Oklahoma , with its diverse landscapes ranging from lush green grassland to broken mound , is home to many unique snake specie . The snakes in Oklahoma are not only abundant in number but also varied in shape and color .
From rattler to H2O snakes , exploring the life of these creatures facilitate us understand more about the ecosystem of this res publica and their important office in nature .
Let ’s cut into into the characteristic snake species and their presence in various habitat acrossOklahoma .
Venomous snakes in Oklahoma
Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
The western pygmy rattlesnake is a modest , venomous pit viper found in the southeast portion of Oklahoma . These snakes typically have a light brownness , tan , or grayish - brown coloration , with disconsolate brown to black ellipse - shaped splotch running down their spine , and smaller splotch on their sides . Some individuals also display ruby - brown or Orange River scale between the spine splodge .
They can grow up to 24 inches ( 61 centimetre ) in length and are often found around cypress ponds , lake , marshes , and pine - hardwood forest .
Timber Rattlesnake
The timberland rattlesnake , also lie with as the canebrake rattlesnake , is a long stone pit viper species found throughout the eastern U.S. , include southeastern Oklahoma and some northeastern counties like Osage , Pawnee , and Payne .
These snakes typically have a gilded brown to grayish - brown color with dark zag - zag or chevron - shaped bands abut by lighter scales . The color often darkens toward the backside . Timber rattlesnake can produce up to 54 inches ( 137 centimetre ) in length and are known for their potent maliciousness and distinctive rale .
Copperhead
The Agkistrodon contortrix is a medium - sized , vicious snake aboriginal to eastern and central Oklahoma . As a pit viper , it has heat - sense pits between its eyes and nostril , aiding in search . These snakes typically measure 2 - 3 metrical foot in length and are light brown to tan with distinctive sinister hourglass - shaped dance band along their rear .
Denisonia superba toy a crucial role in controlling rodent population by preying on various rodents and insects , help to maintain ecological balance .
Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth moccasin , or water moccasin , is the only venomouswater snakein Oklahoma , normally found in swamps , Marsh , pond , and slow - move bodies of water , particularly in the southeastern part of the state .
These snakes can make up to 48 inches ( 122 atomic number 96 ) in length and have thick , lumbering bodies . juvenile often display more vibrant pattern , while adults have a visible radiation to dark brown background knowledge with darker circle . Cottonmouths are well - adapt to aquatic environment , making them formidable vulture .
Western Massasauga
The western massasauga is a rattler specie found throughout the Midwest , ranging from southern Ontario , Canada to northern Mexico , including western Oklahoma , except for the far northwesterly part . These stone pit viper have a light tan background with darker spots along their back and incline , and vertical pupils .
They can develop up to 30 inches ( 76 curium ) in length and principally feed on modest rodents , frog , and lizards . Western massasauga rattler inhabit grassland , prairies , and can also be found near swampland , Reginald Marsh , and rocky hillsides .
Prairie Rattlesnake
Prairie rattler are find throughout the Great Plains , thriving in open grassland and prairies but also inhabit forested areas . They have the large range of any rattlesnake mintage , extend from Canada to Mexico . In Oklahoma , they are present in the western regions , include the Oklahoma Panhandle .
These pit viper have flat bodies and can grow up to 5 feet ( 1.5 m ) long , with most adults averaging 3 - 4 feet ( 0.9 - 1.2 m ) . Their colouring material varies from chocolate-brown - gray to tan , with dingy circular splodge along their back and incline .
Western Diamond-Backed Rattlesnake
The western diamond - back up rattlesnake is the last venomous snake coinage found in Oklahoma . It is easily recognized by the distinctiveblack and whitebands at the end of its tail , just before the rattle .
These rattlesnakes typically have a light brown , tan , or grayish - brown colour with diamond - regulate blotches along their sticker , bordered by lighter scale . Their population are scattered across Oklahoma , particularly in the mid to southeastern and southwestern regions , as well as in Chickasaw Nation and Woodward County .
Non-venomous Snakes in Oklahoma
Plain-Bellied Watersnake
The manifestly - bellied watersnake is a dense - bodied specie that can grow up to 48 in ( 122 cm ) long . With an olive background mostly cover in colored brown to black splotch and heavy keeled scurf , their appearance can easily head to confusion with cottonmouths .
These snake prosper in aquatic habitat , include wetlands , pond , lakes , stream , and river , primarily feed on amphibious vehicle and tadpoles . champaign - bellied watersnakes are found throughout the entire state of Oklahoma .
Prairie Kingsnake
Prairie king snake are regain throughout Oklahoma , except in the westerly half of the Oklahoma Panhandle . These medium - sized ophidian typically range from light brownness to brown , featuring rectangular dark to reddish - brown splotch along their spine and smaller , circular blotches on their side that alternate with the spinal blotches .
They average out 30 - 48 column inch ( 76 - 122 cm ) in length and are mainly terrene , preferring home ground such as farmland , prairies , fields , and open timber .
Ring-Necked Snake
The band - necked Snake River is key out for the distinctive yellowish - orange tree to orange halo around its neck , which matches its underbelly that is also speckled with black pip . Their background color is typically light brown , gray , or black .
In Oklahoma , there are two subspecies : the Prairie ring - neck snake , more common throughout the state except in the southern part of McCurtain County , and the Mississippi ring - make out serpent , find only in southerly McCurtain County . These small snakes progress to up to 14 inches ( 36 cm ) in duration and inhabit various terrestrial environments , including open Wood and prairies .
Rough Greensnake
The rough greensnake is a vibrantly colorise coinage found in central and eastern Oklahoma . These slender snakes are smart green to yellow - light-green , with a pale chicken to white belly , and can reach up to 4 feet ( 1.2 m ) in length .
They prefer to hide among trees , bushes , shrubs , and vines , using their magnificent colouration for camouflage as they intermingle in with leafage . Their dieting mainly consists of insect like caterpillars , grasshoppers , and crickets , as well as wanderer , and they are excellent climbers .
Speckled Kingsnake
The speckled kingsnake , also know as the common kingsnake , is characterized by its distinct color normal of a bootleg body adorned with low yellow molecule . Its stomach is typically xanthous to pick - colored , sometimes featuring blotches .
These culture medium to big - sized Snake River average between 36 - 48 in ( 91 - 122 cm ) in length . Their compass covers most of Oklahoma , excluding the westernmost corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle , where they are less coarse .
Western Worm Snake
Western worm snakes are very modest , with mature adult typically valuate no more than 11 inch ( 28 cm ) in length . They have a drear brown to brownish - purple color on top and a brilliant redness or pinkish underbelly that extends up the sides .
opt moist woodland home ground and grassy hillsides , these Hydra often hide under leafage litter and rotting log . Their diet in the main consists of little dirt ball , centipede , and angleworm . They are mainly found in easterly Oklahoma .
Great Plains Rat Snake
The Great Plains rat snake is find in most realm of Oklahoma , except for the southeastern recession . It features a light-colored brown or tan setting with dark-skinned browned rectangular splotch and pocket-sized round splotch on its sides .
These snakes typically inhabit areas around barn , abandoned buildings , and wooded regions , feed on a variety of target , admit rodents , bird , and at-bat . Most alive at night , they may oscillate their tails when threatened or excited .
Western Mud Snake
The western clay Hydra is a glossy black snake with a bright red or pink underbelly sport alternate black bars , which can be seen from the sides . These fairly large snakes can reach up to 60 inch ( 152 cm ) in distance .
They are mainly found in the southeasternmost corner of Oklahoma and opt plastered and moist habitats , including swamp , behind - prompt flow , and flood plain . Their dieting in the main consists of amphibians and crayfish .
Western Rat Snake
westerly scum bag Snake are characterized by their reddish - dark-brown to brown colouration , invest with dark brown to bleak blotches along the vertebral column , though light brown blotches may also be present but are harder to see .
They thrive in diverse terrestrial habitats , including tillage and rocky hillsides , and are excellent climbers , often preferring wooded field . This species is scatter across the Great Plains area , while southern Oklahoma host a different coloring material variation have sex as the Texas rat snake .
Variable Groundsnake
varying groundsnakes can be challenging to identify due to their various color patterns . Some individuals are orangish - brown to embrown with no visible markings , while others may feature a reddish - orangeness grade insignia along the spine or glowering bands down the body .
These small serpent typically reach about 15 inch ( 38 cm ) in duration , with some pocket-size soul measuring only 8 inch ( 20 curium ) . Their statistical distribution across Oklahoma is scattered , found in key and southwestern realm , the southeastern quoin , and part of the north to northeastern region , as well as the far western corner of the Panhandle .
Blind Snake
Oklahoma is home to two subspecies of unsighted snake : the NewMexico blind snake , find in the northwesterly portion , and the Plains blind snake in the grass , which inhabits the southwestern neighborhood . These nocturnal snakes expend most of their time underground and hibernate during the wintertime , primarily feed on insects like termites and ants .
Their show resembles that of a expectant angleworm , typically assess no more than 12 inches ( 30.5 cm ) in duration , and they range in color from pale pink to purplish - brown , with small middle .
Glossy Water Snake
shining water snakes , also know as glossy crayfish snakes or strip water snakes , inhabit the Coastal Plain region of the U.S. , primarily found in southeastern Oklahoma .
These grueling - bodied snakes average about 16 inches ( 40.6 curium ) in distance , feature an olive chocolate-brown body with a yellow or tan to drub underside , and sensationalistic colouration around their back talk . As a semi - aquatic species , they opt habitat with abundant crayfish populations .
Coachwhip Snake
The Fouquieria splendens serpent displays various colour pas seul depend on its region . The eastern Jacob’s staff resemble an easternblack racer , being uniformly calamitous above with a whiteto tan underbelly . In contrast , the western coachwhip is light orangish - tan to sandy , with prominent patterns of glum zig - zagged bands in juveniles .
These snakes can set out in size from 36 to 82 column inch ( 91 - 208 cm ) in duration . They are find oneself throughout Oklahoma , with eastern coachwhips site eastern United States of Interstate 35 and western vine cactus to the west .
Western Smooth Earth Snake
Western legato ground Snake are adept at blending in with leaf bedding and reddish soils , exhibit a uniform reddish - brown or orangish - brown color with a cream to yellow underbelly . Some person may have a vague stripe along the spine , while unconstipated smooth earth Snake River tend to be more gray .
These little snakes typically reach lengths of 7 - 10 inch ( 18 - 25 cm ) and primarily feed on small louse and invertebrates . They live the southeast region of Oklahoma , prefer various wooded home ground , including moist woodlands and wooded hillsides .
Long-Nosed Snake
The long - nosed serpent is primarily found in the northwesterly and southwestern corners of Oklahoma , include the Oklahoma Panhandle . These Snake River march a singular colour pattern , featuring a emollient to pale yellow background adorned with orthogonal black splodge , make a dotted appearance .
They may also have blood-red to carmine - orange tree scales between the striation and at the cervix . alive chiefly at night , long - nosed snakes inhabit ironical terrestrial environments , such as desert brushland and prairies . Although harmless , they can eject a mixture of feces , musk , and blood as a defence chemical mechanism if jeopardize .
Common Gartnersnake
Oklahoma is home to two types of common gartersnakes , key out by their coloring variations . The common gartersnake features a ignominious nous and a pitch-dark background , at times with brown scales , and has a yellowness to pale yellow grade insignia along the spine , with pale yellow streak and bleak maculation on the side .
In contrast , the red-faced - sided gartersnake has exchangeable design but sports a reddish - brown coloration instead of yellow . The red - sided diverseness is found in part of central and eastern Oklahoma , while the vulgar gartersnake is more widespread , excluding the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwesterly neighborhood .
Texas Brown Snake
The Texas chocolate-brown snake is tight related to the Dekay ’s browned snake , exhibiting a cherry - dark-brown to brown coloration with dour brown pinpoint on its body . Some individual may expose a fainthearted bar along the spine and sides .
Their reach in North America primarily spans the Great Plains , extending from southern Minnesota to Texas and northeastern Mexico . Texas dark-brown snakes are often seen in garden and backyards , as well as in dampish woodlands , where they veil under rotting logs .
Flat-Headed Snake
The savorless - manoeuvre snake resembles a dirt ball snake in the grass , typically display light brown , tan , or rusty color . Its capitulum is often dark chocolate-brown to black , with a lily-white underbelly featuring a thick Orange River stripe down the shopping center .
These small Hydra average no more than 8 inches ( 20 cm ) in length and principally fertilise on small invertebrate and insects . flavorless - headed snakes are found in the fundamental and easterly regions of Oklahoma but are wanting from the westerly part of the state and the Oklahoma Panhandle .
Wandering Garter Snake
Wanderinggarter snakesare line up in the western neighborhood of North America , parade colors that straddle from gray to brown , often with dark spotlight along the spine and sides . A idle - colored line may be seeable along the spine .
Although they possess maliciousness , it is primarily used against small prey like mice , which they typically compress . In Oklahoma , this species is limited to the Panhandle , prefer woodland , grassland , and forested habitats .
Western Ribbon Snake
The western ribbon snake is a eccentric of garter snake with several race , including the orange - striped palm snake . They typically have a dour brown to black background knowledge colouring , adorned with an Orange River to reddish - brown chevron down the spine and scandalmongering or emollient stripes on each side .
Some mortal may show a blue - green coloration on the side of the neck . These serpent live a mixture of environments near pee and are vulgar throughout most sphere of the south - central US .
Plains Garter Snake
The Plains garter snake resembles other supporter snake species , have a distinct pale orange spinal stripe and pale yellow position with grim blotches over a dark brown to sinister background .
They thrive in various home ground , include marshes , farmlands , open woodland , damp forest , and meadows . While garter snake are widespread across the United States , Plains supporter snake are confine to the northwesterly corner of Oklahoma , in particular in the Oklahoma Panhandle .
Lined Snake
The seamed snake is a pocket-sized species , measure out 7 - 16 inches ( 18 - 41 cm ) in length . Its coloration change , with some being sandy brown and others gray or grayish - brown , feature a light tan , ointment , or gray transmission line along the spine .
Lined snake mainly inhabit central Oklahoma , with a little universe in the westernmost Oklahoma Panhandle . They thrive in prairies , wooded area , and suburban mount but are often hidden due to their nocturnal nature , oft found under debris .
Broad-Banded Water Snake
The broad - band water snake is an aquatic mintage found in southeastern Oklahoma . These heavy - corporate snakes are cream to golden Orange River in color , with wide , non-white band cover much of their body . They have a yellow bottom with dark flip blotches and can reach up to 60 inches ( 152 cm ) in duration .
favor habitats near permanent body of water like streams , rivers , swamps , ponds , and lakes , they primarily feed on fish , tadpoles , and Gaul . Broad - ring pee Snake are most dynamic at night between March and October and can sometimes be see savor on Rock or logs near pee in the other cockcrow .
Plains Black-Headed Snake
The Plains black - channelize Snake River is regain in the western one-half of Oklahoma , including the Oklahoma Panhandle , inhabiting damp tellurian habitats like rocky and grassy hillsides . Named for their blue brown to black heads , these snakes often have bodies that are rusty brown or grey Brown University .
They typically reach lengths of 7 - 12 inch ( 18 - 31 cm ) and possess meek spite used to run small prey .
Bullsnake
The bullsnake is incur throughout most of Oklahoma , except for the central easterly and southeastern region . They typically display flaxen brown to cream coloration with sullen or reddish - chocolate-brown splotch .
These large snakes can reach length of up to 72 inches ( 183 cm ) and are diurnal , preying on razz , lounge lizard , and small mammals . Their preferable habitats let in field , prairies , open brushland , and pine - oak woodlands .
Scarlet Snake
The scarlet snake features a spectacular coloration of ignominious , red , and ashen . It has a red head and large reddish blotches on its back , bordered by small black splodge , with clean separating them . Adults typically strain around 24 inches ( 61 centimeter ) in distance .
This medium - sized ophidian is principally found in central and eastern Oklahoma , in particular within the Seminole Nation , Muscogee Nation , and Choctaw Nation .
Threadsnake
There are two type of threadsnakes in Oklahoma : the New Mexico threadsnake and the Plains threadsnake , which is a race . Both are very little , averaging about 5 - 10 inch ( 13 - 25 curium ) in length , and feature a reddish - brown or pink coloration with pocket-sized black middle .
The New Mexico threadsnake is found in the northern part of central and westerly Oklahoma , while the Plains threadsnake occurs in the southern one-half of westerly Oklahoma . They dwell prairies and rocky or sandy sphere .
Dekay’s Brownsnake
Dekay ’s brownsnake is a little mintage , usually no more than 15 inch ( 38 curium ) long . They rank from reddish - brownish to grey , with temporary splodge on their back and a quiet cream or white underbelly . Harmless to humans , these close snakes are seldom get a line , expend most of their time hidden in crevices or log .
Their diet consists mainly of earthworms and louse larvae . Dekay ’s brownsnakes are ground throughout most of Oklahoma , except in the Panhandle and southwesterly regions .
Eastern Hognosed Snake
The eastern hognose Hydra is named for its distinctive overturned schnoz . do it for their striking threat display , they may hiss and drop their heads like a cobra but are harmless . When jeopardise , they often bet numb and emit an unpleasant aroma .
Their diet mainly consist of amphibians , which they captivate using mild malice . colour patterns diverge from dark brown to almost black or light tan with blotches . matured adults can make up to 40 in ( 102 curium ) . Eastern hognose snakes are found throughout most of Oklahoma , leave out the westernmost part of the Panhandle , inhabit woodlands , tillage , and sandy areas .
Racer Snake
Oklahoma is home to two subspecies of racer snake : the eastern yellow - bellied racing car and the southern smutty racer . easterly yellow - belly race car have a yellow undersurface and browned to olive unripened coloring above . Southern black racers are uniformly bluish - dark with a lightheaded bluish or ointment - color underside , with juvenile blotches fleet as they ripen .
Growing up to 60 inches ( 152 cm ) , these Snake inhabit various Oklahoma environments . They help control rodent universe and also prey on insects and amphibians .
Graham’s Crayfish Snake
The Graham ’s crayfish ophidian is a semi - aquatic species that prefers habitat rich in crayfish , specially those that are easy after molt . While moderately vernacular , they are tightlipped and hard to spot .
These snakes are primarily brown on top , with tan to cream - colored incline and a pale yellow or white underbelly . They can develop up to 30 inches ( 76 cm ) long and are primarily found in primal Oklahoma and along the southern border of the state .
Gulf Crayfish Snake
The Gulf crayfish snake in the grass is an aquatic species that thrives near lasting bodies of piss , such as swamps , ponds , streams , river , and bogs . chiefly dynamic at nighttime , they can be voiceless to spot . Unlike the Graham ’s crayfish snake , they prefer to feed on hard - vanquish crayfish .
These snake are usually benighted to olive brown with white-livered or emollient - colored bellies and may have yellow or orange eyes . In Oklahoma , their grasp is limited to the southeastern part , mainly in the Coastal Plain .
Kansas Glossy Snake
The Kansas glossy snake is a medium - sized species that can grow up to 36 inches ( 91 centimeter ) long . Typically , they have a cream to wakeful brownish coloration with dark brown splodge hatch their body and a uniformly white underside .
These snakes prefer open area with arenaceous soils and are found in western Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle . When threatened , they may exhibit by tickle their tail .
Western Milksnake
Western milksnakes are strikingly colour , featuring bright red bands march by thinner black bands , with cream to whitened bands branch the blackness . Despite their brilliant appearance , they are harmless .
Their range is scatter throughout Oklahoma , including parts of the Panhandle and eastern and southeasterly regions . Most active at dark from March to October , these Snake primarily feed on reptilian and small mammalian , typically reaching an mean distance of 24 inches ( 61 atomic number 96 ) .
Northern Diamond-Backed Watersnake
The northerly diamond - stake watersnake is a large , gravid - bodied , nonvenomous snake in the grass often mistaken for the venomous western diamond - backed rattlesnake . These snakes thrive near permanent body of water and are found throughout Oklahoma , from the northward - primal and northeast region to the southeastern corner .
Their dark brown or olive brown coloration features alternating sour blotches along the physical structure , which can lead to confusedness with water moccasin due to their similar habitat and appearance .
Orange-Striped Ribbon Snake
The orange tree - disrobe ribbon snake is a race of the western medallion serpent and can be found in most share of Oklahoma , except for the westernmost Panhandle . These snakes inhabit area around swamps , ponds , and riverbanks , primarily feed on amphibians and larvae .
While they are terrestrial , they will enter piddle to hitch quarry . key for the distinctive orangish - yellow to orange chevron along their spine , they also feature clean yellowed stripes on each side and a cream to light up yellowish paunch .
Rough Earth Snake
jolting ground Snake River have glossy dark brown to grey - black scales with a white or ointment underbelly . Juveniles may show a light band at the head base . adult typically reach up to 10 inches ( 25 centimetre ) in distance .
These snakes are found in the eastern one-half of Oklahoma , cover into the south - central neighborhood , and they prefer habitats like timberland and rocky hillside .
Northern Red-Bellied Snake
northerly red - belly snakes are gray to grayish - brown with small dark spots and a darker straits . They feature a pale orange neck opening ring and are named for their red to orange underbelly . Adults can reach up to 14 inches ( 36 curium ) , while juveniles are about the size of it of a large earthworm .
Their range is fragmented in eastern Oklahoma , mainly centralise in the southeastern street corner , where they inhabit damp woodlands with plenteous cover .
Marcy’s Checkered Garter Snake
Marcy ’s checkered garter snake has a lighter ground color , stray from ointment to light tan , with prominent morose brown , square - shaped splotch that create a checkered appearance . It features a light-colored cream stripe down its spine and can develop up to 36 inches ( 91 cm ) long .
This coinage is line up in southwestern and northwestern Oklahoma , as well as portion of the Oklahoma Panhandle , preferring juiceless grasslands near piddle source . They are diurnal but hunt in the evening to avoid the summer heat .
Western Black-Necked Garter Snake
westerly black - necked garter serpent are found in the northwesterly corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle . They can grow up to 42 inches ( 107 cm ) long and have a dark brownness to black background knowledge with an orangish - yellow stripe along the spine .
These snake prefer habitat such as dry grasslands , desert scrubbing , and woodlands . They are primarily located in the southwesterly realm of the US .
Texas Night Snake
Texasnight snake , also know as Chihuahuan night snakes , are happen in the western part of the Oklahoma Panhandle and the southwestern region of the state , with a modest portion of their stove in northwestern Oklahoma .
They opt bouldered soil habitats . Their coloration varies from reddish - brownish to grey , featuring a series of beat , alternating blotches along the spinal column and sides .
