Snakes in Nebraska: Cornhusker Snake Fascination

Did you know that the great state of Nebraska is home to a surprising variety of slithering serpents? That’s right! A total of 29 species of snakes have been discovered in Nebraska.

From venomous vipers to harmless and friendly garters, Nebraska has it all. Many people are surprised to learn about the diversity of snakes found in this Midwestern state.

In this blog post, we’re going to take a closer look at these intriguing creatures and learn about the unique characteristics of each species that call Nebraska their home. So, let’s dive right in, shall we?

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Brownsnake (Pseudonaja textilis)	Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) Color: Light brown to dark brown, sometimes reddish Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and urban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
2	Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi)	Size: 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) Color: Brown or yellowish with dark blotches Habitat: Grasslands, deserts, woodlands, and agricultural areas Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
3	Coachwhip Snake (Masticophis flagellum)	Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) Color: Variety of colors, including tan, brown, pink, and black Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and woodlands Behaviour: Diurnal and fast-moving
4	Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)	Size: Up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) Color: Green or brown with three yellow stripes Habitat: Wet and moist habitats, including marshes, fields, and forests Behaviour: Diurnal, active, hibernates in winter
5	Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)	Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) Color: Coppery-brown with reddish-brown or dark hourglass-shaped bands Habitat: Forests, swamps, rocky terrain, and riverside habitats Behaviour: Solitary and primarily nocturnal
6	Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)	Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm) Color: Highly variable, typically brown or gray with dark blotches Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas Behaviour: Diurnal, known for playing dead when threatened
7	Eastern Racer (Coluber constrictor)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Color: Black, blue-gray, or brown with a white or pale underbelly Habitat: Wide range of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and coastal areas Behaviour: Diurnal and fast-moving
8	Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)	Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) Color: Gray or brown with dark blotches Habitat: Desert, grassland, and scrub habitats Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
9	Graham’s Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii)	Size: 18-42 inches (46-107 cm) Color: Brown or olive-brown with dark spots Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams Behaviour: Aquatic, nocturnal, and secretive
10	Great Plains Rat Snake (Pantherophis emoryi)	Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) Color: Gray or brown with dark blotches Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal and terrestrial
11	Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum)	Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm) Color: Gray or tan with dark stripes Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and urban areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and fossorial
12	Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)	Size: 18-30 inches (46-76 cm) Color: Gray or light brown with dark banding Habitat: Grasslands, marshes, and woodland areas Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial
13	Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)	Size: 20 to 60 inches (50 to 150 cm) Color: Red or orange with black and white bands Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky hillsides Behaviour: Nocturnal and secretive
14	Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)	Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) Color: Brown or gray with dark bands or blotches Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes Behaviour: Nocturnal and semi-aquatic
15	Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps)	Size: 7-15 inches (18-38 cm) Color: Gray or light brown with a black head Habitat: Desert scrub, grasslands, and woodlands Behaviour: Nocturnal and burrowing
16	Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)	Size: 16-28 inches (41-71 cm) Color: Brown or gray with yellow or orange stripes Habitat: Grasslands, wetlands, and areas near water sources Behaviour: Diurnal, good swimmers, and semi-aquatic
17	Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster)	Size: 30-42 inches (76-107 cm) Color: Gray or light brown with dark blotches Habitat: Grasslands, farmlands, and woodlands Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
18	Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)	Size: 20-50 inches (51-127 cm) Color: Greenish or brownish with dark bands and a rattle on the tail Habitat: Prairies, grasslands, and scrublands Behaviour: Nocturnal, terrestrial, and ambush predators
19	Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)	Size: 8-16 inches (20-41 cm) Color: Gray or brown with a red or orange belly Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and wetlands Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial
20	Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)	Size: 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters) Color: Gray or dark brown with yellow or orange ring around the neck Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and secretive, often hiding under rocks or logs
21	Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis)	Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) Color: Bright green with a lighter belly Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands Behaviour: Diurnal, terrestrial, and good climbers
22	Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki)	Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) Color: Tan or light brown with dark brown or black speckles Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and scrublands Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
23	Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)	Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) Color: Striped in various shades of green, brown, or gray Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and forests near water sources Behaviour: Diurnal and sometimes semi-aquatic
24	Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Color: Yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands Habitat: Forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides Behaviour: Solitary and ambush predator
25	Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti)	Size: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) Color: Light brown to golden brown with dark brown to black blotches Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands Behaviour: Mainly nocturnal and good climbers
26	Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus)	Size: Up to 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) Color: Brown or tan with dark blotches Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and semi-arid environments Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial, known for its characteristic “hognose” and playing dead when threatened
27	Western Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)	Size: Up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) Color: Gray or brown with dark blotches Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and semi-arboreal
28	Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus)	Size: 18-30 inches (46-76 cm) Color: Black or dark brown with three bright yellow or white stripes Habitat: Semi-aquatic habitats, wetlands, marshes, and grasslands near water Behaviour: Diurnal, swift, and good swimmer
29	Western Wormsnake (Carphophis vermis)	Size: Up to 14 inches (35.5 cm) Color: Brown to black on the back and pink or light brown on the belly Habitat: Deciduous forests, grasslands, and suburban areas with moist soil Behaviour: Secretive, nocturnal, and burrowing

29 Snakes You Can Find in Nebraska

In the state of Nebraska, a fascinating array of serpents can be found slithering through its diverse landscapes. From venomous to harmless, each species has its unique story to tell. Below, we’ll explore the wonders of these often misunderstood creatures of Nebraska, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.

1. Brownsnake

The Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is a large, highly venomous snake species, reaching sizes of up to 7 feet (2.1 meters). Its color ranges from light brown to dark brown, and occasionally reddish hues. Inhabiting grasslands, woodlands, and urban areas, these diurnal, terrestrial snakes primarily feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-35. Despite their venomous nature, their conservation status is considered “least concern.”

2. Bullsnake

The Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi), a non-venomous constrictor, measures 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters) and exhibits a brown or yellowish color with dark blotches. Found in grasslands, deserts, woodlands, and agricultural areas, these diurnal and terrestrial snakes primarily feed on rodents, rabbits, ground-nesting birds, and eggs. During the reproduction, the female Bullsnake lays egg clutches ranging from 5-22. With a conservation status listed as “Least Concern”, the Bullsnake is not currently under threat in Nebraska.

3. Coachwhip Snake

The Coachwhip Snake, scientifically known as Masticophis flagellum, is a swift, diurnal serpent native to deserts, grasslands, and woodlands. Growing up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) long, this non-venomous snake displays a variety of colors, from tan, brown, pink, to black. As adept hunters, Coachwhip Snakes primarily feed on lizards, small mammals, and birds. Mating leads to egg clutches ranging from 3-15. Despite their striking appearance, their conservation status remains classified as least concern.

4. Common Garter Snake

The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) non-aggressive and mildly venomous reptile with a green or brown body and three yellow stripes. Inhabiting wet and moist habitats like marshes, fields, and forests of Nebraska, these diurnal snakes hibernate during winter to escape the cold. Their diet consists of frogs, fish, earthworms, and small mammals. Uniquely, these snakes birth live young, producing 10-40 per litter. Although venomous, they pose no threat to humans and are currently listed as a species of least concern for conservation.

5. Copperhead

The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) long, known for its coppery-brown coloring with reddish-brown or dark hourglass-shaped bands. Inhabiting forests, swamps, rocky terrain, and riverside habitats, these solitary and primarily nocturnal creatures prey on rodents, birds, frogs, and insects. Copperheads give live birth to 2-18 young in late summer or early fall. Though venomous, their venom is relatively mild compared to other venomous snakes. Their conservation status is of least concern.

6. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a moderately-sized serpent, reaching lengths of 20-33 inches (51-84 cm). Its coloration is highly variable, typically exhibiting brown or gray hues with dark blotches. Inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas, this diurnal snake is known for playing dead when threatened. Its diet mainly consists of toads, along with other amphibians and small mammals. It reproduces by laying 4-60 eggs per clutch, has mild venom harmless to humans, and is classified as of “Least Concern” in conservation efforts.

7. Eastern Racer

The Eastern Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a fast-moving, diurnal snake that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. With a variety of colors such as black, blue-gray, or brown and a white or pale underbelly, it can be found in a wide range of habitats including grasslands, woodlands, and coastal areas. Its diet consists of rodents, lizards, insects, frogs, and birds. Eastern Racers are non-venomous and lay eggs in clutches of 5-40. They are considered a species of least concern in conservation.

8. Glossy Snake

The Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) is a non-venomous, nocturnal reptile found in desert, grassland, and scrub habitats across North America. Measuring up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length, this resident of Nebraska boasts a gray or brown coloration with dark blotches. As a terrestrial creature, the Glossy Snake feeds on small mammals, lizards, and other snakes, and reproduces by laying egg clutches of 3 to 12. With a conservation status of ‘least concern’, it continues to thrive in its native regions.

9. Graham’s Crayfish Snake

Regina grahamii, commonly known as Graham’s Crayfish Snake, is a non-venomous aquatic species that measures between 18-42 inches in length. Its brown or olive-brown coloration is marked with dark spots. This nocturnal and secretive snake inhabits wetlands, lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Its primary diet consists of crayfish, supplemented by small fish and amphibians. The snake lays eggs in clutches of 5-25, and its conservation status is currently classified as “least concern.”

10. Great Plains Rat Snake

The Great Plains Rat Snake (Pantherophis emoryi) is a non-venomous snake species that can reach up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length. They exhibit gray or brown coloring with dark blotches and inhabit grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands of Nebraska. These snakes are primarily nocturnal and terrestrial, preying on rodents, birds, and eggs to maintain a healthy diet. Females lay eggs in clutches of 5-20, contributing to their conservation status of “least concern.”

11. Lined Snake

The Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum) is a small, non-venomous species, growing up to 20 inches (51 cm). It has a gray or tan colored body with dark stripes, adapted to living in grasslands, prairies, and urban areas. Being nocturnal and fossorial, this reptile primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, and soft-bodied insects. Lined Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 2-12. With a conservation status of least concern, they remain a thriving species.

12. Massasauga Rattlesnake

The Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) is a small venomous snake, growing up to 18-30 inches (46-76 cm) in length. Exhibiting gray or light brown coloring with dark banding, it thrives in habitats such as grasslands, marshes, and woodland areas. This nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial snake predominantly feeds on small mammals, lizards, and amphibians. Its reproduction involves giving birth to live young in litters ranging from 5-20. With hemotoxic venom, the snake currently has a conservation status of “Least Concern.”

13. Milksnake

The Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is a non-venomous and nocturnal reptile, ranging in size from 20 to 60 inches (50 to 150 cm) in length. It exhibits vibrant colors like red or orange, with black and white bands. Milksnakes inhabit various environments, such as forests, grasslands, and rocky hillsides. Their secretive nature makes them difficult to spot. The species primarily feeds on rodents, birds, eggs, and other reptiles. Reproduction involves laying egg clutches of 2-17. Currently, their conservation status is of least concern.

14. Northern Water Snake

The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in length. It is characterized by its brown or gray color with dark bands or blotches. This nocturnal and semi-aquatic species can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Northern Water Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-30, and currently have a conservation status of least concern.

15. Plains Black-headed Snake

The Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps) is a small, non-venomous reptile, measuring 7-15 inches (18-38 cm) in length. It is characterized by its gray or light brown coloration and distinctive black head. This nocturnal and burrowing snake inhabits desert scrub, grasslands, and woodlands, where it primarily feeds on insects, centipedes, and spiders. Reproduction involves laying eggs in small clutches. Despite its unique appearance, it is currently classified as a species of least concern in terms of conservation.

16. Plains Garter Snake

The Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) is a non-venomous reptile characterized by its brown or gray color with yellow or orange stripes. Typically measuring 16-28 inches (41-71 cm) in length, it thrives in grasslands, wetlands, and areas near water sources. These diurnal, semi-aquatic snakes are known for their swimming prowess. They feed primarily on earthworms, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Mating results in live births, producing 6-80 offspring per litter. Currently, their conservation status is of least concern.

17. Prairie Kingsnake

The Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster) is a non-venomous reptile that measures 30-42 inches (76-107cm) in length. It has a gray or light brown color, adorned with dark blotches. Commonly found in grasslands, farmlands, and woodlands, Prairie Kingsnakes are terrestrial and nocturnal by nature. Their diet includes rodents, birds, lizards, and amphibians. During reproduction, they lay clutches containing 5-17 eggs. Currently, the Prairie Kingsnake’s conservation status is listed as least concern.

18. Prairie Rattlesnake

The Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is a venomous snake inhabiting prairies, grasslands, and scrublands. Typically measuring 20-50 inches (51-127 cm) in length, it features a greenish or brownish coloration with dark bands and a distinctive rattle on its tail. As nocturnal, terrestrial, and ambush predators, they mainly feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. These live-bearing snakes, with 4-21 offspring per litter, pose a potential danger to humans though their venom is usually not fatal. Currently, they hold a conservation status of Least Concern.

19. Red-Bellied Snake

The Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) is a small, non-venomous snake measuring 8-16 inches (20-41 cm) in length. They are gray or brown with a distinctive red or orange belly. Mostly found in forests, woodlands, and wetlands of Nebraska, these nocturnal and secretive creatures primarily feed on slugs, snails, and earthworms. As live-bearing reptiles, they produce 4-21 offspring in each litter. With a conservation status of “Least Concern,” this terrestrial snake presents no significant threat to humans.

20. Ringneck Snake

The Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a small, mildly venomous serpent, measuring 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters) in length. Exhibiting a gray or dark brown coloration with a distinct yellow or orange ring around its neck, this species prefers habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. As nocturnal, secretive creatures, Ringneck Snakes are found hiding under rocks or logs, feeding on small invertebrates such as insects, worms, and slugs. Reproducing by laying 3-10 eggs per clutch, this snake is presently classified as least concern in terms of conservation status.

21. Smooth Green Snake

The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) measures 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) and is characterized by its vibrant green color and lighter belly. Commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, this diurnal and terrestrial reptile is an adept climber. Its diet mainly consists of insects and spiders. In terms of reproduction, they lay eggs in clutches of 3-12. Though non-venomous, these snakes should be admired from afar. Fortunately, their conservation status is currently listed as ‘Least Concern.’

22. Speckled Kingsnake

The Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki) is a non-venomous reptile that grows up to 4 feet in length. Sporting a tan or light brown color with dark brown or black speckles, this snake dwells in forests, grasslands, and scrublands. As a diurnal and terrestrial creature, it preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles during the day. Speckled Kingsnakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 4-12, and are currently categorized as least concern in terms of conservation status.

23. Terrestrial Garter Snake

The terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a mildly venomous, diurnal snake that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length. Sporting stripes in various shades of green, brown, or gray, these semi-aquatic creatures inhabit grasslands, woodlands, and forests near water sources. They primarily feast on earthworms, slugs, snails, frogs, and fish. The terrestrial garter snake gives birth to live young, with 4-17 offspring per litter. Despite their venom, they are not harmful to humans, and their conservation status is classified as least concern.

24. Timber Rattlesnake

The Timber Rattlesnake, scientifically known as Crotalus horridus, is a solitary, ambush predator that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. It comes in various colors, including yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands, and inhabits forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides. Its diet consists of rodents, birds, and small mammals. Unlike most snakes, the Timber Rattlesnake is viviparous, giving birth to 4-14 live young. It possesses hemotoxic venom, and its conservation status is currently listed as least concern.

25. Western Foxsnake

The Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti) is a non-venomous snake species typically measuring 3 to 5 feet in length. Its coloration ranges from light brown to golden brown and is adorned with dark brown to black blotches. Commonly found in grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands, these snakes are mainly nocturnal and exhibit excellent climbing abilities. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. Western Foxsnakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10 to 20, and their conservation status is listed as Least Concern.

26. Western Hognose Snake

The Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) is a mildly venomous reptile that can grow up to 2.5 feet (0.76 meters) in size. It has a distinct brown or tan color with dark blotches and is known for its characteristic “hognose.” These terrestrial snakes primarily inhabit grasslands, prairies, and semi-arid environments. Being diurnal creatures, their diet consists of amphibians, particularly toads, small mammals, reptiles, and birds. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 4-23 and, despite the venom, are not considered dangerous to humans. Their conservation status is of least concern.

27. Western Rat Snake

The Western Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is a non-venomous species found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Measuring up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long, this diurnal, semi-arboreal reptile exhibits a gray or brown coloration with dark blotches. Its diet primarily consists of rodents, birds, and eggs, making it an essential part of natural rodent population control. Breeding occurs through egg-laying, with each clutch containing 5-20 eggs. Western Rat Snakes have a conservation status of “least concern.”

28. Western Ribbonsnake

The Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus) is a slender reptile measuring 18-30 inches (46-76 cm) in length, characterized by its black or dark brown coloration adorned with three bright yellow or white stripes. Commonly found in semi-aquatic habitats such as wetlands, marshes, and grasslands near water, this diurnal creature is a swift swimmer, preying primarily on fish, frogs, and tadpoles. The non-venomous species reproduces by laying egg clutches of 3-26, and has a conservation status of ‘Least Concern’.

29. Western Wormsnake

The Western Wormsnake (Carphophis vermis) is a non-venomous, small-sized reptile reaching up to 14 inches (35.5 cm) in length. It exhibits a distinct color pattern of brown-to-black on its back and pink or light brown on its belly. Inhabiting deciduous forests, grasslands, and moist suburban areas, this elusive, nocturnal creature primarily burrows underground and feeds on earthworms and soft-bodied invertebrates. Western Wormsnakes lay small egg clutches (1-8) and have a conservation status of Least Concern.

Nearby States:

• Snakes in North Dakota
• Snakes in Ohio

Final Words

All the 29 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Nebraska. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats?

Not only did we get a chance to learn about some of the more common and well-known species, but we also delved into the lesser-known and often misunderstood ones.

So, the next time you’re out and about in Nebraska, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and let’s continue to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that makes our world so interesting!

Are Snake Species in Nebraska and Iowa Similar?

When considering snakes in iowa exploration, it’s clear that the species found in Iowa are quite similar to those found in Nebraska. Both states share the same Midwestern climate and habitat, which allows for a high degree of overlap in snake species. This makes for an interesting comparison between the two regions.

Resources:

• Volume 46, Issue 8, 1968 August 1968
• Volume 44, Issue 11, 1966 November 1966
• Tag Archives: Ak-Sar-Ben Aquarium – Nebraskaland Magazine
• Spring Wild Turkey Hunting: Addiction, Obsession, Passion