- Size:
Length in Kansas up to 52 3/4 inches.
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Range:
Found throughout most of Kansas, but absent from High Plains north of the Arkansas
River and northeastern corner of state. |
- Description:
Harmless. Weakly keeled scales; a pattern of 25–45 squarish brown blotches on
grayish back; a checkerboard pattern of white and black or dark gray markings on belly.
Young resemble adults; almost indistinguishable from young Western Rat Snakes.
- Habits:
Roams rocky hillsides and canyons and frequently inhabits caves; avoids heavily forested
regions. Active from March to September; primarily nocturnal, prowling for food. During
day, remains hidden beneath rocks or in caves and crevices. Number of eggs per clutch
ranges from 3-30. Constrictor. Feeds primarily on small rodents and birds. In region of
caves, eats bats.
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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