Illinois is divided into three major geographical regions: the southern, central, and northern regions. The central and southern regions are commonly called the downstate areas because of the elevation levels. Chicago dominates the northern part of Illinois. The central part of the state is mostly covered by prairies, rivers, and overhanging cliffs that define the nature of the state of Illinois. It is important to note that two-thirds of the state is a prairie therefore; you are going to find lots of water snakes and creatures that are well adapted to these kinds of environments.
You should always be careful when traversing different parts of the state to ensure that you are getting the best vibes of the region. The southern third is mostly heavily forested, and there are several prairie plants as well. The northern part is mostly agricultural and you are likely to see some of the most unique species in the region.
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Types of water snakes in Illinois
The climatic condition of Illinois is continental climate and the weather of this region is primarily affected by the cold air from Canada. The state has four distinct seasons. Therefore, during your trip to Illinois, you can find water snakes that are accustomed to these climatic conditions. Here are some of the water snakes that you will find in Illinois:
Plain Garter Snake
The plain garter snake is a far more common species across the state of Illinois, and it is critical that you watch out for this species because they inhabit lots of areas across the state.
These snakes can grow up to 36 inches long and they come in different colors such as gray-green and have a distinctive orange stripe that moves down their back on each side.
The plain garter snakes are found almost everywhere in the state of Illinois. They are the coldest tolerant snakes in the region. You should be careful and avoid areas inhabited by these snakes.
Read more: Dangerous animals in Illinois
Common Water Snake
The common water snake is a water snake that you can find in the state of Illinois. The coloration of these snakes will vary in the region that you visit.
Its most common colors are dark brown, grey, and black, as well as black and reddish-brown bands on their head and the tail. The adult snakes will become darker as they age.
The cross-bands are usually darker near the head. As you move down, dark blotches replace them. These are the most common water snakes that you can find in the state of Illinois. You can find them in areas such as vernal pools, lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving rivers.
When they are disturbed, they usually flee. However, it is important to note that they have an anticoagulant in their saliva, hence, whenever they bite, they will inject this into your system. This saliva will cause failure of the blood to clot, which means that the victim will bleed continuously.
Read more: Dangerous animals in Wisconsin
Plain-bellied Water Snake
The plain-bellied water snake is yet another of the water snakes that live in Illinois. These snakes are very dangerous and you should watch out for them because they can become overly defensive.
They usually grow up to 40 inches in length and they come in a wide array of colors ranging from olive, brown, gray, and black. These snakes have a plain underside with varying colors, such as yellow and red. The most common names that this snake has include the copper belly and redbelly among others.
You can find them in habitats ranging from ponds, lakes, floodplains, and wetlands. They can spend most of their time on land than on the water across the state. The plain-bellied snakes prefer humid and hot weather, therefore you are going to find them in the woodlands which could be far from the water source.
They are known to consume both terrestrial and aquatic prey such as frogs, salamanders, fish, crayfish, and toads. They usually use the sit-and-ambush approach.
Eastern Garter Snake
The eastern garter snake is a unique water snake found in different parts of Illinois. These snakes can grow up to 26 inches long. They come in different colors such as black, brown, and green among others.
Eastern garter snakes also have distinct yellow or white stripes at the center of their backs. In some situations, you are going to find that some of them usually exhibit checkered patterns on their bodies.
This species usually likes to stay near water bodies. However, they tend to prefer grasslands near water bodies. Some of the common places where you can find them include ponds, lakes, marshes, streams, and ditches.
These snakes will protect themselves whenever they feel threatened. They feed primarily on toads, frogs, slugs, salamanders, and fish. They are diurnal and have mild venom that can affect your central nervous system and the overall functioning of your system.
Queen Snake
The queen snake is one of the common water snakes that lives in Illinois. They can grow up to 36 inches in length.
Some of the most common colors these snakes have are olive green, dark brown, and grey. The most common colors are two light stripes that run down their bodies. The underside of this snake will vary depending on the location; however, the most common colors are tan or yellow.
Queen snakes usually prefer slow-moving waters, and they live in different habitats such as rivers, ponds, streams, and other river bottoms. They have exceptionally permeable skin, therefore, they are likely to experience evaporative loss.
They are diurnal species, therefore, you are going to find them very active during the day and night. There is a high chance that you will spot them on the rocks and the edges of the streams basking in the sun.
They are commonly called specialist predators because they consume crayfish alone in the areas. While they rarely bite, their saliva usually has anticoagulating properties. That means they are likely to cause failure of the blood to clot, thereby causing excessive loss of blood.
Further reading: Dangerous animals in Missouri
Diamond-backed Water Snake
The Diamond-backed water snake is the most common species that you will find in Illinois. They usually grow up to 48 inches in length. You should be careful about this species because they can cause very dangerous effects on the body of the organism.
They come in different colors, such as olive-green, yellowish, dark brown, and brown. You can easily recognize them by the chainlike pattern on their back. The diamond-backed water snake prefers slow-moving water around the state. These areas are unique because they have enough vegetation cover for these species to hide. The areas can vary from streams to slow rivers.
The diamond-backed water snakes can be found on the overhanging branches where they are looking for their prey. Whenever they catch them, they will consume them alive. While these snakes are less dangerous to humans because they flee when they see people–you should not be fooled because they can bite whenever they are cornered.
Graham’s Crayfish Snake
The Graham’s crayfish snake is another unique species that you will only find in the state of Illinois. These snakes can grow up to 28 inches in length. They come in a wide array of colors such as yellow, tan, and grey; with a faint stripe down the middle of their bodies.
They are reclusive species, and they are often difficult to find in the state of Illinois. The Graham’s crayfish snakes tend to prefer areas with adequate vegetation, logs, rocks, and debris.
The snakes will often inhabit slow-moving water areas and these include the prairie streams, ponds, and marshes. Just like the other snakes, you are going to find them on the branches and the overhanging leaves on the water.
They mostly feed on crayfish; however, they are not limited to this only because they can be seen in different habitats consuming other species such as frogs, toads, and tadpoles.
Northern Cottonmouth Snake
The northern cottonmouth snake is the most venomous snake that you can find in Illinois. You must watch out for this species because they can grow up to 35 inches long.
They are characterized by their dark grey, black, and broad head and have heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and eyes. Their eyes are elliptical in nature. You can find these snakes in different habitats such as ponds, marshes, swamps, and other slow-moving water bodies in the region such as streams, and rivers.
They are not limited to aquatic habitats. The most common place where you can find these snakes is in southern Illinois. Their common diet is made up of fish, frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders.
Kirtland’s Snake
The Kirtland’s snake is a unique water snake that you can find in the state of Illinois. They can grow up to 18 inches in length. They come in different colors such as dark brown, reddish, greyish brown and they also have alternating dark and round blotches all over their bodies.
The underside of the snake will vary depending on the region. Some will be light cream, others will be dark brown. These snakes are rarely found away from the water bodies because they consume a wide array of creatures there, and they like the area for thermoregulation.
These snakes are reclusive, and they are nocturnal. They feed on slugs, earthworms, leeches, toads, and frogs.
Western Ribbon Snake
The western ribbon snake is a common species that you are going to find in different habitats. These snakes are unique because they can grow up to 50 inches long and they are usually slender with a long tail.
They come in different colors, ranging from olive, brown, and blackish. They have light-colored stripes on their backs. The sides and the top of this snake are dark and their upper lips whitish.
They are semiaquatic species and they usually stay closer to the water sources. You will find them in lakes, ponds, streams, and other water bodies. You may find them on the vegetation, rocks, and other sandy areas basking in the sun.
They have wild venom in their system.
