What Types of Snakes Live in the North Central Plains?

The North Central Plains, or Midwest, is a region found between The Great Lakes and the Ohio River. It includes Ohio, Indiana, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. Like the rest of the United States, the North Central Plains is home to quite a few varieties of snakes. Snakes generally have a bad reputation in the United States; however, most snakes aren't dangerous to humans. Knowing which snakes are living in the Midwest may help locals and visitors be more at ease around these reptiles.

  1. Great Plains Rat Snake

    • The Great Plains rat snake prefers the grassy plains of the Midwest. It has numerous brown blotchy spots and a spear point on the top of the head. Adult snakes grow up to 4 feet in length and are a heavy-bodied animal. This snake will move around anytime, day or night, depending upon the temperatures. When the temperature gets too hot, it will become nocturnal. The Great Plains rat snake will feed on bats, rodents or other small game.

    Prairie Rattlesnake

    • The prairie rattlesnake will grow up to 4 feet long and can range in color from green-gray to green-brown. This snake is venomous but is not aggressive unless it feels its life is in immediate danger. Interestingly, this snake can regulate the venom it uses. It lives in a wide variety of habitats, including mountains and prairies. The prairie rattlesnake eats prairie dogs and other small rodents, and it may actually take up residence in prairie dog towns for easier access to food.

    Bull Snake

    • This snake is very large and has a yellow back and a cream belly with red-brown or black splotches all over. It inhabits grasslands or farmlands and eats small birds or eggs. It can grow up to 6 feet in length. Bull snakes may look imposing, but they are actually quite useful to keep around a farm. They are no danger to humans and kill and eat rodents quite effectively. They are slow moving but powerful, and they are most active during the evening and night hours.

    Worm Snake

    • Worm snakes are very small, growing to around a foot in length. They look much like earthworms and even burrow into the ground. They stay in forested grounds and frequent rotting logs, loose soil or leaf litter. These snakes most often feed on earthworms, making them easy targets for birds and other snakes. This snake has a very sharp tail but is not dangerous to humans.