Snakes in Arkansas are a diverse and fascinating group of reptilian , reflecting the United States Department of State ’s wide-ranging habitats and mood . From the timber to the prairies , snakes in Arkansas play crucial role in their ecosystems , managing pest populations and serve as prey for large predatory animal .
This clause will explore 50 common snake coinage find inArkansas , include several venomous one .
Venomous Snakes in Arkansas
Eastern Copperhead
The Eastern Copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix ) is a venomous Snake River find in Arkansas . It has a typical appearance with nicety of brown and non-white dark-brown hourglass - shaped Simon Marks along its consistence . normally found in timber and nearby area , this snake is an ambush predatory animal that remains stationary for long geological period .
While its chomp is seldom disastrous , symptoms include sickness , pain , and possible tissue paper damage . Antivenom can be administered , though sensitized chemical reaction may occur in some individuals .
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus ) is one of the most venomous snakes in Arkansas . know for its aggressive behavior when threatened , it can even predate on jejune Rattlesnakes and Garter Snakes . A bite from this species requires immediate medical attending and antivenin .
Early signs include black , swollen skin at the bite site , with potential lasting damage to the skin ’s grain . The Hydra is often fear for its sinewy spite and defensive nature when roughly handled .
Pygmy Rattlesnake
The Pygmy Rattlesnake ( Sistrurus miliarius ) is a highly venomous species found in forest , dunes , marshes , and near lasting body of water beginning . It is identified by its rale at the tip of its tail end and gray - fateful consistence . Primarily feeding on frog , shuttlecock , and small mammals , this serpent is an lying in wait piranha .
Its vicious bite is extremely painful , require aesculapian care and potentially hospitalization . The cytotoxic venom can induce hemorrhagic chemical reaction , make it one of the most severe snakes in the United States .
Northern Cottonmouth
The Northern Cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus ) , also known as the Water Moccasin , is one of the most venomouswater snakesin the US , including Arkansas . This snake is typically brown , gray , or black and inhabits swamps , pond , and wetlands .
It can also live on teetotal land , but always near water . The Cottonmouth is get it on for its cytotoxic spite , which can ruin tissue , though bites in Arkansas are uncommon . It primarily preys on Pisces , splay its head to swallow fair game more efficiently .
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
The Western Diamond - backed Rattlesnake ( Crotalus atrox ) inhabits the westerly and central regions of Arkansas and is sometimes found in homes . Its population has declined due to human action and fear of this dangerous snake .
However , it is extremely adaptive and can go up to two old age without food for thought . Early signs of a insect bite let in numbness , heftiness weakness , and difficulty breathing , adopt by puking and blurred vision . Its malice can cause overweening bleeding , or hemorrhagia , pee-pee aesculapian attention essential .
Texas Coralsnake
The Texas Coralsnake ( Micrurus tener ) is a slender deadly snake come up in humble numbers in Arkansas . With drab reddened or chocolate-brown coloring , it has neurotoxic venom , and symptoms of its bite , such as concern , ventilation difficulty , and partial paralysis , may be check by several hours . raciness unremarkably occur when the Hydra is surprised or stepped on .
A nocturnal predatory animal , the Texas Coralsnake hide under leaf bedding material and primarily feeds on other Hydra , including juvenile and occasionally its own progeny in acts of cannibalism .
Non-venomous Snakes in Arkansas
North American Racer
The North American Racer ( Coluber constrictor ) is a highly combat-ready snake found in Arkansas . experience for its daylight forage , it may rise to search for bird nests and ball , and it feeds on rodents and modest mammal . Juvenile Racers , which are small and up to 10 inches retentive , primarily devour insect .
Both adults and juvenile are usually seen in open grassland . This coinage is not gentle and apply various defence chemical mechanism , including emitting a disgusting odour and delivering multiple bite when threatened .
Rough Greensnake
The Rough Greensnake ( Opheodrys aestivus ) is one of the pocket-size and most spry snakes in Arkansas , acknowledge for its shiny dark-green dorsal color and yellow or pale underside . This slenderspecies can rise trees , swim , and is often found on dense vegetation , on the ground , or in trees during the day .
It principally feeds on arthropods and journey long distances in hunting of intellectual nourishment . favour slow vegetation for refuge from piranha , the Rough Greensnake lacks significant defense mechanisms and face habitat loss due to industrialisation .
Banded Watersnake
The Banded Watersnake ( Nerodia fasciata ) is a vulgar aquatic specie in Arkansas , found around ponds , lake , streams , and marshes . This non - virulent snake is typically dark gray , brown , or smuggled with counterpoint dark crossbands .
It often gives parturition to clustering of up to 20 juveniles near weewee . ring Watersnakes are frequently hear in vegetated water country and climb up into vegetation to access a variety of target . Frogs are a common nutrient source in their humid habitats .
Western Ribbon Snake
The Western Ribbon Snake ( Thamnophis proximus ) is a little , black snakewith distinctive yellow and ruby stripes , commonly found near water . Though it primarily spend its time on land , it can swim and uses water to run away threat .
This species thrives in humid , vegetate area around piss , where it in the main feed on toad frog , often using mimic strike to sluice them from hiding . Western Ribbon Snakes strain intimate due date before their first year and have a short lifetime , with many living less than 3 yr .
Diamondback Watersnake
Diamondback Watersnakes ( Nerodia rhombifer ) are known for their dark - colored trunk and heavily lurch scale . Often institute near water , they share their habitat with metal money like the Western Ribbon Snake . The color of Diamondback Watersnakes vary by location , with many exhibit dark green bodies and black crossbands , while olive - green morphs are also common .
They have a distinctive scandalmongering ventral coloring . By late summer , female Diamondback Watersnakes give giving birth to live immature , with newborn measuring between 8 and 10 inches .
Western Worm Snake
The Western Worm Snake ( Carphophis vermis ) inhabit northwestern Arkansas , characterized by its black dorsal color and pinkish to crimson ventral color . This small , non - venomous snake spends most of its life enshroud in the ground or under leaf , remaining highly closelipped and mate away from piranha .
Its dieting consists mainly of angleworm . To defend itself , the Western Worm Snake can release a revolting flavour and may use the point of its tail to push aside menace . It rarely bites humans , preferring to take flight and hide in foliage .
Red-bellied Snake
The Red - bellied Snake ( Storeria occipitomaculata ) is a small , secretive mintage typically measure 6 to 8 inches , though it can strain up to 10 in . name for its pictorial scarlet adaxial coloring , this snake has a dark browned or moody gray dorsal colour that lightens to a lustrous brown in juvenile . It also sport a distinctive head coloration .
Although generally tie in with coastal plains , the Red - belly out Snake is plant near bodies of water supply in Arkansas . Its little size of it and problematic nature make it a rarely seen species .
Prairie Kingsnake
Prairie Kingsnakes ( Lampropeltis calligaster ) inhabit open field , prairies , and grasslands , and can also be found around crop fields due to their rodent prey . This closemouthed species , which may also eat on frogs , lizards , and juvenile snakes , is know by its browned body with dark dark-brown blotches , though some individual may appear almost uniform in color .
Prairie Kingsnakes are among the bombastic snakes in Arkansas , with some reaching up to 40 inches in length . Their subtle nature makes them less commonly seen despite their sizing .
Eastern Hognose Snake
Eastern Hognose Snakes ( Heterodon platirhinos ) , also known as the Black Adder , are common throughout the state and come in various colors , including blackened , brown , and dark-green . Despite their justificative behaviour , which involve lift and flattening their heads like a cobra , they are non - virulent .
These snakes act a crucial role as predators of frog and salamanders , producing endocrine to counterbalance their prey ’s toxin . In mid - summer , Eastern Hognose Snake testicle can be discover in secluded vegetation , hatch within two months .
Rough Earthsnake
Rough Earthsnakes ( Haldea striatula ) are fossorial snakes in Arkansas , averaging 6 - 7 inch in length and identifiable by their dark greyish color . Active during the summer , females give birth to live young , typically around five per bedding material .
These ophidian are known for their secretive nature , often veil or escaping when encountered by mankind . They rarely sting and use a foul - smell out musk as a defense mechanism . Occasionally find in garden , Rough Earthsnakes are more often than not docile and can be handled with minimum concern .
Smooth Earthsnake
Smooth Earthsnakes ( Virginia valeriae ) are aboriginal to Arkansas and the Eastern US , characterized by their gloomy gray or brown - gray color with a gloomy oral sex . They produce up to 8.8 inches and have small teeth used for feeding on wanderer , caterpillars , and other insects but do not bite world .
As fossorial snakes , they leave secretive , underground live similar to scratchy Earthsnakes . Juvenile Smooth Earthsnakes are often false for worm due to their small size of just 2 to 3 in at parturition .
Coachwhip
Coachwhip Snake River ( Masticophis scourge ) exhibit a range of colors including green , brownish , and black , often with a darker drumhead . Among the largest snakes in Arkansas , some Coachwhips can turn up to 90 inch . They favour arenaceous terrain , fields , crop , and prairie . While non - venomous , their chomp are extremely painful .
coachwhip expend drumhead movements to tear prey faster . They are typically solitary , except during their mating period from mid - summer to August , when male flick their tongues to asseverate dominance . Juveniles mature rapidly and also live unfrequented lives , with a lifespan of up to 3 eld .
Western Milksnake
Western Milksnakes ( Lampropeltis gentilis ) are vibrant and colourful , with ruby , white , fatal , and brown - red patterns , often feature white or yellow crossbands . Found in subject area , woodlands , and craw , they primarily fertilise on insects and slugs .
Though they lead secretive lives and prefer to fly from humans , Milksnakes are generally gentle when cover and rarely seize with teeth . They may rattle their tails as a admonition before striking . Their small tooth are not harmful to mass . Milksnakes are also featured in local folklore , including myths about them booze Milk River from cows .
Mudsnake
Mudsnakes ( Farancia abacura ) are black snakes with distinctive red adaxial coloring , find out in Arkansas . Though rarely meet , they preponderantly live in aquatic environments such as pond , emerging on dry Din Land chiefly to mate , lay eggs , or overwinter .
Despite their robust body and aquatic habitat , Mudsnakes are non - poisonous . They use the tip of their tail to investigate possible threats and can save a painful sharpness if provoked . Mudsnakes have large upper tooth adapted for feeding on slippy salamander .
Western Ratsnake
The Western Ratsnake ( Pantherophis obsoletus ) is a non - venomous mintage found in Arkansas , primarily ignominious in color and extremely adaptable to various habitats , including oak timberland , bouldery terrains , and dry areas .
Active during the summer , it can often be understand basking in the Sunday , while in winter , it hides in dens , sometimes alongside the deadly Timber Rattlesnake , conduce to confusion about its venomous nature . Agile and skilled at both climb and swim , the Western Ratsnake trust on constriction to hunt a variety of prey .
Ring-necked Snake
The Ring - make out Snake ( Diadophis punctatus ) is one of the little snakes in Arkansas , easily place by its dark hoar body and a typical cream to white ring around its head . This nocturnal metal money is commonly feel in woodlands , hide under farewell or in ground den .
It has an opportunistic dieting , feed in chiefly on salamanders and red worm . Though a constrictor , it also use mildly deadly spit to subdue its prey . Despite its venom , the snake poses no threat to humans and rarely sharpness , even when manage .
Speckled Kingsnake
The Speckled Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis holbrooki ) is a non - venomous snake in Arkansas , recognize by its black - speckled consistence . It flourish in various habitats but is often found near water sources , particularly in swamps . An omnivorous piranha , it fertilize on small mammal , bird , rodents , andlizards .
Though primarily seen around wetland , it also jeopardize onto dry land . The Speckled Kingsnake plays an important role in controlling rodent populations , making it a good species in its ecosystem .
Dekay’s Brownsnake
Dekay ’s Brownsnake ( Storeria dekayi ) is a pocket-size , non - venomous snake in the grass commonly found in Arkansas , recognize for its brown color with light and dingy variations . Often misguided for venomous species , it in the first place feeds on slugs and snail , with occasional frogs and toads in some regions .
Growing up to 15 inch , this snake has a thick , robust soundbox and a swag show . participating in early natural spring after hibernation , Dekay ’s Brownsnakes are normally seen in aquatic habitats , though they accommodate to various surround across the state of matter .
Common Garter Snake
TheCommon Garter Snake(Thamnophis sirtalis ) inhabits grasslands and forests and is often found on roads , where it oft falls victim to dealings . This species plays a vital role in its ecosystem , preying on small mammals while also serving as solid food for larger vulture like raccoons .
Recognizable by its striped organic structure , the Common Garter Snake uses venomous spittle to subdue fair game such as toad and anuran , but this saliva position no risk to humans . These snakes can grow up to 4 groundwork retentive and can even take poisonous newts and toads .
Common Watersnake
The Common Watersnake ( Nerodia sipedon ) is a large , non - deadly snake often found in Arkansas near ponds , stream , river , and marshes . Its dark coloration can look black from above , and its size varies with the water source , with juveniles preferring smaller , predator - gratuitous streams and ponds .
Known for its belligerent nature , the Common Watersnake bite multiple sentence when threatened , making it wise to avoid handling . These snake are frequently seen basking on rocks near water system but are best leave undisturbed due to their defensive demeanor .
Plain-bellied Watersnake
The Plain - belly out Watersnake ( Nerodia erythrogaster ) is a semi - aquatic snake often found alongside Common Watersnakes in Arkansas . Named for its cream or yellow underbelly , this coinage prefer aquatic environments and feeds primarily on langouste and Pisces the Fishes , with frogs being a less preferent target .
It can adapt its dieting to let in dead animals if necessary . champaign - bellied Watersnakes are most active and seeable out of the water during former summer when they mate . Females give birthing to live vernal towards the end of the summer .
Western Ground Snake
Western Ground Snakes ( Sonora semiannulata ) are known for their vibrant orangeness and red-faced colors with distinctive smuggled bands . These supple snake , with their smooth musical scale , thrive in escaped grime , under rocks and logs , and in leaf litter .
Their diet primarily consists of low arthropod , with centipede being a pet quarry . During summertime , Western Ground Snakes are particularly alive as females hunting for suitable nesting web site to lie their nut .
Gray Ratsnake
Gray Ratsnakes ( Pantherophis spiloides ) , often establish in habitats with squealer like crop , farm , barns , and garages , are predominantly black . These magnanimous snakes , measuring between 3 to 6 feet , expend their substantial size of it for squeeze prey .
In the summer , female may be watch over around woodlands as they lie down clutches of at least 5 eggs after matte up . Their adjustment to various environments makes them versatile hunters in their range of mountains .
Pine Snake
Pine Snakes ( Pituophis melanoleucus ) , also known as Bullsnakes , thrive in flatwoods , loose soils , and well - drained soils . They are among the rare large snakes in the state , with some individuals get to up to 90 column inch in length .
Their significant size enable them to feed on animals like foxes . Pine Snakes are typically light hoary with pitch-black blotches , though they can also exhibit a morph with red - brown patterns .
Flat-headed Snake
The Flat - headed Snake ( Tantilla gracilis ) is a rare species in Arkansas , distinguished by its black body with red adaxial coloring and brownish chromaticity in juveniles . Among the smallest Hydra in the province , they typically measure just over 8 inches in distance . Female Flat - channelise Snakes consist a very limited numeral of eggs , ranging from 1 to 4 per mating time of year .
These snakes are often found in gardens , especially around rocks where they savor in the sun for fondness . Their small size and secretive nature make them infrequently meet .
Great Plains Ratsnake
Great Plains Ratsnakes ( Pantherophis emoryi ) , also known as Eastern Spotted Snakes , are recognise by their large brownish blotches . They live temperate to high - altitude and cragged terrains , and have accommodate to desiccate climates . Their diet includes rodents , small birds , and occasionally juvenile serpent of other species .
This magnanimous species can spring up up to 5 feet and lay over 20 eggs at a clock time . Although not aggressive , Great Plains Ratsnakes may prick , typically less painfully than other ophidian , and they often shake their tooshie as a warning before striking .
Graham’s Crayfish Snake
Graham ’s Crayfish Snakes ( Regina grahamii ) are nocturnal and seldom seen by human being . Growing up to 28 inches , they have gray - to - brown coloring and are primarily aquatic , spending most nights hunting for wise rock lobster .
Occasionally , they may consume small fish . Due to their specialized diet , these serpent can not be bred in captivity as they refuse to eat in enfold spaces . When handled , they liberate a foul - smelling musk as a defense mechanism against predators .
Eastern Milksnake
Eastern Milksnakes ( Lampropeltis Triangle ) are popular in immurement due to their various morphs , including green , brown , red , and red - browned . They can grow up to 52 inches and are unremarkably found in craw , fields , woodlands , and suburban domain where rodent are present .
know for their docile nature , bites from Eastern Milksnakes are rare but may occur if the snake is step on or handled or so . They are also phone the Cow Sucker Snake , stemming from a myth about them fuddle Milk River flat from cows .
Mississippi Green Watersnake
Mississippi Green Watersnakes ( Nerodia cyclopion ) are among the rarer snakes in Arkansas , known for their amphibian diet , including fish and polliwog . These aquatic snakes can grow over 40 inch but capture their quarry alive rather than constricting it .
They are generally gentle and prefer to issue a musk - similar odor rather than bite . To avoid encounters , it ’s best to steer clear of swamps and dense flora near ponds and lake . In tardy summer , female give birth to up to 34 alive juveniles .
Scarletsnake
Scarletsnakes ( Cemophora coccinea ) are small to intermediate - sized snakes , grow up to 26 inch . They are easy recognisable by their red bodies deck withblack and whitecrossbands . This teachable species prefers to flee rather than bite , which is rare . Scarletsnakes have a diverse diet , feeding on testis , including those of other snake in the grass species , using their large back teeth .
Unfortunately , their populations are dwindling , partly due to route killings and their appeal in the pet industry . They are typically found in open sandy soils or areas with folio litter , providing quick escape road .
Great Plains Ground Snake
The Great Plains Ground Snake ( Sonora episcopa ) is a closelipped species favoring idle soil . It display a variety of color , including orangish , red , and brown , often with crossbands or uniform patterns , and may have calamitous band .
One of the low snakes in Arkansas , it typically grow up to 19 column inch , though many are around 10 inches . This nocturnal , non - virulent snake give on sonant scorpions , centipede , and various insects . Its penchant for hiding makes it rarely see by humans .
Queensnake
Queensnakes ( Regina septemvittata ) are native to Arkansas and are recognized by their dark olive green dorsal colouration and bright adaxial color with dark stripes . Although the species remain stable across much of its range , it faces declining number in the Northern US due to water defilement .
Growing up to 24 inches , Queensnakes inhabit or are found near fresh , rocky streams and rivers . Their diet primarily dwell of young crayfish , but they also eat fish and frogs . They favour warm water for swim and alimentation .
Glossy Swampsnake
Glossy Swampsnakes ( Liodytes rigida ) are native to Arkansas and other Southeastern US regions . Characterized by their brown or green color with a yellow underbelly featuring morose stripes , these small aquatic ophidian can grow up to 16 inch , with some reaching 31 inch .
Their diet mainly consists of crayfish . Glossy Swampsnakes are non - venomous and can be safely handled , often coil around the animal trainer ’s hands . Despite their pocket-sized sizing , they are an significant part of their aquatic habitat .
Eastern Worm Snake
Eastern Worm Snakes ( Carphophis amoenus ) are elusive and primarily incur in grassland and conterminous woodlands in Arkansas . Known for their fossorial modus vivendi , they have a brown or ignominious body with a crimson ventral coloring .
These are some of the modest ophidian in the body politic , rarely exceeding 10 inches , with only the largest individuals reaching up to 13 inches . Eastern Worm Snakes live in high densities underground and prey opportunistically on poke and microbe they run into in their subterraneous habitat .
Lined Snake
The Lined Snake ( Tropidoclonion lineatum ) is a semi - fossorial species found in Arkansas , spending time both underground and in folio bedding material . bang for its secretive nature , the Lined Snake hide oft . This non - venomous mintage is named for the stripes on its body and primarily run on fishworm .
With a myopic , loggerheaded dead body , it can rise to just over 20 in . Lined Snakes are characterized by their gray , chocolate-brown , or green bodies with typical yellow or blackened stripes .
Gopher Snake
Gopher Snakes ( Pituophis catenifer ) are among the longest - exist Snake in Arkansas , with lifespans of up to 15 years in the savage and even longer in imprisonment . They are characterized by their grey-headed or light brown bodies with dark brown blotches .
Gopher Snakes dwell a variety of environments , including crops , parks , woodland , and garden . They are both diurnal and nocturnal , using their timeserving alimentation habits to hunt for prey . While non - poisonous , Gopher Snakes sizz and flatten their heads when endanger , rather than biting .
