- Size:
Length in Kansas up to 34 1/2 inches.
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Range:
Found in southwestern Kansas south of the Arkansas River; an isolated colony exists
to the north in Logan County. |
- Description:
Harmless. Smooth scales. Upper surface of body yellowish-cream with 18–35
black blotches separated by pink or reddish interspaces; white, unpatterned belly. At
least half the scales on underside of tail not divided into two rows, a characteristic not
found in any other harmless snake in Kansas. Young look like little adults.
- Habits:
Active from April to September; prefers open prairies, sandy regions and beneath rocks on
the slopes of rugged canyons. Breeding occurs in spring; from 4-9 eggs are laid in June
and hatch in August or September. Constrictor. Feeds on insects, lizards, smaller snakes
and small rodents.
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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