How Many Snakes Are In Illinois

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So, You Wanna Know About Illinois Snakes? A Slithery Statistical Spectacular!

Ever wondered how many slithering serpents grace the grassy plains and gloomy forests of Illinois? Well, buckle up, because we're about to delve into the fascinating world of Illinois snake populations!

How Many Snakes Are In Illinois
How Many Snakes Are In Illinois

Illinois: Not Just Home to Deep Dish and Disappearing Act Mayors (Okay, Maybe Not That Last One)

While Chicago might be famous for its architectural pizza and, uh, captivating political scene, this state also boasts a surprising diversity of scaly residents. That's right, we're talking about snakes!

The Big Number: 40 Shades of Ssssssssss

Get ready for this shocker: Illinois is home to a whopping 40 species of snakes. From the common garter snake sunning itself on a rock to the elusive timber rattlesnake hiding in the undergrowth, these legless wonders fill a variety of ecological niches.

But wait, there's more! Not all Illinois snakes are created equal. We've got constrictors who squeeze the life out of their prey (don't worry, they're more interested in mice than marathon runners), and we've got venomous vipers packing a (mild) punch.

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Fun Fact: Not All That Glitters is Venomous (Unless You Like Copper)

While Illinois does have four species of venomous snakes (copperheads, cottonmouths, timber rattlesnakes, and massasaugas), encountering one is relatively rare. In fact, most Illinois snakes are more afraid of you than you are of them. They'd much rather slither away than tangle with a human.

Pro Tip: If you see a snake in Illinois, the best course of action is to admire it from a safe distance (and maybe snap a cool photo for Instagram). Leave them be, and they'll leave you be.

So, How Many Snakes Are There... Really?

This is where things get a little tricky. Snake populations are constantly on the move, depending on factors like habitat availability and food sources. The number 40 is a good estimate, but it's not an exact count.

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That being said, 40 is a pretty impressive number for a state that isn't exactly known for its jungles. Illinois snakes: proving there's more to this state than meets the eye (or should we say, the forked tongue?).

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Live Your Best Life Alongside Illinois Snakes: A Mini FAQ

How to identify a venomous snake in Illinois?

Look for a triangular-shaped head, elliptical pupils, and a single row of scales on the underside of the tail. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and give the snake a wide berth.

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How to avoid snakes while hiking in Illinois?

Stick to well-maintained trails and wear sturdy shoes. Snakes tend to avoid open areas, so you're less likely to encounter one if you stay on the path.

How to help protect Illinois snakes?

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Leave them alone! Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem, and they help control rodent populations. If you see someone harassing a snake, politely educate them about the importance of these slithery neighbors.

How to get over your fear of snakes?

Learn more about them! The more you know about snakes, the less likely you are to be afraid of them. There are also many great resources online and in libraries that can help you overcome your fear.

How to convince your friend that snakes are cool?

Show them pictures of baby corn snakes (they're adorable!), or tell them about the important role snakes play in the ecosystem. Maybe even take them to a reptile show to see some snakes up close (in a safe and controlled environment, of course).

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illinoispolicy.orghttps://www.illinoispolicy.org
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illinois.govhttps://idot.illinois.gov

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