- Size:
Length in Kansas up to 43 1/8 inches.
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Range:
Occurs throughout eastern three-quarters of Kansas, but undocumented from many
areas in the eastern third. Invades the High Plains only along the aquatic corridors of
the Arkansas and Cimarron river valleys. |
- Description:
Harmless. Sharply upturned snout; rough scales; underside of tail much lighter in
color than belly. Highly variable in color. Back, head and tail may be yellow, brown,
reddish, olive or gray, with 20–30 dark brown or black blotches on back and similarly
colored bands on tail. Sides of the body with 2–3 series of small, dark spots
alternating with the blotches on the back. Belly may be yellowish, gray, olive or reddish;
becomes darker toward the rear. Young same as adults.
- Habits:
Lives in forested areas of eastern Kansas west to open prairies along the Colorado
border. Prefers sandy stretches along valleys of major rivers. Active from late April to
October. Mating occurs during April and May; a single clutch of 4-61 eggs is laid; eggs
are deposited in late June or July; incubation requires 50–65 days. Never bites.
Feeds primarily on toads. When first encountered, spreads hood, hisses, lunges at intruder
and eventually “plays dead.”
Click here for
information on precautions against being bitten by snakes
and what to do if you have been bitten by one.
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