Northwestern watersnake

Prairies are natural communities dominated by perennial grasses and forbs (that is, wildflowers and other broad-leaved, nonwoody plants), with scattered shrubs and very few trees. For an introduction to the prairie natural community in general, visit Grasslands, Prairies, and Savannas in Related Habitats below.
Missouri prairies are called tallgrass prairies because they are dominated by warm-season grass species that range from 2 to more than 6 feet in height.
Missouri lies just east of the Great Plains of North America, one of the world’s greatest grasslands. Being to the east of this vast region, and receiving more moisture and having richer soils than those lands, our native prairies support taller grass species. The historic region where tallgrass prairie occurred stretches from Manitoba southeast to eastern Indiana, southwest to northeastern Oklahoma, and north along the eastern portions of Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. The Great Plains grasslands to our west are classified as mixed-grass and, farther west, shortgrass prairies, as the lands become increasing dry, and allowing only shorter grasses to dominate.
Types of Tallgrass Prairies Twelve types of prairie have been described for Missouri. They are described based on
Soil substrate (loess/glacial till, limestone/dolomite, chert, sandstone, shale, sand) — which reflects the location in Missouri Soil moisture (dry, dry-mesic, mesic, swale, hardpan, wet-mesic, wet) Landscape position (upland, bottomland) Specifically, the twelve types are:
Dry loess/glacial till prairie Dry-mesic loess/glacial till prairie Mesic loess/glacial till prairie Dry limestone/dolomite prairie Dry-mesic limestone/dolomite prairie Dry-mesic chert prairie Dry-mesic sandstone/shale prairie Prairie swale Sand prairie Hardpan prairie Wet-mesic bottomland prairie Wet bottomland prairie. Here, we will focus on five generalized kinds of prairies that are found in Missouri: loess hill prairie, glaciated prairie, unglaciated prairie, sand prairie, and wet prairie.
1. Loess Hill Prairie Missouri’s steep-sloped loess hill prairies occur in the extreme northwestern corner of the state, along the Missouri River floodplain and other streams. Loess (pronounced “luss”) is ancient, fine-grained, windblown soil, and this fertile soil underlies much of northern Missouri. In northwestern Missouri, it forms magnificent hills rising more than 200 feet above the nearby land.
The dry loess hill prairies that endure on the south- and west-facing parts of these hills harbor plants that are common to the nearby Great Plains region but are rare or endangered in Missouri. Some of these include large beardtongue, thimbleweed, downy painted cup, soapweed, scarlet gaura, low milk vetch, rough false foxglove, and skeleton plant. Other wildflowers include silky aster, ground plum, and foxtail dalea. Because of the harsh conditions of the loess hills, most grasses grow only 3 feet tall. Dominant grasses include hairy grama grass, blue grama, and sideoats grama.
Some of the animals specially known from loess hill prairies are the swift tiger beetle, mermiria and Packard’s grasshoppers, and the plains hognose snake.
You can see loess hill prairies at Star School Hill Prairie , Jamerson McCormack , and Brickyard Hill conservation areas.
2. Glaciated Prairie Missouri’s glacial till prairies are primarily found in the Central Dissected Till Plains, or Glaciated Plains region, north of the Missouri River. These rolling prairies typically have deep, well-drained, highly fertile soils formed by loess and other historic glacial deposits. These fertile soils were especially attractive to farmers at the time of European settlement — so most of these prairies were long ago converted into crop fields for agricultural production.
When you visit a glaciated prairie, notice how upland, drier sites have different plant communities than lower, wetter, mesic, or bottomland sites, which typically have taller, lusher vegetation.
Plant communities of glacial till prairies are dominated by tallgrass species such as Indian grass and big bluestem, which grow from 4 to 6 feet tall, as well as forbs like compass plant and pale purple coneflower.
Animal communities in glacial till prairies are diverse, including generalists of grassy places (such as American badger and various gartersnakes) as well as habitat specialists (such as dickcissel, bobolink, northern harrier, regal fritillary butterfly, and Topeka shiner). Four animal species of greatest conservation need are found mainly in this prairie type: bobolink, Henslow’s sparrow, northern prairie skink, and Franklin’s ground squirrel.
Places to see glacial till prairies include Grand River Grasslands, Helton Prairie, Mystic Plains, Pony Express, Prairie Forks, and Tarkio Prairie conservation areas.
3. Unglaciated Prairie Unlike the glacial till and loess hill prairies, unglaciated prairies, found south of the Missouri River, were not formed by glacial soil deposition. Thus soils are generally shallower than those on northern prairies, often exhibiting exposed bedrock. This is the most common remaining prairie type because its rocky and relatively infertile soils have protected it from conversion to agriculture. Prairies to the north, on deeper, richer, glaciated soils, were nearly all changed into cropland.
Historically in this part of Missouri, prairie dominated the highest, flattest areas and graded into post oak barrens and savanna on sideslopes and into draws. The Osage Plains ecoregion, which supports the vast majority of Missouri’s unglaciated prairies, stretches from Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas into the southern and western portions of Missouri. This region is characterized by a flat to gently rolling landscape underlain mainly by Pennsylvanian-age shale, sandstone, and limestone. Grasslands in the southern portion of Missouri are generally found in this Osage Plains region or near the Osage Plains border in the western Ozarks, an area called the Springfield Plateau.
As with glaciated prairie, plant communities within a tract differ based on landscape position: upland, drier areas with shorter grasses and other plants, and lower, moister slopes, draws, and bottomlands with taller, lusher plants.
Overall, prairie plant communities in the Osage Plains and Western Ozarks are dominated by tallgrass species, but shorter grasses such as little bluestem, prairie dropseed, and sideoats grama may be more prevalent in some areas. Forb species include blue false indigo, hoary puccoon, ashy sunflower, sky blue aster, Maximilian sunflowers, compass plant, lead plant, blazing star, purple prairie clover, flowering spurge, and coneflowers. Plant species of greatest conservation need include Barbara’s buttons and Mead’s milkweed.
Animal species of greatest conservation need that can be found in these prairies or associated prairie streams include the northern crawfish frog, Great Plains skink, southern prairie skink, blacknose shiner, Topeka shiner, greater prairie-chicken, Henslow’s sparrow, regal fritillary, and prairie mole cricket.
Several unglaciated prairies are on public lands. Most are quite small. For a first visit, try Prairie State Park, Taberville and Wah’Kon-Tah Prairies, or Paintbrush Prairie.
4. Sand Prairie Sand prairies exist on natural levees and terraces with very little sloping on all aspects. Soils tend to be well-drained, very deep, and low in nutrients and organic matter. Additionally, sand prairies have highly erodible, often arid soils.
In Missouri, sand prairie habitat is restricted to areas bordering the Mississippi River in only the southeastern and northeastern regions of Missouri. Even in these areas, high-quality sand prairies are rare. Less than 2,000 acres remain in southeast Missouri, for example, and all have been altered for agricultural purposes. Therefore, in Missouri, sand prairies are listed as a critically endangered habitat and are among the rarest natural communities in the state.
The plants and animals that live in sand prairies are adapted to harsh conditions. Examples of plants that flourish in this habitat are little bluestem, jointweed, sand hickory, and Hall’s bulrush, as well as various fungi, lichens, and mosses. Additionally, several Missouri animal species of conservation concern occupy these communities, such as the American badger, dusty hog-nosed snake, eastern spadefoot, barn owl, and northern harrier. Many insects occur in Missouri’s sand prairies, including native bees and sand cicadas.
Currently, MDC and several other conservation partners are taking action to protect and enhance the few remaining remnants of sand prairies. Conservation opportunities identified in the state include the Frost Island Sand Prairies in the northeastern Missouri, and the Southeast Sand Ridge Grasslands in the southeast.
5. Wet Prairie Wet prairies often border marshes or are associated with floodplains, lower slopes of prairies, or areas with groundwater seepage. They have saturated soils through much of the growing season due to high clay content, and they have seasonally high water tables and standing water present during the spring and winter or after heavy rains. They occur in the Glaciated Plains and Osage Plains.
About 99.6 percent of wet prairies have been destroyed, making them a critically imperiled community type. Pollution, siltation, and changes in the area’s hydrology, such as channelizing or impounding streams and alterations to increase soil drainage, and lack of proper use of prescribed fire, endanger wet prairies, causing woody plants like buttonbush, willows, silver maple, green ash, and cottonwood to encroach on the prairie tracts.
Wet prairies have a dense cover of perennial grasses mixed with forbs and sedges. Typical plants are prairie cordgrass (also called ripgut or slough grass), blue flag, swamp milkweed, and many types of sedges and rushes. Animals include American bittern, yellow rail, sedge wren, meadow vole, meadow jumping mouse, and plains leopard frogs. Several snakes include foxsnakes, ribbonsnake and other gartersnakes, watersnakes, and the state-endangered prairie massasauga (a type of rattlesnake).
You can see wet prairie at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, Douglas Branch, Four Rivers, and Flight Lake conservation areas, and at Ripgut Prairie Natural Area.

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Timber rattlesnake on a gravel road
Hello fellow Minnesotans,
You may remember me from my post last year about timber rattlesnakes. I am back to (hopefully) educate you all about some of the more maligned members of our ecosystem. While last year's post focussed specifically on rattlesnakes, I thought it would be a good idea to give you lot a rundown on the other snake species you may find on your travels, or even in your backyards!
The goal here is to help you identify the snake you are looking at, and to increase the chances that it survives the encounter. There is no such thing as a bad snake, the only exception to that would be an invasive one. We have no invasive snakes in Minnesota, and even if some of you will never like our natives, I really hope I can sway you to coexist with them.
All of the pictures are mine, of snakes I have found. If it's a species I haven't personally documented, a link will be provided to the MNDNR page. I do not endorse the handling of snakes found in their natural habitat unless you have experience. However, if nonvenomous species are found in places they shouldn't be, scooping them up and moving them is the right course of action. For venomous species, there is a resource for removal at the timber rattlesnake section of the post.
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HARMLESS SPECIES
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Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis)
Starting us out, we have the common garter snake. Aptly named, this is the snake you are most likely to see going about your day to day life. Common garters are habitat generalists; they are able to adapt and occupy almost any setting, be it urban or rural, prairie or forest.
They are found all throughout Minnesota, and have been recorded in almost every county. They are diurnal snakes, and actively forage. This means that they are constantly on the move, looking for prey. They eat a wide variety of things, from small rodents to insects, with a preference for anything that fits in their mouths. It is no wonder that they are the predominant species in the vast majority of their Minnesota range, able to thrive in all settings.
They grow up to 2 1/2 feet.
If happened upon, they will do one of two things. Either they will freeze and attempt to blend in, or they will make a mad dash to the nearest cover. If you pick them up, it is likely you will be musked (they release a foul-smelling substance from their cloacas) and nibbled on. They are harmless, and bites should be treated with soap and water.
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Plains Gartersnake (Thamnophis radix)
Closely related to common garters, plains garters are pretty much indistinguishable to those not well-versed in snake identification. The stripes along their length differ from common garters in the fact that they will start either on the third or fourth scale row, not the first or second, and they usually have a series of black bars along their lips. They reach a similar size as common garters.
Compared with their close relatives, plains garter snakes prefer drier, more open habitats. They are absent from the coniferous forest biome. In some areas of Minnesota, they are even easier to find than common garters. They can be slightly more personable than common garters as well, though they still can be nippy and musk. Bites should be treated with soap and water.
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Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon)
No snake likes to be picked up, but northern water snakes will go above and beyond to defend themselves. In the picture you can see a couple spots of blood from where this little dude let me know he didn't like me.
Northern water snakes are found along the banks of the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Minnesota rivers, along with their associated tributaries. They haven't been documented further north than Pine county. Not fully aquatic, they are often spotted basking on logs or rocks along the water's edge, and if approached will dart into the water. Females grow larger than males, and can get up to 3 1/2 feet.
They eat fish, amphibians, turtles, and assorted small animals found in their shallow hunting grounds. This diet makes their musk particularly pungent, and they show no hesitation to release it when handled. If you pick one up, expect to be bitten, and large ones can give a painful bite. But, they are harmless, and bites should be treated with soap and water.
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Redbelly Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
A very common species, you still might not even know they're there. Redbelly snakes full-grown are less than a foot long. They are a fossorial species, meaning that most of their time is spent under rocks, logs, and leaf-litter.
Redbelly snakes can look very similar to other fossorial species found in the state, but are distinguishable by their bright red to salmon underbellies. Their top can range from a drab brown, to a striking slate-gray.
Their prey includes insects, worms, and slugs. Being so small, redbelly snakes themselves are commonly eaten by everything. They don't really have any way to defend themselves from larger creatures, but will exhibit a lip-curling behavior in a cute attempt to intimidate. It's still good practice to wash your hands after any handling.
DeKay's Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi)
Closely related to redbelly snakes, large adults will be just over a foot long. Distinguishable by their pale bellies.
DeKay's brown snakes are found mostly in the deciduous forest biome in Minnesota, and are most common in the metro area. Also fossorial, this snake spends most of its time hiding underneath leaf-litter, and it has much the same diet as redbelly snakes. However, large ones can graduate to tadpoles and small frogs. DeKay's brown snakes adapt well to urban areas, and can often be found in abandoned lots under trash. My excuse for not finding one yet is that digging up leaf-litter in dense forests is arduous, and I don't like touching trash.
As with redbelly snakes, bites are less than harmless. Soap and water.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/brownsnake.html
Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum) *SC
The first state-listed species we will delve into, lined snakes have one known population in Minnesota. Due to their rarity, they are listed as Special Concern in Minnesota. This means that they do not meet the criteria to be listed as Threatened or Endangered, but they are extremely uncommon in Minnesota.
The one known population occurs in Blue Mounds State Park, where they exist amongst rock outcroppings in the prairie. This is another fossorial species, hard to find and document due to their secretive nature. They resemble garter snakes, but can be distinguished by the double row of black half-moons on the underside of their bellies, as well as their markedly smaller size. They reach a maximum of 15 inches.
They mostly eat worms, but will take slugs and insects.
Survey efforts in other suitable habitat have failed to yield any more records, and even within the protected lands of the state park, road mortality is a concern. Sightings should be reported to the DNR.
They are harmless, bites should be treated with soap and water.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=ARADB38010
Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
The last small fossorial species to go over, ringneck snakes are found along the eastern edge of the state, with a gap in the central portion. In the northeast, they are found under rocks and logs, and in the southeast prefer bluffs with rock outcroppings.
They are visually striking, with an orange ring around their neck along with an orange to orange-red underbelly. They grow to a maximum of 15 inches. Even compared to the other fossorials ringneck snakes are shy, usually not even basking on the surface. They get all the warmth they need from heat diffusion through rocks in the sun, but can be found on the surface in the rain.
Diet mainly consists of slugs, salamanders, and small lizards.
If handled or approached, ringneck snakes will corkscrew their tails to expose the bright underbelly. They are harmless, bites should be treated with soap and water.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/ringnecksnake.html
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Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
Smooth Green Snakes are exceedingly hard to find. They occupy grasslands, and rely on their cryptic coloration to avoid predators. Adults are a bright green or rarely a tan brown. They range similarly with the plains garter snake, occurring throughout the state with the exception of the coniferous forest biome.
Adults can get up to 2 feet, and are exceptionally slender. While they prefer open areas, they can be found under rocks and logs in suitable habitat. Smooth green snakes will imitate the swaying of grass in the wind, and even in the open are nigh on undetectable.
Diet consists of insects and spiders.
If handled they will strike repeatedly and thrash in hand. Bites leave little more than a scratch and are harmless. Treat with soap and water.
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Racer (Coluber constrictor) *SC
State-listed as Special Concern.
Racers are found in 10 southern counties within the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Minnesota river valleys. Preferred habitat includes woodlands, grasslands, upland prairies. Racers have a large home range of up to 26 acres, meaning that road mortality is a concern in bisected habitat. This, combined with limited distribution and overall habitat degradation was their basis for listing. Juveniles are patterned with splotches, and as they age they shift to a solid gray-blue color in Minnesota.
They can get up to 5 feet long, but are slender and lithe. As the name implies, this species is quick, and hunting behavior is active foraging. I have personally experienced their agility, the photo taken of one that escaped me up a tree. They chase prey down, and contrary to their latin name do not constrict, preferring to subdue prey with brute force. They are very tolerant to heat, and are active diurnally even as temperatures soar in July and August.
They will eat just about anything they can fit into their mouths.
This is one of my favorite species in Minnesota, they are noticeably more aware and cognizant than other snakes. They will bite when handled, but are harmless. Treat with soap and water.
Report any sightings to the DNR.
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Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)
Milksnakes range along the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Minnesota rivers. They are usually found near woodland, and are primarily nocturnal. During the daylight hours they like to hide under rocks and other cover objects, with road cuts and rock quarries being reliable for sightings. They can also be seen near farm buildings, drawn to the scent of rodents. Unfortunately this can lead to them being killed when discovered by humans.
Juveniles in Minnesota will usually have bright red splotches, which gradually fade to a rusty brown color. Base shade is usually gray, and the splotches will always have a black outline. They can reach 3 feet, and use their size to constrict prey.
They aren't picky eaters; rodents, birds, eggs, and even other snakes make up their diet.
They can be nippy when handled, but are harmless. Soap and water.
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Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti)
Western foxsnakes are distributed in the southern half of Minnesota, with exceptions in some of the counties without major watersheds. They usually center themselves around water; river bottoms and associated upland habitat, even prairies if water is close enough. While they can climb very adeptly, most of their time is spent on the ground, where they shelter under logs and boards.
One of the larger species found in Minnesota, Western foxsnakes can grow to around 4 1/2 feet. They are heavier-bodied than racers, but can be confused with bullsnakes. They are adorned with a blotchy pattern, on a base color of yellowish brown. The head will usually be bronze.
As with most of the other species, they will take a wide variety of prey. They usually feed on rodents and birds, even consuming bird eggs.
The western foxsnake's defensive display can be alarming to those unfamiliar with it. When happened upon and in fear for its life, a western foxsnake will rapidly vibrate its tail and strike repeatedly. The vibration is enough to shake leaf litter, and the resulting noise can cause them to be mistaken for rattlesnakes.
They get big enough for their bites to hurt, but are harmless. Treat bites with soap and water.
Western Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus) *THR
State-listed as Threatened, meaning the species' survival in Minnesota is at risk, and that a variety of factors are imperiling their survival. It is illegal to interact with threatened species in Minnesota beyond taking a picture.
This is potentially the rarest snake in Minnesota.
Western ratsnakes have been documented in Minnesota in only a few localities, and have less than 5 known den sites. They have only been confirmed in Houston and Winona counties. Their habitat consists of forested bluffs, with associated forested valleys. Rock outcroppings are essential habitat components, needed for overwintering.
The longest snake in Minnesota, adults can grow up to 6 feet, with exceptional specimens pushing 7. Their coloration is largely black, but they will usually have a discernible blotchy pattern as well. They will also have a white chin.
Western ratsnakes are largely arboreal, basking in the tops of trees. Dead and hollow trees are important for their summer habitat; it's where they seek shelter from the heat. They eat rodents, birds, eggs, and occasionally amphibians and lizards.
Their defensive display will also include the tail vibration, and they will bite. Bites will hurt, but they don't pose any real risk. Treat with soap and water.
As a state-listed species, and in particular a species in great danger, it is essential that any sightings are reported to the DNR.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=ARADB13030
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Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer) *SC
State-listed as Special Concern. They are more widespread than the other state-listed species, and the primary reason for listing is habitat degradation and destruction.
Bullsnakes are entirely majestic creatures. They occupy prairies, preferring sandy, well-drained soil. Bluff prairies in the driftless area provide this, as well as grassland around the metro area and the Anoka sand plain. They have also been documented in a few southwestern counties, as well as one northwestern.
Adults can get to 6 feet, and they are heavy-bodied. The pattern will be checkered on the sides, with dark spots going down the back. Base colouration is tan to yellow. The patterning on the head, combined with the pointed nose, gives this snake a grumpy look.
The vast majority of their diet is small mammals.
Defensive display will include tail vibration and bluff strikes. I haven't known this species to be quick to bite, but a bite from an adult would hurt. However, they are harmless, and bites should be treated with soap and water.
State-listed species, report sightings to the DNR.
Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)
Eastern hognose snakes are found in the central to eastern counties of Minnesota, avoiding the west and the northeast. They prefer floodplain forests, open forest, and edge habitats. They can occasionally be seen in grassland. They are semi-fossorial and can be found under cover.
Medium-sized but heavy-bodied, they top out at 3 feet. They do get girthy. They have a highly variable pattern; from solid olive, all the way to blotchy red and orange. Another characteristic is their upturned snout. They can be hard to distinguish from their close relative, the plains hognose snake. Eastern hognoses will have a less dramatic upturn in their snout, as well as the underside of an eastern hognose's tail will be a lighter color than the rest of the body (the tail is from the cloacal vent down).
However, they are much more dramatic in their defensive behavior than pretty much any other Minnesota species (the possible exception being the iconic rattle on timber rattlesnakes). When discovered, they will flatten their neck like a cobra and unleash a series of bluff strikes. If this doesn't scare off the enemy, they will play dead. Though plains hognose snakes will also play dead, eastern hognose snakes will sell it. They will writhe on the ground, flipping over, rubbing musk, faeces, and even blood all over themselves. If put right side up, they will flip over again. They will even stick their tongues out and open their mouths, doing their utmost to convince you of their demise.
This is all a bluff, and when they feel less threatened they will return to normal behavior.
Both hognose species are technically venomous, but their venom is mild, and they are rear-fanged. This means that to inject any meaningful amount of venom, they would have to bite and chew. Such bites are comparable to a bee sting, and will result in localized swelling and discoloration.
The reason they have these fangs is to dine on their preferred prey animals; toads. When toads swell up with air, eastern hognose snakes will quite literally pop them with their fangs, and the venom helps subdue the animal. The upturn in their snout also helps them burrow in loose soil for hiding toads.
Bites are mostly harmless, but should be monitored for allergic reaction or abnormal swelling. The only risk is to people allergic to the venom, which is exceedingly rare, and there are no documented deaths associated with eastern hognose snakes.
As such, they are classified as a harmless species.
Treatment in all but a fraction of cases should consist of soap and water.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/reptiles_amphibians/easternhognosesnake.html
Plains Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicornis) *SC
State-listed as a Special Concern species.
Plains hognose snakes are habitat specialists, only inhabiting dry prairie and oak savanna with loose, well-drained soil. Populations are disjointed, with hotspots in the Anoka sand plain, Minnesota river prairie, and Red river prairie. There is a disjunct population in Wabasha county.
Semi-fossorial, plains hognose snakes spend the majority of their time basking near the entrances of burrows, usually utilizing pocket gopher mounds. It was once thought they spent most of the day underground, emerging only at dawn and dusk. Further studies conducted by the MNDNR revealed they usually remain aboveground, but conceal themselves in vegetation.
They are medium-sized and heavy-bodied, but usually smaller than eastern hognoses, reaching a max of 2 feet. Their pattern is blotchy, on a base of tan. They have heavily upturned snouts, which they use for digging in their preferred sandy soil.
Like their relatives, they are mildly venomous, and rely heavily on toads. However, they do consume other small animals as well.
Defensive behavior is similar to eastern hognose snakes, but they do not feign death as rigorously.
Bites are mostly harmless, but should be monitored for allergic reaction or abnormal swelling. The only risk is to people allergic to the venom, which is exceedingly rare, and there are no documented deaths associated with plains hognose snakes.
As such, they are classified as a harmless species.
Treatment in all but a fraction of cases should consist of soap and water.
State-listed species, sightings should be reported to the DNR.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=ARADB17010
DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS SPECIES
Now we move into the two rattlesnake species we have. As a precursor, just because these species can be potentially dangerous, does not mean that they do not serve a very important role in our environment. Furthermore, if treated with caution and respect, it is very easy to coexist with rattlesnakes.
Neither of these snakes are out to get you, and neither of them will seek out any situations where they are even near you. Their only goal is to be left alone to live out their lives.
There was a state bounty on rattlesnakes until 1989, which decimated populations. Between 1935 to 1963, 60,179 rattlesnakes were turned in for bounty in Houston county. In 1987, less than 200 were turned in.
Both species are state-listed listed, one as threatened and the other as endangered. This means it is illegal to harass, harm, or interact with either of these species. Violating this could come with a misdemeanor and a hefty fine.
Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) *END
State-listed as Endangered, meaning that populations are in dire straits, and at risk of extirpation from the state. The eastern massasauga is also federally-listed as Threatened.
At this time, there is no evidence to suggest there are any eastern massasaugas in Minnesota. There is only one record from the 1930s, taken in Wabasha county. Even this record is subject to debate, as it is possible that the snake was collected from Wisconsin, and turned in for bounty in Minnesota.
Repeated surveys have turned up no sightings, not even a shed skin or broken-off rattle. I have spoken with one of the field herpetologists at the DNR, and he told me that he categorically believes that they will never be seen here.
There are established populations on the other side of the Mississippi, even some in view from Minnesota. The DNR has investigated the possibility of individuals rafting over from Wisconsin, but even this would be an extremely remote scenario, and the chance of any setting up a breeding population is essentially zero.
The search will continue.
Eastern massasaugas are sometimes called swamp rattlers, and the colloquial name is fitting. This is a snake that inhabits wetlands, found in river bottoms. In the heat of summer, males and non-gravid (not pregnant) females move to upland fields and meadows. Good habitat is found in southeastern Minnesota, Wabasha, Winona, and Houston counties.
The massasauga is a Sistrurus species, meaning it isn't in the exact same family as most rattlesnakes. Sistrurus species are smaller, and their head has nine large scale plates, compared to the smaller but more numerous scales on Crotalus species. It reaches a maximum of 2 1/2 feet, and is colored a dark grey with brown blotches on its body.
Rodents are the main food source, though juveniles mostly eat amphibians.
Massasaugas are extremely shy, and their first approach to conflict is to hide. If found out, they will rattle and attempt to scare the threat off. If further harassed, they will bite.
A bite from a massasauga is a medical emergency. Haul ass to the nearest hospital. While even without treatment the survival rate is high, medical attention is necessary to both ensure survival and decrease the chance of lasting negative impact from a bite.
If bitten, go to the fucking hospital.
This species isn't even really suspected of being here, if you see it you better take a picture and send it to the DNR. It's one way to get 15 seconds of fame.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=ARADE03010
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Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) *THR
State-listed as a Threatened species.
My favorite snake species in the world, this section will get lengthy. I will also be purposefully vague to protect this species from harm.
Timber rattlesnakes are functionally the only venomous snake found in Minnesota. They are isolated to the southeast portion of the state, only occurring in the driftless area. In Goodhue, Olmsted, and Wabasha counties they are exceedingly rare, with only a few den sites known. In Winona, Fillmore, and Houston counties, there are more established populations.
Historically, timber rattlesnakes were commonly found as far north as Washington county, but habitat destruction and human persecution have taken their toll on this poor snake.
Upland prairies with rock outcroppings are essential habitat for timber rattlesnakes. They use the rocks for overwintering, as well as shelter from the heat.
Timber rattlesnakes are large, heavy-bodied snakes. In Minnesota, most adults are between 31 and 48 inches. The largest ever recorded was 53 inches, caught in Houston County.
They have broad, club-shaped heads and narrow necks. Their cheeks obviously protrude where the venom glands are located. In Minnesota, their base color can be yellow, tan, brown, rust, or very rarely gray. This base color is marked by chevrons starting as blotches on the neck, gradually forming into bands farther down the body, leading to a completely black tail. Most snakes have a single row of light-colored scales bordering these chevrons. A long rust-colored dorsal stripe may or may not be present. The rattle is large and tan. It has strongly keeled scales, giving it a rough appearance. Labial pits and elliptical pupils distinguish this snake from nonvenomous species.
Timber Rattlesnakes live between twenty to thirty years, but reports from established researchers have put certain snakes between the forty to fifty year range.
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Snake spotted during spring emergence
In the spring, snakes emerge from the den, and as the weather shifts into summer, the males and non-gravid females disperse into the lowland forest. Gravid females stay on the prairie, needing the heat to help with their pregnancies.
This innate behavior almost got them exterminated from the state.
Timber rattlesnakes have long reproductive cycles, and take a long time to mature to reproductive age. A breeding female may only have 2-3 litters over the course of her life. Combine this with a low survival rate in young snakes, and you have populations dominated by older snakes, with little turnover.
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Baby timber rattlesnake
The gravid females staying in the more open habitat made them easy pickings for rattlesnake bounty hunters, thus preventing the births of new snakes. Taking a single gravid female from a healthy timber rattlesnake population can have detrimental effects. Taking as many as possible from struggling ones? It's a wonder we have any left here today.
Babies are born in late August through September, and mothers provide some postnatal care. Both mothers and babies use the remainder of the active season to find food, and ingress for all timber rattlesnakes occurs in the beginning of October.
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Gravid female headed to shelter
Timber rattlesnakes eat a variety of different wildlife. Small to medium-sized rodents are the preferred prey item. Mice, rats, voles, small rabbits, and even squirrels are habitually eaten. However, any warm-blooded mammal or bird small enough to be swallowed will be taken. When mammals aren’t available, other small animals and even carrion are deemed sufficient.
When faced with a threat, a timber rattlesnake's first instinct is to seek cover. Pictured above is one I came across this summer. We startled this snake, the only reason I was able to locate it was due to hearing it slither through the grass. Only when it became clear to her that she was seen, did she begin to rattle.
Timber rattlesnakes are extremely reluctant to bite. I have unknowingly been within striking distance of a few, and the only recourse was a rattle if I got too close for their comfort. These animals will not go out of their way to harm anyone, but if harassed and provoked will bite.
Bites from timbers are a medical emergency. They are large even for rattlesnake species, and can inject an impressive amount of venom. Even so, deaths are very rare, especially if medical treatment is administered.
If bitten, get to the hospital as quickly as possible.
If you live in the driftless area, the DNR has a list of rattlesnake responders who will come and remove rattlesnakes found in residential areas. I will provide a link. As timber rattlesnakes are state-listed, report all sightings to the DNR.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/snakes/timber-rattlesnake-responder-program.html
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/rsg/profile.html?action=elementDetail&selectedElement=ARADE02040
Conclusion
The snakes found in Minnesota are varied and beautiful, and very under-appreciated. I hope this guide has made species distinctions and attributes clear, and that you all will be able to refer to it in times of need. Just to keep the post as concise as I possibly can, I won't go into specifics on the ecological role of snakes in Minnesota.
A brief explanation is that snakes are essential to a functioning environment, and by extension, human welfare. They play an active role in pest control, are indicators of habitat health, and even decrease rates of Lyme disease.
The only good snake is a live one.
Feel free to PM me with any questions, I will also try to reply to any comments if this post gains any traction!
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