Snake's Burrow!

Introduction

There are about 3,275 species of snakes worldwide, with 141 found in the United States. Kansas has 38 species of snakes and they are the most diverse group of reptiles in our state. Fourteen of these have a distribution nearly statewide. Nine species have a primarily western distribution in the state and eight are restricted to the eastern one-third of Kansas. Only five species of Kansas snakes are venomous. Ten are designated as Threatened Species or Species in Need of Conservation by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. All Kansas snakes are permanent, year-round residents and none migrate far from suitable habitat. This pocket guide includes all 38 species of snakes found in Kansas. These are the creatures you might encounter while hiking the prairies, canyons and forests.

A snake ready to shed its skin has an opaque eye scale.
Prior to shedding, note the milky blue eye color of this Western Rat Snake.
Photo © by Suzanne L. Collins
Used by permission

Myths about snakes

Snakes are much maligned and mostly misunderstood. Many people hold some unusual beliefs about Kansas snakes. For example, contrary to popular belief:

	Snakes don’t swallow their young to protect them during times of danger (acids in a snake belly would quickly kill and digest the young).
	Snakes don’t milk cows (snake teeth are very sharp and cows won't stand for it).
	Snake tongues are not stingers (they do, however, tickle).
	Snakes cannot crawl faster than a person can walk (it just seems that way to some adrenaline-driven individuals when they unexpectedly encounter one of these reptiles).
	Snakes will cross a horsehair rope (back and forth as many times as they like).

Snakes are an integral part of the food chain. They are small, shy animals that are frightened by people. Understanding their role in nature and their unassuming presence are vital to dispel the myths and fears people have of snakes.

Shed snake skin
Photo © by Bob Gress
Used by permission

Herpetology

Herpetology is the study of amphibians, turtles, reptiles and crocodilians. Individuals interested in studying or observing native Kansas snakes are encouraged to join and participate in the activities of the Kansas Herpetological Society. You can obtain membership information by contacting Joseph T. Collins, Kansas Biological Survey, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045 (785-393-4757), or by visiting the KHS website listed below.

Interested in learning more about snakes in Kansas and North America? Check out the following web sites and books:

	Species portraits of Kansas snakes
	Kansas Herpetofaunal Atlas http://webcat.fhsu.edu/ksfauna/herps
	Kansas Herpetological Society www.cnah.org/khs
	The Center for North American Herpetology www.cnah.org
	Learn about all North American Water Snakes at www.watersnake.net

	Amphibians and Reptiles in Kansas. Third Edition. by Joseph T. Collins & Suzanne L. Collins University Press of Kansas, Lawrence
	Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. Third Edition, Expanded. By Roger Conant & Joseph T. Collins Houghton Mifflin, Boston

Herpetoculture
Prairie Kingsnake eggs Photo © by Bob Gress Used by permission	Herpetoculture is the art of maintaining amphibians, turtles, reptiles and crocodilians in captivity. All Kansas snakes are protected from commercial exploitation and may not be sold in pet shops or any other outlet, retail or wholesale. Unless otherwise exempt (under 16 or over 65 years of age for example), a current Kansas hunting license is required for collecting and maintaining harmless snakes in order to observe and study them. Any kind of native snake not designated as Endangered, Threatened or a Species in Need of Conservation is eligible.
State regulations require no more than five individuals of each kind be maintained. Individuals wishing to explore this fascinating avocation are encouraged to subscribe to Reptiles magazine (consult Herpetoculture on The Center for North American Herpetology web site at www.cnah.org).

A Checklist of Kansas Snakes

The Pocket Guide to Kansas Snakes adopts the common names of Collins and Taggart (2002 Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians, Turtles, Reptiles and Crocodilians. Fifth Edition. Publication of The Center for North American Herpetology, Lawrence, Kansas. iv + 44 pp.). Taxonomy follows that of the most recently published scientific works available as of March 2006.