Nebraska’s terrain and the climatic condition have become one of the main contributing factors to the diverse fauna and flora that can be found around the state. It is imperative that when you are exploring the different parts of Nebraska then you should beware of the numerous snakes that you will find thriving in the region.
Depending on the region that you are going to visit the snakes that you are going to find in the state will vary from non-venomous and venomous. It is always essential that you dress properly when you are going outdoors to prevent injuries as well as snake bites.
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Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is one of the most common snakes that you are going to find in Nebraska. It is essential to note that this snake is popular in most parts of the state and it is not fixed to one region. They usually grow up to 60 inches in length and their colors usually vary depending on the region.
The most common colors are gray, yellowish-brown to almost black. They have black or dark brown crossbands on their backs. These snakes are heavy-bodied and they usually mimic the characteristics of a rattlesnake. It is essential to note that you will find most of these species in the southeastern part of the state.
They are highly venomous and you must watch out for them because they are likely to bite and cause severe injuries on your body. They mostly like to inhabit areas with coniferous forests, deciduous forests, flood plains, agricultural lands, and around high rivers.
These snakes are usually ambush predators and they will hide and attack unsuspecting prey. They usually have a highly potent venom and you should stay away from this species because they are likely to attack and inject you with the venom.
Western Milk Snake
The western milk snake is a species that calls the state of Nebraska home and it is important to understand that they come in different colors such as black, whitish, and reddish, and has some orange bands that border with black colors.
These snakes at times have white flecking and the underside might have white colors as well. They are found in different parts of the state ranging from open grassland to suburban areas, and even in open sagebrush areas. They usually like to hide under logs, rocks, boards, and even debris.
Graham’s Crayfish Snake
The Graham’s crayfish snake is a popular species across Nebraska and it is known to grow up to 28 inches long. They usually come in different colors such as gray, yellowish brown, and dull brown among others.
They are some of the most reclusive snakes that you are going to find in Nebraska and they are found in different habitats such as roadside ditches, prairies, ponds, streams, and marshes among other places. These snakes are unique because they like areas where there is abundant vegetation, logs, and rocks and this will make a perfect place where they are going to hide.
You will find them basking on the branches around the water bodies. Their primary diet is the crayfish and these snakes usually hunt for these species they can also consume other creatures such as toads, frogs, snakes, and other reptiles around the state.
Prairie Rattlesnake
The prairie rattlesnake is one of the typical snakes that you are going to find in Nebraska. They usually grow up to 5 feet long. These snakes are unique because they come in different coloration. The colors of these species usually range from light brown, olive green, greenish gray, or yellow and they can have dark blotches on the body.
They are characterized by broad triangular heads and elliptical pupils as well as heat-sensing pits on their eyes and nostrils. These snakes are found in a wide array of habitats such as the grasslands, open prairies, semi-desert shrublands, and the forested regions of the state.
They usually hibernate during the winter period and it is essential to note that you will find them under rocks, crevices, and old mammal burrows among other areas. Whenever these creatures are threatened then they are likely to attack and cause severe harm to your body.
The venom produced is hemotoxic and neurotoxic which means that it affects the blood and the central nervous system. When this happens, it is going to cause failure of the vital organs and it will result in death.
Prairie Kingsnake
The state of Nebraska mostly features prairies and this is why the prairie kingsnake has become a common phenomenon in the region. These snakes are known to grow up to 40 inches in length.
They come in different colors ranging from brown, darker gray, and light brown with reddish-brown blotching on their back or down the length of their bodies. Just as the name indicates these snakes can be found in a wide array of areas including farmland, fields, rocky hillsides, open woodlands as well as prairies among others.
They will spend most of their time under logs, rocks, and other places where they can burrow themselves. These snakes usually consume a wide array of creatures such as lizards, mice, insects, birds, toads, frogs, and other species that can be found in this region. they usually constrict their prey.
They have a short yet very strong body and you must be careful when exploring different parts of the state.
Western Massasauga
The western massasauga snake is another popular snake species in Nebraska here they usually grow up to 36 inches long and they come in different colors ranging from light brown to dark brown with blotches on their backs.
They have thick bodies with triangular heads and heat-sensing pits between the nostrils and eyes. These snakes usually rattle whenever they are feeling threatened and they are likely to attack you whenever you encounter their habitat. The western Massasauga snake is some of the smallest venomous snakes that you will find across the state.
They are known to primarily inhabit open grasslands, green hillsides, grassy wetlands, and rocky hillsides across the state. These are some of the most secretive snakes across Nebraska, and that’s why you have to be extra careful. They usually make a distinctive sound before they can attack and you should always beware of the environment that you are exploring because they are likely to attack you and deliver dangerous venom.
The venom from the snake can be fatal because of the concentration and you will feel extreme pain, localized swelling, and necrosis. It is known to cause death at a higher concentration.
Red-sided Garter Snake
The red-sided garter snake is a some of the unique snakes that you are going to find in different parts of the state of Nebraska. During your travel, you are going to find this species moving from one place to another and they usually come in different colors with orange or red bars that run around their sides.
Since these creatures are habitat generalists then it means that you will find them in almost every part of the state from the wetlands, shrublands, forests, and rocky areas in the region. They consume leeches, earthworms, frogs, and toads among others.
Western Ribbon Snake
The western ribbon snake is a unique species that you are going to find in the state of Nebraska. It is imperative that you take your time to explore these areas and watch out for them. They can grow to 50 inches in length and they are usually a slender snake with a long tail.
They come in different colors such as brown, blackish, and olive and they have three light-colored stripes on their bodies. They are usually semiaquatic species which means that you are going to find them in some of these places that are closer to waterbodies such as ponds, lakes, and streams among other places.
They usually have impeccable hunting techniques and they move quickly on the land and it is important that you watch out for them when you are exploring different parts of Nebraska. While they might flee whenever they see humans, you should not corner them because they are likely to attack and deliver venom to your body.
Speckled Kingsnake
The speckled kingsnake is another species that is common in Nebraska and they usually grow up to 48 inches long and come in different colors ranging from yellow to shiny black among others. They usually have white specks and every dorsal body and these speckles usually vary depending on the species and the region that you are going to find these snakes.
The speckled kingsnakes have this unique feature that makes them be referred to as salt and pepper snakes. They are usually nocturnal in nature and you will likely find them out at night or in the evening.
Northern Water Snake
The northern water snake is another species that you are likely to encounter during your trip to the state of Nebraska. It is essential to note that this snake usually grows up to 55 inches long and they come in different colors such as grey, brown, and dark brown with black and reddish-brown bands on their bodies.
The snakes will vary depending on the region, and their colors usually becomes darker as these creatures age. They are the most common water species that you are going to find in the state of Nebraska.
You will find these snakes on vernal pools, lakes, ponds, marshes, streams, and slow-moving water around the state. There is a higher chance you could find them basking on the logs and rocks near the waterbodies. They consume frogs, toads, tadpoles, and other species such as rats among others.
It is better that you avoid these species because they carry a high amount of venom and in some cases will attack without any provocation hence the need to be very careful. They have anticoagulants in their saliva which means that when they bite and you bleed then there will be difficulty for your blood to clot and you will be bleeding for a considerable amount of time.
Plains Garter Snake
The plains garter snake is another unique species that you are going to find in the state of Nebraska. They usually grow up to 36 inches long and they come in different colors. Some of the colors that these snakes usually come with include greenish-yellow and black among other unique colors that vary depending on the region.
They usually have light yellow spots on their heads and this is the most distinctive feature. You will find them in nearly most parts of the states and this ranges from the grasslands to the prairies. They are very good at adapting to different locations around the state.
Learn all about the snakes in the surrounding US states as well:
