- Size:
Length in Kansas up to 52 inches.
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Range:
Ranges from eastern third of Kansas southwest to Red Hills and into adjacent
southern High Plains as far west as Kearney County; avoids northern High Plains. |
- Description:
Harmless. Smooth scales; light and dark pattern on belly; 40–78 dark gray or
brown blotches on back. Head, body and tail are brown or gray; dark gray or brown blotches
on back are edged with black; 2–3 series of small brown or gray spots on sides
alternate with blotches on back. Belly is white with dark irregular markings. Young look
like adults.
- Habits:
Inhabits rocky hillsides with open woods, prairie grassland and sand prairies. Very
secretive; when not actively prowling, retreats beneath rocks or down burrows of other
animals. Active from April to October; nocturnal during summer months. Five to 17 eggs per
clutch; eggs hatch in 1-3 months. Constrictor. Feeds on small mammals, small snakes and
lizards.
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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