Snakes in Rice County

• 
  Western Massasauga

  Sistrurus tergeminus

  ▲ Venomous

  Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.

Every snake recorded in Rice County

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Western Ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Harmless

Plains Garter Snake

Thamnophis radix

Harmless

Prairie Kingsnake

Lampropeltis calligaster

Harmless

Lined Snake

Tropidoclonion lineatum

Harmless

Western Massasauga

Sistrurus tergeminus

▲ Venomous

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Graham's Crawfish Snake

Regina grahamii

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Rice County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Rice County, Kansas?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Rice County, Kansas, including Western Massasauga, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Rice County, Kansas, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Rice County, Kansas?

10 snake species have verified records in Rice County, Kansas, of which 2 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Rice County, Kansas?

The Gopher Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Rice County, Kansas, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Rice County, Kansas?

Keep your distance and do not try to catch or kill it. Most bites happen when people handle or corner a snake. If someone is bitten, contact local emergency services or poison control immediately.

Nearby counties