skip to main content

Reptiles & Amphibians

What kind of snake? West Central IL

10 years ago

It was not very aggressive. It was laying in the middle of a gravel road. It kinda has the look of a water snake, but they are crazy aggressive (and there was not any water around). It is a little late in the year for snakes to be out and about. I am leaning towards Prairie Kingsnake.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

User
10 years ago
Prairie Kingsnake indeed.
frank_il
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you.
Related Discussions
ID-ing Snakes In The Garden - Coral Snake
Q
Comments (54)
Marcia, Please help me find out what kind of snake I came across today. While I was at the local dog park (near Orlando) I came across a yellow with black stripes snake. It looked to be between 3.5-4 feet long and did not appear at first glance (that was all I gave it out of fear) to be shiny. I was about 3 feet from it and didn't know it until my dog almost stepped on it. She obviously didn't see it either. The snake seemed a pit peeved about the whole thing but it decided not to attack and to slowly slither towards ME to get away from my dog. Needless to say, I took off in a different direction real quick and hollered for my dog to follow. I am not like you or others on this site. I am not a fan of snakes and am extremely afraid of them. Although, I don't mind the black racers that seem to have taken up permanent residence in MY back yard and they love to procreate often (or so it seems). I have seen a lot less field rats since the racers moved in and that makes me very happy. Anyway, can you help me figure out what this snake was? I have spent hours and hours online tonight trying to find it and just can't seem to find anything that looks like it. I am guessing that it is not dangerous to me or my dogs??? I am scared to take my dogs back through those woods that they so dearly love. As soon as I told them, "No more woods until the snakes are gone again," they "told" me to find it if it was dangerous or not and if it isn't that they want to go back again. So that is mostly why I am asking you for your help. We all love the walks but I am afraid of the snakes. Please help me feel safer about going back. Thanks in advance for your help.
...See More
what kind of snake is this?
Q
Comments (3)
This is Kirtland's Snkake (Clonophis kirtlandi). It is a really neat snake that is only found in small areas of the US in IN, IL, OH, and a few spots in nearby states. It is an endangered species over most of its range. You are lucky to have such a unique and rare critter in your yard. I hope you will protect them. Although....if you didn't know what it was, why were you handling it? This post was edited by FHFchrish on Fri, Sep 5, 14 at 9:25
...See More
What type of Snake is this
Q
Comments (3)
That is a Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon). Common harmless snakes in northern ponds, lakes and rivers.
...See More
What kind of snake is this one?
Q
Comments (4)
I think it's a milk snake - an extremely variable species of small king snake. Try googling it and check the various pictures and you'll see what I mean. Tucker
...See More

Related Stories

CENTRAL PLAINS NATIVE PLANTS 10 Top Grasses for the Central Plains

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Low-maintenance grasses provide seasonal interest and wildlife habitat, and aid good design

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES 3 Ways Native Plants Make Gardening So Much Better

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You probably know about the lower maintenance. But native plants' other benefits go far beyond a little less watering and weeding

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Plants That Beat Butterfly Bush for the Wildlife Draw

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It's invasive, a nonnative and a poor insect magnet. Check out these better alternatives to butterfly bush in the garden

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

ARCHITECTURE 4 Zurich Projects Build on High-Rise Livability

Generous landscaping, underground parking and terraces make these apartment complexes models of thoughtful housing

SAVING WATER Houzz Call: Are You Letting Go of Your Lawn?

By Annie Thornton

Many facing a drought are swapping turf for less thirsty plantings. If you’re one of them, we’d like to hear about it

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Texas Family Trades Traffic Noise for Frog Songs

By Mitchell Parker

Modern glass and stone structures hug two waterways on a sprawling Texas Hill Country compound

OUTBUILDINGS The Glass-Walled Cabin That Romance Built

By Vanessa Brunner

Envisioning sunsets and starry skies, newlywed artists construct a 1-room retreat on a family farm

GARDENING GUIDES How to Find the Right Native Plants for Your Yard

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Find plant maps, sale sites and guides that make going native in the garden easier than ever

HISTORIC HOMES Taliesin Celebrates a Landmark Day

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

This Wisconsin studio and retreat built by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1911 was where he designed many of his architectural masterpieces

Sponsored