Different kinds of snakes call home the state of Iowa. The climatic conditions and the amazing geography of the state mean that you are going to find a wide array of snakes in the area.
There are venomous and nonvenomous snakes in the state and you should be careful when you are exploring the outdoor environment here. Here are some of the snakes that you are likely to find during your trip to Iowa.
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Common Garter Snake
The common garter snake is the most common snake that you are going to find in the state of Iowa. These snakes are in large numbers across the state and they are nonvenomous snakes. You will find the snakes roaming from one location to another ranging from grasslands, prairies, woodlands, forested areas, and farmlands.
They usually have a unique way of deterring their predators. They usually release musk and since they are nonvenomous when you encounter them, they are less likely to bite you.
The common garter snakes are known to grow up to 5 feet long and they tend to be docile creatures that you will find in most places around the state. They are active during the day and you will likely see them when you are exploring the different parts of the state. Their diet usually involves smaller creatures such as amphibians, worms, fish, and frogs.
Bull snake
The bull snake, as the name indicates is one of the largest snakes that you are going to find in the state of Iowa. These snakes are known to grow to very huge sizes up to ten feet long. They are large constrictor snakes, therefore you should watch out for them because they can be very dangerous.
Further read: Bull snakes in Colorado
Their mode of defense is by constricting the attacker. When this happens, they break the bones and cause severe internal organ damage. They are nonvenomous snakes, yet they are very dangerous and you should avoid the areas that these snakes inhabit. They like the savannah, open forests, sandy areas, and agricultural fields.
Western Fox Snake
The western fox snake is a popular snake across the state of Iowa. It is named so because of its golden eyes and it has a closer resemblance to a fox.
The snake is a common sight in the state of Iowa and they are endangered in some states. Since they are similar to the venomous copperheads, many people tend to fear them and you will find many people staying far away from these creatures.
The body color of the snake ranges from tan to brown and it will differ from one state to another. The western fox snake can grow up to 5 feet long and they tend to be docile creatures therefore they are not going to attack you unless they are provoked.
In the wild, you will find them in different environments such as wetlands, fields, and gardens. They usually consume frogs, toads, lizards, and other reptiles. You shoul always watch out for these creatures when you are moving around the state.
Smooth Earth snake
The smooth earth snake is another species that you are going to find in the state of Iowa. These snakes are often mistaken for worms, however, they are full-blown snakes and they can grow up to 9 inches long. They come in different colors but most are brown and have a lighter colored belly.
They are nonvenomous snakes and are reclusive in nature. You will find them hiding under logs, rocks, and moist areas. They are often found in debris and other moist areas these snakes are smaller in size therefore they are less likely to attack you and they will instead choose to flee.
Timber Rattlesnake
This is one of the most dangerous snakes that you are going to find in the state of Iowa. It is important that you stay far away from these creatures because they are venomous and very aggressive in nature.
They are a common sight across the United States and they are far more common in the eastern and southern parts of the state of Iowa. The females will tend to stay in the rockier and cooler areas of the state when they are laying eggs.
While these snakes tend to avoid people, they will always stay under rocks, trees, and crevices. You should watch out for them because whenever they feel threatened then they are likely to attack you and they will deliver the venom to your biological system.
Learn more: Dangerous animals in Iowa
Their venom is known to affect the central nervous system and this will cause paralysis and the failure of the heart, lungs, and the liver thereby leading to fatalities. They can be easily identified by their grey or yellow-brown bodies with dark blotches.
Their pupils usually have a slit and they are light-colored rattles with black tails. They can have a colored stripe that is running along their backs. The timer rattlesnake can grow up to 6 feet therefore they are dangerous snakes that you will find the in the region.
Massasauga Rattlesnake
The massasauga rattlesnake is another species that you are going to find thriving in the state of Iowa and they come in two species: the eastern and the western massasauga snakes. The western massasauga snake is known to prefer the rocky areas of southwestern Iowa while the eastern massasauga snake prefers the marshy and wetland areas of the state.
They are very rare in the wild. They come in different colors and you are likely to see them across the state in grey bodies with dark blotches. Their eyes have a slit type and they are known to grow up to 40 inches long.
These snakes usually tend to prefer to consume lizards, mall amphibians, frogs, and similar species in the area. They are shy snakes and when they see you, they are likely to run and hide under the rocks or trees. They usually scare off their aggressors by rattling noise, however, when they are backed into a corner, they are likely to attack you and cause severe damage with their venom.
Copperhead snake
The copperhead snake is another popular snake that you are going to find in the state of Iowa and they are often considered as endangered species in the state of Iowa. These snakes are dangerous because they can cause severe side effects because of the venom that they have.
They are known to bite hundreds of people in the state each year and you should be careful during your exploration period. They are found in different areas of the state from the prairies, and grassland to even the urban areas.
They have a copper tan coloring and they are known to blend into their environment perfectly and they have some dark blotches on their bodies. The head is triangular and they grow up to 3 feet long. They will not attack you unless you have provoked them.
Black Rat Snake
The black rat snake is another species that you are likely to find in the state of Iowa and they are known to grow up to 6 feet long and can live up to 8 years. They are the most popular rat snake in Iowa and because of their hefty size and their preference to consume rats, they have become important in rodent control.
They are black in color and they might have white bands on their scales especially because the underside is white.
Brown Snake
The brown snake is yet another of common snakes that you are going to find in the state of Iowa. They are small snakes and can grow up to 13 inches long and they pose little threat to humans therefore if you do not interfere with their habitat then they are less likely to attack you.
They are a common side in ponds, fields, pools, urban areas, and prairies among other places. These snakes usually come in different colors with the most common being brown, gray, and tan. They also have a row or two of dark spots on their back.
These snakes are bolder than any other snake that you will find in the region therefore they might face you whenever you threaten them. While they are not venomous in nature, they will only attack when they are cornered.
DeKay’s Brown Snake
The DeKay’s brown snake is another species that you are likely to find in the state of Iowa. These snakes are known for their brown color and they can grow up to 13 inches long. They can live up to 7 years long hence they are very unique species.
These snakes are nonvenomous therefore you should not worry about them when you are exploring the different parts of the state. The brown comes in different hues such as grayish-brown tone, yellowish, and even reddish.
They like to stay in areas such as abandoned fields, oak savannas, and prairies.
Prairie Rattlesnake
Since Iowa is popular because of its prairies, you won’t miss the prairie rattlesnakes. It is therefore important that when you are exploring the different parts of the state you watch out for them, especially in western Iowa and the areas along the Missouri River.
These prairie rattlesnakes are very diverse in nature and they tend to consume a wide array of species ranging from rabbits, rats, mice, lizards, and prairie dogs among others. They can grow to 5 feet long and they are dangerous when you corner them because they can suddenly attack you. They come in different colors such as tan, brown, and green. They are the most common venomous snakes that you are going to find in the state of Iowa.
