Minnesota is rich in fauna and flora and some of the most common species in the state are the snakes. These snakes are found in different parts of the state.
Minnesota is home to people who love the outdoor setting and they are looking to explore the different parts of the state. There are about 17 species of snakes in the state. While most of these snake species are not harmful to humans, it is recommended that you take everything seriously and avoid interfering with their habitat which in turn would cause them to attack you.
There is so much untouched wilderness in the state and this gives you a perfect place where you can explore during your vacation in the region. Whether you are a native of Minnesota or you are visiting, it is important that you watch out for some of these iconic snakes that call the state its home.
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Eastern Yellowbelly Racer Snake
The eastern yellowbelly racer snakes are commonly found in the southeastern part of Minnesota. These snakes are known to change color as they age and they can begin with yellow color as they age you will see them change to tan or cream with brown markings over the body.
Mature eastern yellowbelly racer snakes are usually grey-green in color and even that they are not venomous, they are likely to attack and bite you whenever you interfere with them in their natural habitat. You should always take precautions when you are exploring the natural habitat and avoid provoking them.
Learn more: Dangerous animals in Wisconsin
They are very agile creatures and they move with high speed therefore you can barely touch them. If you keep your distance, they are not going to attack you.
DeKay’s brown snake
DeKay’s brown snake is a common snake that you are going to find in the state of Minnesota. They can grow up to 15 inches long and they have a lifespan of about 7 years.
They are found in urban areas, prairies, savannahs, and forests. While they are nonvenomous snakes, they can transfer harmful bacteria to your body from the things they consume such as snails, slugs, earthworms, lizards, and frogs.
Eastern Fox Snake
The eastern fox snake is another legendary creature that you are going to interact with during your trip to the state of Minnesota. These are more similar to the rat snakes and they have a very wide body and they usually consume larger prey.
While these snakes are nonvenomous it is important to understand that they are very dangerous and have very unique ways of catching their prey. They usually use constriction as a method to kill their prey and they mimic the actions of the venomous snakes.
The eastern fox snake will make its tail vibrate to mimic that of the rattlesnake whenever they feel threatened. There are chances that it will attack you if you corner it or if it feels threatened and you are near its habitat. They can grow up to 5 feet long and they come in grey-yellow colors.
They consume small birds and mostly rodents hence they are important to the ecological regions, especially in farms.
Blue racer snake
The blue racer is one of the unique snakes that you are going to find in the state of Minnesota and they are mostly common in the northern part of the state. They can grow up to 60 inches long and if you are exploring the state then you should watch out for these creatures.
They come in different colors, however, the most common include green, grey, and blue with a yellow mark on the throat. They can be different colors especially when they are young. These snakes are found in different places such as woodland edges, savannas, and prairies. They usually consume lizards, frogs, tadpoles, and toads.
Ringneck Snake
The ringneck snake is a common snake around the state of Minnesota. These snakes are mostly found at the border of Wisconsin and the Canadian border as well. The most places where these snakes have been sighted are in the border states of Iowa and closer to Lake Superior and the state of Wisconsin.
They are very unique snakes and you can identify them because they have three rings around their necks. These rings will vary in color, and mostly they come in yellow, tan, and red colors. The ringneck snakes are very amazing to look at but they are very elusive creatures and there is a high chance that you might not find them unless you are very keen.
They are mostly found in different habitats which include brush piles, wooded, grassy areas, and forests. They are nocturnal creatures therefore they come out at night to hunt for food as well as explore the area. The ringneck snake tends to dig in the area where they are living and they are good at hiding.
While they might not attack you, they can bite whenever they feel threatened.
Massasauga Rattlesnake
The Massasauga rattle snake is one of the legendary snakes that you are going to find across the state of Minnesota and you must watch out for these species. They come in different colors such as brown, grey, tan, and even dark brown.
The rattlesnake is venomous and it is more common in the southeastern part of Minnesota. They are known to breed in large numbers around this area. You should watch out for these snakes especially thriving in the area because they can become very dangerous and attack you at any moment.
Their small size should not lie to you that they are less dangerous. They grow up to 3 feet long and they usually like to inhabit wetlands therefore you will find the near rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshlands.
The massasauga snake usually does not like people, therefore; they will prefer to hide in the grassland and prairies. They tend to flee from people rather than attack. You should keep a safe distance from them because even if they do not like to attack people, they are likely to do so whenever they are feeling threatened.
If you love hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities in Minnesota then you should watch out for the massasauga rattlesnakes.
Plains Garter Snake
Since the state of Minnesota is famous for the plains and prairies as well as unique climatic conditions the plain garter snakes are common in the state. These snakes usually prefer to be very active during the warm period and hibernate during the cold weather.
The plain garter snakes of Minnesota are unique because they are active from March to October. These snakes are mostly found in the grasslands in the western part of Minnesota as well as in the deciduous forests around the middle and southeastern parts of the state.
If you are exploring the state then you should watch out for them because they can become defensive. They grow up to 2 feet long and their bodies are covered in different colors ranging from red, yellow, grey, and green with an orange stripe running down their backs. These snakes have black bars o their body and it is easy to identify them. They like the grassy areas of the state, near lakes and rivers and hence you will find them in large numbers across the state.
Timber Rattlesnake
Timber rattlesnakes are more common in the state of Minnesota and you should ensure that you watch out for them because the state is popular for the forests and the logging of timbers around the region.
The timber rattlesnakes are more common in the southeastern part of the state and they have impeccable vision and they can be intimidating to look at. They have very wide bodies and they come in different colors depending on the setting from black, grey, and yellow among others.
They have distinct cross marking which runs down the length of their bodies and these snakes are known to raise their head whenever they are about to attack.
You will also find them shaking their tails vigorously. It is important to note that the timber rattlesnakes have a high concentration of venom therefore whenever they attack, they are likely to inject you with venomous poison. This will affect the central nervous system and make it difficult for vital organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs to function. In most cases they are not aggressive, however; if you interfere with their habitat then they are likely to attack you at any moment.
Common water snake
This is another legendary snake that you are going to find in the state of Minnesota. They are known to grow up to 42 inches long and you should watch out for them when you are exploring the outdoor locations of the state. They have a lifespan of 9 years therefore they can be in the habitat for quite some time.
They mimic the behavior of the rattlesnake that when they feel that they are being attacked then they will rattle.
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 Minnesota. These snakes have a very light body and colored body pattern that is similar to that of the western diamondback snake.
However, it is important to note that the bull snake is not venomous and you will find them moving from one place to another. The bull-snakes are very long and they grow up to 8 feet long. These are some of the longest snakes that you will find in the state of Minnesota.
It is important to understand that even though the bull-snakes are not venomous they are very reactive and do not like anyone interfering with their habitat. Therefore, they will attack whenever they are feeling threatened. If you see a bull snake it is recommended that you move slowly and deliberately without making sudden movements.
They also constrict, therefore; they can tie themselves around your body and crush your vital organs.
