While lots of people have concerns about snakes, these amazing animals usually don’t deserve their dangerous reputation. Here in Wisconsin, we only have two species of venomous snakes (both rattlesnakes that live in the southwestern part of the state). We sent your watersnake (yes, it’s just one word!)
Are water snakes poisonous in Wisconsin?
This non-venomous water snake is often mistaken for a cottonmouth (also known as a water moccasin) and is subsequently killed. Cottonmouths, which are venomous, do not occur anywhere near Wisconsin.
What kind of water snakes are in Wisconsin?
The northern water snake is common throughout the state of Wisconsin. It is usually found in or close to permanent water bodies as was the case when I spotted this one that is often seen along the rocks sticking out of the water at the logging dam.
Do water snakes live in Wisconsin?
Chances are you just spotted the common watersnake. This very common snake is found throughout Wisconsin, likes to live in or close to water, especially clean rivers. Living close to water, its favorite foods are crayfish, slow-moving fish and a variety of amphibians. (Frogs look out!)
Are there any poisonous snakes in Wisconsin?
Did you know that there are as many as 21 kinds of snakes in Wisconsin? Wow, that’s a lot! Only two of these snakes are venomous, the timber rattlesnake and the eastern massasauga. They are found only in specific habitats in the the southwestern part of the state.
What snake swims in water?
He notes that cottonmouth snakes, which are venomous and dangerous to humans, are also capable of doing this, despite often swimming underwater ( rb.gy/kics5e ).
What kind of snakes are in the Sugar River Wisconsin?
Have no fear – the Sugar River is too far north for copperhead or water moccasins! If you go in search of other snake species, you may encounter Eastern Hognose snakes, Fox snakes, Milk snakes, several species of Garter snakes, Northern Redbelly snakes, small Little Brown Snakes, and, of course, Northern Water snakes.
Are there Copperheads in Wisconsin?
Copperheads do not live in or near Wisconsin. Foxsnakes are also often mistaken for rattlesnakes, as they often “rattle” their tails in dry leaves, grasses or against objects when disturbed. Their pointed tail distinguishes them (and all other Wisconsin snakes with pointed tails) as a non-venomous species in Wisconsin.
How do you identify a northern water snake?
Northern Water Snakes typically have dark dorsal (back) bands that are present on the anterior (towards the head) portion of the body that change to alternating dorsal (back) and lateral (side) blotches. Their ventral (belly) scales usually have dark half-moon shaped markings on them.
Where do snakes go in the winter in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin’s many native reptiles and amphibians survive the winter months in a number of ways. Some species of snakes move to crevices in rocky ledges or outcroppings where they spend the winter in relatively stable conditions below ground.
Are there water moccasins in Illinois?
The four species of venomous snakes in Illinois are the Copperhead, Cottonmouth Water Moccasin, Timber Rattlesnake, and Eastern Massasauga.
Are there rattlesnakes in WI?
Wisconsin’s two rattlesnake species, the eastern massasauga and the timber rattlesnake, are shy and secretive animals which often rely on their coloration to avoid being detected. In addition, both species are extremely rare and many biologists consider themselves lucky to ever see one in the wild.
Are there blue snakes in Wisconsin?
Of Wisconsin’s 21 species, 14 are considered “rare” and listed as endangered, threatened or special concern.
Wisconsin Snake Species.
| Common Name | North American (Blue) Racer |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Coluber constrictor |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Status | Special concern |
What is Wisconsin’s deadliest snake?
Timber rattlesnakes
Timber Rattlesnake Venom
Timber rattlesnakes are considered one of the most dangerous snakes in North America and Wisconsin. They have long solenoglyphous fangs and high venom yields, making their bites strong enough to kill a human.
What is the largest snake in Wisconsin?
Bullsnake
Bullsnake, also known as gophersanke, is the largest in the state and can grow as long as 80 inches. It’s native to the counties on the far western edge of Wisconsin, roughly tracking the Mississippi, Wisconsin and St. Croix rivers.
Where are water moccasins found?
Cottonmouths are native to the U.S. and range from southeastern Virginia to Florida, west to central Texas and north to southern Illinois and Indiana, according to the IUCN (opens in new tab). They primarily live in aquatic and wetland habitats, including swamps, marshes, drainage ditches, ponds, lakes and streams.
Can a water moccasin bite you underwater?
Besides sea-snakes, there are two common snakes that can live in or near water – the cottonmouth (water moccasin) and the water snake. Not only can snakes bite underwater, but water moccasins join a list of more than 20 species of venomous snakes in the United States making them even more of a threat.
How can you tell if a water snake is poisonous?
— With practice, you can learn to tell the difference between watersnakes and Water Moccasins.
Harmless Watersnake or Venomous Water Moccasin?
| Harmless Watersnake | Venomous Water Moccasin | |
|---|---|---|
| Body dark, often with bands? | YES | YES |
| Rough-looking, keeled scales? | YES | YES |
| Head shape is… | SLENDER or FLATTENED | THICK, BLOCKY |
| Neck is… | NOT DISTINCT | NARROWER THAN HEAD |
Can snakes bite while swimming?
Yes. Snakes can open their mouths and bite if provoked underwater. Although the water moccasin, or cottonmouth snake, prefers to lounge on logs or tree limbs at water’s edge, it has been known to capture its food while swimming underwater. By the way, rattlesnakes have the ability to swim and bite underwater as well.
What is the deadliest animal in the state of Wisconsin?
There are two rattlesnakes on Wisconsin’s most dangerous animals list. One is the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), and the other is the eastern massasauga aka ‘the swamp rattler. ‘ These are both venomous snakes but are rare predators of anything but rodents.
Are water moccasins poisonous?
But are water moccasins poisonous or dangerous to humans? While they are not poisonous to touch or eat, cottonmouth bites are highly venomous and can kill humans. Their venom is deadly, and their bite can cause severe complications if not treated immediately.