are Fox snakes in Iowa?
The western fox snake is the most common constricting snake in most parts of Iowa and occurs throughout the state.
Are milk snakes poisonous?
However, the milk snake is not venomous or poisonous, not matter how badly it wants to be. Milksnakes prefer to live in forested areas but will also be happy in barns and agricultural areas. They eat a wide variety of prey including other snakes, amphibians, rodents, insects, fish and small birds.
Do garter snakes 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.
Can snakes come up through shower drains?
Can snakes come up drain pipes? Yes, they can, though it isn’t common. While snakes are good swimmers and can hold their breath for a long time, they don’t often infiltrate your home via the pipes.
Are there any venomous water snakes in Iowa?
Northern water snakes are NOT venomous and are found throughout Iowa. Colin estimated the snake at about 3 feet long. They primarily eat fish, and while this fish is large, the snake may be able to swallow it head-first. This is NOT a venomous cottonmouth (also called a water moccasin), which is NOT found in Iowa.