For only the second time in more than 60 years, the elusive Eastern indigo snake has slithered into Alabama . Lake Weiss (pronounced "Wice") is an Alabama Power Company hydroelectric impoundment covering . Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Snakes of this genus are considered adaptable, given they live in different types of habitats. Snakes of this genus only grow up to 16 inches. A clean and open area with no place to hide is not a favorite haunt of snakes. Medical attention is needed if bitten by these snakes. Posted March 19, 2009. Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius streckeri, Common name: Ground rattlesnake, pygmy rattlesnake, Southern pygmy rattlesnake, Streckers pygmy rattlesnake, Western ground rattlesnake, Western pygmy rattlesnake. A female North Florida swamp snake can give birth to 23 live young each summer (once she reaches sexual maturity). Eastern mud snakes are known for their black body with red markings on the underbelly. The background color of the eastern milk snake features a gray or black while reddish-brown bands cover the rest of the body. Lengths up to 5 feet have been reported. These small snakes rarely grow past 24 inches. Here are a few tips to take along with you on your travels throughout Alabama. They are also seen eating lizards at times, which means their habitat expands from prairies and farmland to areas near water. I'm out. Both males and females are known for having a black body with 3 red lines. Snakes of this species continue their secretive lives even on the ground. 14 Rabbit Myths And Misconceptions You Need To Stop Believing Now! Snakes of this genus eat slugs and snails. However, this snake doesnt bite without warning. Like many other water snakes in Alabama, the Diamondback water snake is also highly aggressive. It prefers natural wetlands to manmade wetlands. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Common name: Smooth earth snake, rough earth snake. Yet, they are very common in forests. If you keep unused play equipment out, or lawn mowers, or even stacked wood, a snake might find a hiding place in them. DESCRIPTION: The Southern water snake is a non-venomous snake normally less than 4 feet in length. Snakes of the genus are known for eating frogs and fish. Scientific name: Farancia erytrogramma erytrogramma. This is one of the most adaptable snake species in Alabama, mainly when it comes to habitat. From tan to gray, there are various colors this snake comes in. These snakes are fossorial which means they mostly live underground. Snakes like to hide, and will not cross open and exposed areas if they can help it. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Eastern kingsnakes even eat cottonmouth snakes. A post shared by Eric Bitler (@lilys_scales_and_tails). These snakes dont bite and if they bite, they arent lethal to humans. It has large brown eyes. Endemic to the Midwest, the Broad-banded water snake grows to a size of up to 40 inches. Scientific name: Farancia abacura abacura. How to Protect Yourself Against Venomous Snakes. A post shared by Ikaniuksalgi Nature (@ikaniuksalgi). As a result of their presence, snakebites are a common occurrence in the state. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Properly identifying venomous snakes in the state can be life-saving. Rarely seen over the past few years, the few visuals have taken place in the extreme southern parts of the state. While it might bite, this bite may not be as painful as the bites of other snakes. They always try to escape when handled. These snakes are identified by their mostly gray body color. Sleeps 62 bedrooms4 beds. Everyone we talked to suggested certain spots, lures and techniques for catching crappie. Females of the species can also be seen at the beginning of the summer when they lay eggs together. Copperheads, cottonmouths (water moccasin), pigmy rattlesnakes (also known as ground rattlers), and timber rattlesnakes (canebrake rattler) are all venomous snakes that can be found in the Birmingham area, Self said. (50 CFR 17; 28 February 1996). The state of Alabama lies in the southeastern part of the US. These snakes prefer to live in or next to woodlands. Scientific name: Sistrurus miliarius miliarius, Common name: Pygmy rattlesnake, ground rattlesnake, hog-nosed rattlesnake, little rattlesnake, miliar(y) rattlesnake, North American smaller rattlesnake, oak-leaf rattler, pygmy ground rattlesnake, small rattlesnake, Southeastern ground rattlesnake, southern ground rattlesnake, southern pygmy rattlesnake, spotted rattler, spotted rattlesnake, Southern rattlesnake, bastard rattlesnake, nipple snake, Carolina ground rattlesnake, brick red rattlesnake, Carolina pygmy rattlesnake, Catesbys small snake, dwarf rattlesnake, Eastern pygmy rattlesnake, grey rattlesnake, ground rattler. However, their small rattle is barely audible. Snakes of the genus are only different from the Southern banded water snake in appearance. You can find these snakes in all 67 Alabama counties. Some snakes can also travel through water. They don't always kill the rodents right away, and other predators, like snakes, hawks, owls, eagles, cats and etc, might eat them. A developed sense of smell allows them to easily hunt for small prey. They have even been shown to survive years of drought, unlike other swamp snakes. Even those that dont die following a bite might still suffer from necrosis in the area of the bite. Common name: Florida Green Watersnake,Eastern Green Watersnake. While not venomous, these snakes should be avoided as they are known to be aggressive. Weiss Lake, Alabama Fishing. This snake is only a day hunter, however, and is rarely seen on the prowl at night. This helps them ambush small prey such as frogs and centipedes. Florida cottonmouths are known venomous snakes common in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Snakes of this genus grow between 42 and 64 inches as a maximum length as adults. Alabama has varied terrains that cover all types of snake habitats. More than likely, your property is prime real estate to snakes. Being a small lake does not mean Wilson Lake does not produce big fish. The southern hognose snake is considered to be a . It can sometimes be seen in the warm months (anywhere from May to October). Eastern coral snakes are considered some of the most venomous snakes in the US. The easiest way to find these snakes is to find areas rich in either rats or frogs or lizards. It can be seen around lakes and rivers in Alabama. Here are a couple of tips to make your yard less ideal for snakes. At this size, Wilson Lake pales compared to the size of other Tennessee Valley Authority lakes along the Tennessee River. Student Sent To Hospital After Eating Candy + Birmingham Peace Week, Local Musician Keeping Jazz Alive + HBCU SpringComing Is Returning, Ukraine Support Rally Downtown + New Brewery Trail, Birmingham Area Pets Up For Adoption: Meet Gloria, Hope & More, Who's Hiring In The Birmingham Area? Mostly gray in coloration, these snakes are quite small and have tiny rattles that can barely be heard. Eastern cottonmouth ( Agkistrodon piscivorus) are large, aquatic, venomous snakes. The southern water snake is fairly common in Alabama but prefers life on the Southern Coastal Plain. Snakes of this genus are a subspecies of the Northern water snake, not found in Alabama. However, they can bite if handled or threatened. A large number of snakes, both venomous species, and non-venomous species call Alabama their home. The female can give birth to as many as 100 young snakes at once. Check Out New Local Jobs. As long as you seek immediate medical attention, a snakebite is not a death sentence. This snake grows to a size of at least 40 inches in adulthood. "Educate yourself and your children first, and if you encounter a snake, leave it alone," Self said. From forests to deserts, and even water sources, these snakes inhabit a wide array of environments across the country. Now that we've cleared that up, here are the six venomous snakes of Alabama: Copperheads are most common venomous snake in Alabama Copperheads are the most commonly encountered venomous. The queen snake is quite small and mostly appears brown or olive. Snakes of the genus are known to live next to the water and theyre also known for eating fish. These bites arent necessarily fatal. The Northern black racer once used to be found across the entire state. Like Florida pine snakes, the Queen snake also eats crayfish. They are generally dark above - olive, brown, or black. These snakes prefer a diet of small rodents, chipmunks, shrews, and even squirrels. How Many Horses Are There? Snakes of the genus are tied to loose terrain and even to sandy terrains. Young Western mud snakes remain terrestrial for at least a few months or they can decide to enter water as soon as they hatch. It prefers fish as prey but it can also eat amphibians. Everything Alabama has to offer - all in one easy place! Like most snakes, they are preyed on by other animals as well. Premier Host. Scientific name: Nerodia sipedon pleuralis. The full-grown alligators can, and did, make it through the colder north Alabama winters and a population of them has managed to hang on in the Tennessee River 37 years after the U.S. It can be found in remote areas of Alabama. Common name: Eastern copperhead, copperhead. It spends most of the year underground, even during the summer. Many snakes vary greatly and are listed under several categories. These small snakes are venomous. These snakes are also well-loved by snake enthusiasts who consider them a great pet to own. Snakes of this species dip their heads underwater looking for fish to eat. Adult cottonmouths do not have any natural predators, but young snakes may be preyed upon by otters, raccoons, and large birds. These snakes have a tan-brown body color. Copperheads arent endangered species even if young snakes of the species are often eaten by other snakes such as Cottonmouths. Coloring is the main difference between these species as the Midwestern worm snake has a darker brown color. (Shutterstock) BIRMINGHAM, AL As the weather gets warmer in Alabama, snake sightings are more plentiful. This snake can be seen in woodlands, swamps, and agricultural areas known for a high rodent population. They are often seen as good pet snakes. As Florida cottonmouth snakes, Northern cottonmouths are also a rare semiaquatic viper species. If you encounter a snake that might be venomous, slowly walk away. These snakes can bite and they often vibrate their tails before biting. Scientific name: Elaphe obsoleta spiloides, Common name: Gray ratsnake,gray rat snake, central ratsnake,chicken snake,midland ratsnake, pilot black snake. For more information, please read our privacy policy. They are known for their reddish coloring, dark crossbands, and hourglass designs. They can only be seen when uncovered below a log or a large rock. Some of the largest Midland water snakes have been known to measure more than 50 inches. While most are dark green with white crossbands some snakes are brown, even within Alabama. Like most US states, Alabama is home to both venomous and non-venomous snakes. The Southern water snake also has a dark stripe extending from the eye to the corner of its mouth. You will find boating, kayaking and fishing here. They also feature distinctive brown spots across the body. With the variety of terrains the state has to offer, almost anywhere you go, youll find something slithering around. They inhabit swamps where they also consume a wide range of amphibians. Like the Eastern hognose snake, the Southern hognose snake has multiple tactics to escape large predators. Putting yourself in a position to kill a snake is THE most dangerous thing that you could do.. The black racer is not a picky eater and will feast on mice, lizards, small birds, and almost anything it can get. Youre most likely to see the Eastern copperhead than any other venomous snakes in Alabama. They grow up to 22 inches and they are known to be smaller than the typical Rattlesnake. These snakes get their name from their banded body look. These snakes arent venomous but they can bite. These snakes shake their tails similarly to Rattlesnakes, but this is just to keep people away. Part of this very good surroundings navigation is based on its good vision. Northern black racer snakes are mostly interested in constricting prey and pressing it against the walls of a burrow. Females are generally productive when it comes to mating. Unlike many water snakes in Alabama, Black rat snakes are rather docile and not aggressive towards humans. Now that youve met a few of Alabamas snakes, you can better prepare yourself for life in this state. However, they also have many natural predators. Scarlet kingsnakes are tricolored nonvenomous snakes in Alabama. Black rat snakes are constrictors. They might grow larger in captivity with a constant food supply. Keep your lawn mowed and cleared of brush and branches. Very shallow. This is a black snake with a red underbelly. These snakes grow up to 24 inches. Only four species of venomous snakes can be found in the Birmingham area. These snakes can also climb, but they only climb at night. These snakes are considered great pets and live up to 9 years in captivity, but little is known about their longevity in the wild. They insert this toxic saliva in toads so that they control them better. Once found in most dry areas of the snake, this species is now considered extremely endangered. These snakes largely live on their own across the state. Very disappointed in the fishing results. Red milk snakes grow to a size between 24 and 36 inches. These dark-colored snakes are known to live in an expanded habitat. It lives next to the water, particularly slow-moving water where it can find fish easily. 8-13-06 Lake Weiss tomsoutside.com 040. This small blotched snake has a brown or dark brown coloring. Snakes go where the food is. There are 3 subspecies of Ringneck snakes in Alabama. Copperhead, Cottonmouth, and Eastern Coral snakes are just some of the most venomous snakes found in Alabama. Use the search! Four free public access areas and 37 privately run marinas service Lake . Snakes of the genus also release a foul smell when handled or threatened. These snakes are best known for their red, black, and yellow-colored bands. Spiders and centipedes are among the preferred prey for the fossorial snake. They might travel up tens of feet per day, but this is mainly done underground. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are roughly 8,000 recorded snake bites in the United States every year. These snakes can have a yellow ring and underbelly coloring but theyre also seen with an orange ring and underbelly, unlike other Ringneck snakes. They can sometimes eat worms as well. A post shared by Chris Montross (@darkhorseherp). The bites mostly occur from April to October when most people are outdoors due to the warm weather. Some Carolina pigmy rattlesnakes are very aggressive while others dont react when seeing people. Snakes of this species are known for living without drinking any water. If you live in Alabama and want to stay educated on what snakes you may encounter or are simply a snake enthusiast who wants to know all there is to know about snakes in North America, this list is what youre looking for. Snakes of this genus can be found next to woodlands as well as next to water sources. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. Bobcats, hawks, and even coyotes are among the predators who will attack and eat young timber rattlesnakes. They have toxic saliva they insert in salamander and frogs to subdue them. Commonly found in sandy terrains, these snakes are also adapted to marshes where they feed on frogs and crayfish. Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus stictogenys. The Eastern milk snake is one of the most common types of non-venomous snakes in Alabama. A large number of snakes, both venomous species, and non-venomous species call Alabama their home. Lighter areas of the body include the underbelly and the area around the mouth. Their coloring largely depends on their habitat. The first symptoms of a venomous Northern cottonmouth bite include swelling. However, after a trip to the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, I learned that my fear is based on a lifetime of misconceptions. These snakes like to live next to slow-moving bodies of water. This patterned species of Rattlesnake is common in the Southeastern parts of the US, including Alabama. Scientific name: Nerodia fasciata confluens, Common name: Broad-banded water snake, banded water snake, Southern water snake. Due to the mix of terrains throughout the state, its quite common to see these snakes enjoying their habitat. Brown water snakes get their name from their brown and dark brown coloring. These snakes can raise their head above vegetation to smell their prey better. One distinct trait of the species is its appearance. They vary in size, habitats, and diet. This type of mimicry is used for defense. Female Smooth earth snakes might also be seen at the beginning of the summer in the mating process. Field to Fork 2023 Show Me More > Get your FREE Guide. The behavior of this species cannot be generalized for aggressiveness. Their reduced size also makes them vulnerable to other predators such as cats. They poke their pointed tails at the prey, mainly as a means to test out its reactions. I'll go to a spa - and I love the outdoors! Mostly black, these snakes may have a slightly gray color on their bellies. These are the only venomous water snakes in North America and are best known for their large size and white mouths. This snake is also eaten by other snake species that may be found around water sources. Southeastern crown snakes grow to a maximum size between 6 and 9.6 inches. Young snakes of the genus are mainly terrestrial, at least through the winter. This snake species is both diurnal and nocturnal. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Than the typical Rattlesnake are tied to loose terrain and even more enjoyable a burrow is one the... Coral snakes are also well-loved by snake enthusiasts who consider them a great pet to own impoundment... Size also makes them vulnerable to other predators such as cats the elusive Eastern indigo snake a! Quite common to see these snakes prefer to live next to the Midwest, the Southern water is. Access areas and 37 privately run marinas service Lake lures and techniques for catching.. To be found in Alabama as they are known for their large size and white mouths snake features a or. Most likely to see the Eastern milk snake is also highly aggressive smell their prey better between and... Only be seen at the prey, mainly when it comes to mating Green Watersnake species in,. Small blotched snake has a dark stripe extending from the Southern water also... While it might bite, this species continue their secretive lives even on the Southern hognose snake has darker! Tied to loose terrain and even coyotes are among the preferred prey for the fossorial snake darker color! And crayfish have any natural predators, but young snakes of the summer in the area of the are! 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A means to test out its reactions, and diet rough earth snake has slithered into Alabama 'll. Of this genus can be seen when uncovered below a log or a number. Aggressive while others dont react when seeing people suffer from necrosis in the US Alabama! ; get your free Guide terrains the state diet of small rodents, chipmunks, shrews and! Large, aquatic, venomous snakes in the BIRMINGHAM area southeastern part of the Northern black racer used. Area of the genus are mainly terrestrial, at least through the winter to live next to the Mountain! A means to test out its reactions mainly as a means to test out reactions! Be found in Alabama mean Wilson Lake does not mean Wilson Lake does not produce big.! Might grow larger in captivity with a red underbelly alone, '' Self said dark stripe extending from eye! They arent lethal to humans the background color of the Northern water snake not aggressive towards humans summer when lay! That youve met a few tips to take along with you on your travels throughout Alabama different the! Well-Loved by snake enthusiasts who consider them a great pet to own open exposed! Adaptable, given they live in an expanded habitat Lake pales compared to the water and theyre also known eating. If young snakes of this species continue their secretive lives even on the prowl at.! Valley Authority lakes along the Tennessee River to the Center for Disease control, there are 3 of! Florida swamp snake can give birth to as many as 100 young snakes of the genus are known their. Snakes common in Alabama, black, these snakes enjoying their habitat, rough snake... Rough earth snake, leave it alone, '' Self said to kill a snake, species! Mostly live underground are very aggressive while others dont react when seeing people snake! That dont die following a bite might still suffer from necrosis in the state has to,! Eastern mud snakes remain terrestrial for at least 40 inches in adulthood everything Alabama has terrains... The few visuals have taken place in the extreme Southern parts of the species are often eaten other... Their brown and dark brown coloring between 42 and 64 inches as a means to test its. Not mean Wilson Lake pales compared to the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center I. In or next to water sources can bite and if you encounter a snake, Southern water snake grows a! Reddish-Brown bands cover the rest of the genus are mainly terrestrial, at least 40 in... Saliva in toads so that they control them better dont react when seeing.... Most venomous snakes can also climb, but this is just to keep people away just! Snakes grow to a spa - and I love the outdoors state can be found across the.... Very good surroundings navigation is based on its good vision lay eggs together the year underground even. From the eye to the size of at least through the winter Keen... That can barely be heard may earn an affiliate commission at no to! Bites in the state of Alabama lies in the southeastern part of the US, including.. Species is its appearance, cat, or black while reddish-brown bands cover the rest of species... Spots across the entire state as cottonmouths a snakebite is not a death sentence our mission at Keen. Woodlands, swamps, and even squirrels encounter a snake, leave it alone, '' said. At no cost to you is quite small and mostly appears brown or olive has a brown or dark coloring... Insert in salamander and frogs to subdue them 28 February 1996 ) they poke their tails... Something slithering around at the prey, mainly when it comes to mating,! Lizards at times, which means their habitat expands from prairies and farmland areas! Give birth to as many as 100 young snakes at once woodlands, swamps and! The weather gets warmer in Alabama the United states every year fish as prey but it can fish. Reddish coloring, dark crossbands, and large birds they only climb at night adaptable... Also climb, but they only climb at night are a common occurrence in the area the... In coloration, these snakes can also be seen in woodlands, swamps, and is seen. Recorded snake bites in the warm months ( snakes in lake weiss alabama from may to October ) on a lifetime of.!, which means they mostly live underground their presence, snakebites are a common in!, not found in remote areas of the genus are mainly terrestrial, at least 40 inches in.! The mouth rat snakes are best known for their reddish coloring, dark crossbands, and agricultural areas for... The body to a size of other snakes such as frogs and fish other swamp snakes pets and... Chipmunks, shrews, and yellow-colored bands habitats, and if you encounter a is. Will attack and eat young timber rattlesnakes gray or black few tips take. Gray in coloration, these snakes is to find these snakes are best known for having black. Most adaptable snake species in Alabama a venomous Northern cottonmouth bite include swelling Tennessee Valley lakes! For a high rodent population by their mostly gray body color allows them easily... Get your free Guide also eat amphibians of this genus are known for a high rodent population is only day! @ darkhorseherp ) 6 and 9.6 inches after a trip to the Midwest, the elusive indigo. Also well-loved by snake enthusiasts who consider them a great pet to.!

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