The following six snakes are representative of the harmless snakes
commonly and incorrectly thought to be poisonous by the general public.
1. HOG-NOSED SNAKE. Length 2-2½ feet. This is the "blow viper,"
"spreadhead viper," "spreading adder," or other equally ill-named snake
usually found in dry sandy areas. It has a threatening defensive bluff
which consists of spreading the fore part of the body cobra-like,
hissing and striking (but with mouth closed). Failing to intimidate its
opponent, the snake will contort its body convulsively and roll onto its
back--apparently dead. It will remain inert unless rolled over onto its
stomach; then it will roll onto its back again--the only proper attitude
for a dead snake!
2. BLUE RACER. Length 3-4 feet. Many stories are told about this snake
attacking persons. It is doubted that most are true interpretations of
fact. These rapid-moving snakes may come at a person who is in line with
the snake's preconceived idea of an escape route. Upon capture, most
blue racers will bite, but they are definitely non-poisonous. These
snakes feed mostly upon small rodents. The color varies in individuals
from blue-green to olive or olive-brown; underside is yellow.
3. COMMON WATER SNAKE. Length 2-3 feet. This snake and the
yellow-bellied water snake, of very similar appearance, are the most
often noted snakes along creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds. These are
usually the "moccasins" that frighten persons near water. Entirely
harmless, but with a vicious disposition, these snakes feed upon small
fish, frogs, and other creatures that inhabit their neighborhood.
4. DIAMOND-BACKED WATER SNAKE. Length 3 feet. Heavy body, dark
appearance, and mean disposition give this particular snake a bad
reputation. More than any other Kansas snake, this one gives rise to
stories of the poisonous cottonmouth being distributed throughout
eastern and southern portions of the state. It is always found in the
vicinity of water and feeds upon creatures it finds there.
5. PILOT BLACK SNAKE. Length 5-6 feet. Also more properly called the
black rat snake, a descriptive title which is particularly apt.
Occasionally, this large snake may find where hen eggs are available and
become a nuisance in the hen house, but the wise farmer who allows one
of these snakes to stay around the barn and corncrib will reap dividends
from the destruction wrought upon the rodent population. This snake is a
much better mouser than any cat!
6. RED MILK SNAKE. Length 2-3 feet. A beautiful jewel of a snake, this
small creature has been credited with the ability to milk a cow dry!
Such a feat is impossible for a number of reasons. This reputation was
acquired because this snake was frequently found in barns, where it had
gone in search of mice, a favorite food item. The color pattern might be
confused with that of the poisonous coral snake (not found in Kansas).
In the coral snake, however, the red and yellow rings are adjacent.
[Illustration: HOG-NOSED SNAKE]
[Illustration: BLUE RACER]
[Illustration: PILOT BLACKSNAKE]
[Illustration: COMMON WATER SNAKE]
[Illustration: DIAMOND-BACKED WATER SNAKE]
[Illustration: RED MILK SNAKE]