SSSnakes Alive! A Guide to Illinois's Slithery Residents
Illinois: land of Lincoln, deep dish pizza, and...snakes? You betcha! While encountering these legless wonders might make you jump (or scream, no judgement!), the good news is Illinois has a fascinating variety of snakes, most of whom are perfectly happy to just slither on by. So, buckle up, because we're about to get schooled in serpents!
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| What Kind Of Snakes Are In Illinois |
The Non-Venomous Neighborhood Watch
Let's start with the chill snakes, the ones more likely to give you a side-eye than a bite. Illinois boasts a healthy population of garter snakes, the state's most common slitherer. These guys come in a variety of colors, and are easily identified by their stripes - kind of like the referees of the snake world.
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Water Warriors: Don't Get Soaked!
Next up, we have the aquatic adventurers - the water snakes. Now, these fellas can be dramatic. If you mess with them, they might play possum (or play dead, for the less thespianly inclined). They might even release a little musky perfume (think skunk-lite) to discourage unwanted attention. But fear not, these aquatic performers are all bluff and no bite...well, no venomous bite, that is.
Hidden Gems: The Less Common Cool Dudes
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Illinois also has some hidden gems in the snake department. The eastern kingsnake, for example, is a looker with a black and white banded pattern that screams "don't mess with me" (although it's actually harmless). Then there's the milksnake, another handsome chap with a blotchy red and black pattern. Don't let the name fool you, these guys have no interest in moo juice.
Rattlers and Copperheads: The A-List (You Don't Want to Be On)
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Now, let's talk about the A-List of Illinois snakes, the celebrities you probably don't want to meet at a party: the venomous ones. Illinois has four - the copperhead, the cottonmouth (mostly found in the southern tip), the timber rattlesnake, and the massasauga. These guys have the tell-tale triangular head and a rattlesnake will, well, rattle its tail to warn you off. If you see one, admire it from afar (with a healthy dose of zoom on your camera) and slowly back away.
Important Note: If you are bitten by a venomous snake, seek medical attention immediately!
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FAQ: How to Deal with Illinois Snakes
How to Identify a Snake? If you're not sure if a snake is venomous, leave it alone! There are resources online and apps that can help you identify it from a safe distance.
How to Avoid Snakes? Stay on trails when hiking and wear sturdy shoes. Snakes love hiding under things, so be cautious when moving rocks or logs.
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How to Remove a Snake from Your Yard? The best thing to do is call animal control or a wildlife removal service. Messing with a snake, even a non-venomous one, can be dangerous.
How to Live Peacefully with Snakes? Snakes are actually beneficial! They help control rodent populations. Let them live their best slithery life in a corner of your yard, and they'll keep the mice and voles in check.
How to Appreciate Snakes? Snakes are amazing creatures! Learn about their role in the ecosystem and appreciate their unique adaptations. You might even find them kind of cool (from a safe distance, of course).
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