Arkansas is a beautiful state in the United States with different landscapes. This state is a wonderful place to live because of the low living cost, mile environment, loving people, and many other reasons. There is a lot to write about this place, but we will discuss the snakes in Arkansas. Due to different landscapes, Arkansas contains various types of snakes. According to the research, there are more than 40 species of lizards without arms and legs. Six types of snakes there are very vicious. The rest of the snakes do not have venom. Black racer snakes, copperheads, flathead snakes, and ground snakes are widespread. This write-up will provide information about some snakes from 40 snakes.
You can read the Fect of Black Swamp Snake
Prairie King snake
The Prairie king snake is not a giant snake like a few species, and an average adult snake is not more than 3 feet. Despite the small length, prairie king snakes have a thick and broad bodies. It also has a V shape sign on its head. Overall, it is a non-venomous snake and does not bite human beings. If you move closer, this snake will erect its tail to frighten you and leave it alone. These snakes are seen in different hues like light brown, grey, and tan, with dark markings on their bodies.
Flathead snake
Flathead snakes are considered one of the smallest snakes worldwide. The size of this snake does not exceed 6 inches. In other words, it looks like a pencil lying on the ground. The standard color of this snake is red and brown. Its preferred area to live is moisty in forests. Despite being nonvenomous, flathead snake helps humans by eating insects.
Ground snakes
Ground snakes are also smaller snakes but more extensive than flathead snakes. The size of an average ground snake reaches just the length of 20 inches. They are primarily seen in grey and tan colors with brown or black marks on their bodies. Their preference to inhabit is away from the human population. Ground snakes are minor evil but cannot harm human beings. However, this snake has a tooth and the power to bite but remains motionless when a threat is nearby.
Midwest worm snakes
Their bodies ultimately make their names accurate. Yes, you get it. They look like giant worms with pinkish and grey body colors and have slippery bodies like warms. Their maximum length ever seen is at most 1 foot. Midwest worm snakes also help humans by reducing the number of insects eating them. These snakes benefit from their body color and hide in leaf litter and dirty areas. They are not a threat to humans, but sadly, humans kill them when they see Midwest worm snakes anywhere.
Western mud snakes
Western mud snakes are also native to Texas and have stunning colors and appearances. It is not a tiny snake; its size can reach more than 50 inches. Their bodies have striking black colors on their backs and red bellies. They have teeth that are big enough to harm human beings. These snakes are nonvenomous and do not harm humans. The preferred habitat for western mud snakes is wet mud. They mostly live close to rivers, seas, ponds, and lakes. They spend most of their time on the water’s lower surface and feed on water insects and fishes.
Mississippi Green Water snake
As its name suggests, the Mississippi green water snake makes its home in the Mississippi Delta, close to the Mississippi River. Because the Mississippi River forms the eastern limit of Arkansas, these snakes may also be found there. Despite having a maximum length of four and a half feet, the Mississippi green water snake typically grows to a size of around three feet. Their bodies’ dark green or brown color may have dark markings or be unmarked. They have pale cream or yellow coloration on their bellies.
Plain belly water snake
Plain-bellied water snakes are also residents of water and like mud snakes, but they spend more time in the water than other snakes. Their size is 3 feet with dark green body color and tan color on their bellies. They do not harm humans and spend their lives eating insects, fish, and other small water creatures. If you live in Arkansas and are fond of fishing, there are many chances to encounter them. It would not even think to hurt you if you let it go from the place.
Diamondback water snake
It’s essential to distinguish diamondback water snakes from diamondback rattlesnakes. A diamondback water snake is not poisonous, so it won’t harm you if you startle it severely or corner it. It is advised to avoid approaching any snake in the wild because if you corner it, it will bite you. However, unless threatened, diamondback water snakes are not a menace. These snakes are only a little over two feet long, dark olive or brown, and have a unique black diamond pattern running down their backs. Be cautious because although diamondback water snakes are often found in lakes and ponds, they can occasionally be found in irrigation ditches or livestock ponds.
Queen snake
Queen snakes are semi-aquatic animals that live both on land and in water. Their average size is two feet, and they have grey or brown color with yellow or orange markings on their bodies. Their appearance relates to the garter snake. They prefer to make their nests near water, like ponds, lakes, and rivers. If there is a threat, they mark themselves as safe by hiding in water or rocks.
Cottonmouth snake
In Arkansas, water snakes called cottonmouths are poisonous. Look at a water snake’s mouth immediately if you see one in Arkansas. It is a cottonmouth snake if the area around the mouth has white markings or if the snake has a white spot within its mouth. Be exceedingly cautious if you encounter a cottonmouth snake. People require an emergency room visit for a cottonmouth bite.
FAQs
Are all snakes nonvenomous in Arkansas?
Most of the snakes in Arkansas are nonvenomous, but a few produce poisonous venom that can harm humans.
Is snake killing legal in Arkansas?
Snake killing in Arkansas is illegal. People have no permission to hurt them, whether evil or nonvenomous.
Can snakes climb on trees in Arkansas?
Rattlesnakes in the forests often climb from one tree to another. The rest of the snake species have never been observed engaging in such behavior.
Do snakes hibernate in Arkansas?
Yes, snakes hibernate themselves in cold weather.
Which snakes in Arkansas give birth to live young?
Live birth is the norm for copperheads, and a litter typically contains five to six offspring. One of the most prevalent poisonous snakes in Arkansas is the southern copperhead.
Final thoughts
In Arkansas, snakes are the wildlife species that cause people the most terror. According to psychologists and animal behavior experts, fear of snakes is a learned behavior. According to research, our brains readily accepted this dread because of pre-conditioning. However, statistically speaking, fatalities from poisonous snakebites are uncommon. A healthy ecology in Arkansas depends on snakes. Educating people about snakes might lessen their fear of them while simultaneously educating them on the value of preserving and enhancing snake populations. The next time you’re hiking in Arkansas and come across a snake, remember that most snakes avoid people. Thus, the snake is probably more astonished by your presence.
