In Mississippi these snakes are almost exclusively referred to as “timber rattlers.” To a lesser extent the names “velvet-tailed rattler” and “diamondback” are used for this animal. Rarely, ground-dwelling birds such as quail are taken. Head shape can prove useful in some cases but is never 100 percent reliable in determining venomous vs. nonvenomous. The color is medium brown or tan with dark diamond-shaped markings. If no rattle, think Bullsnake. The best way to recognize venomous snakes is to learn their identifying characteristics, particularly their color patterns. "They are highly adapted for feeding on slugs," Vandeventer said. An encounter with an adult eastern diamondback rattlesnake can be an awesome event. Range and morphology. Always look carefully where you are walking or placing your hands. Nearly all snakebites take place while people are killing the snake or otherwise tormenting, capturing, skinning, or handling them. Pigmy rattlesnakes range over most of Mississippi although records are lacking from the Delta. So, if you see one around your home, Vandeventer said to consider it a good thing. "Everything out there seems to be a copperhead.". Contrary to popular beliefs, the coralsnake does indeed possess venom-conducting fangs. Rare, occasional abnormalities (i.e., albinism, color or pattern aberrancies, etc.) Copperheads go by several other common names in Mississippi including “highland moccasin” and “rattlesnake pilot.” Often greatly feared by residents, copperheads generally tend to freeze in place (hoping to go unnoticed), or flee at the approach of a human. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Copperheads feed on rodents, small birds, lizards, frogs, and insects (especially cicadas). Gopher Snakes or Bullsnakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) are common in Missouri with the exception of the southeast corner of the state. If you encounter one, simply back away from the snake. The diet is quite varied, including fish, frogs, snakes and other reptiles, small birds, and mammals. General coloration fades to a lighter hue toward the tail. Another snake you're likely to see is the black racer, but you won't see it for very long. Rattles on the tail are tiny in size. The illustrations, photographs, and range maps of Mississippi’s six venomous snakes are shown on this poster as an aid to their identification. All of these snakes look … Canebrake rattlesnakes inhabit forest and river bottoms throughout the state, save the immediate Gulf Coast. Brightly banded with red, yellow, and black, the warning colors are side-byside (“red touches yellow, kill a fellow”). Occasional specimens turn up seemingly far from water. ", RELATED NEWS: Snakehead fish found in Mississippi: What you need to know. See which snakes you're likely to find and what they look like. Females select rotten logs or stumps, leaf litter or sawdust piles in which to deposit their eggs. Rat snakes Gary Ruplinger Rat snakes (Bogertophis subocularis) are native to North America, and... Elaphe obsoleta spiloides , Grey Rat snake More images by Curtis Miyasaka Black Racer 0.0.12 Hatchling Grey Rat snakes feeding well on thawed pinkies. Before bringing home a Snake, make sure you have considered the full impact of your decision. They're in the neighborhood protecting children and pets. Unfortunately, they have been exterminated over much of their historic range and their numbers continue to decline at an alarming rate. Of the 55 different kinds of snakes in Mississippi, only six are venomous. This “cotton-white” color contrasts well against the dark snake and draws attention to it, allowing one the opportunity to see the snake and retreat before an actual encounter. Most king snakes readily take frozen thawed rodents, and they come in a huge array of colors. The scales are smooth and shiny and the anal plate is divided. Bites on humans are fairly common in the southern counties. For example, the farther west one goes in th… It has rings red, black, white, black, red, on upper part, and it's bottom half way is gray with the same strips. ", If you find yourself near a copperhead, or any other venomous snake, Vandeventer always gives the same advice: "Take two steps back and walk away.". More importantly, mortality is less than 1% for physician-treated venomous snakebites in the United States. The vast majority are nonvenomous and completely harmless to people. However, baby cottonmouths have a wide dark band on the side of the face while all ages of copperheads display a narrow line. They are also quite large. There may be species more actively looking for mates right now. Native Mississippi nonvenomous snakes have a double row under the tail. Rather, they remain motionless and silent, or opt for a hasty retreat. Snakes do not chase people and they bite only when they are threatened. They inhabit all of the state, even as far south as the barrier islands. Colors and patterns vary between the subspecies, but there are many striking and beautiful patterns to be found among these snakes. Of all bites by venomous snakes, 25-50% do not inject any venom. With that in mind, herpetologist Terry Vandeventer identified five species which are commonly encountered in Mississippi and the first one is probably a species you don't want to see. If you see a snake carefully step away from it. Similar species: The eastern black kingsnake (L. nigra) was recently discovered in our state; in Missouri, it is known only from a few counties along the Mississippi River in southeastern Missouri. Distribution is spotty with the species being most common on the Gulf Coast and again in northeastern Mississippi. They can grow large and bulky. In the similarly colored and totally harmless “false coralsnakes” the red and yellow rings are separated by black (“red touches black, friend of Jack”). 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