Kansas
Snakes in Russell County
25 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Russell County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Western MassasaugaSistrurus tergeminusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Russell County
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Great Plains Ratsnake
Pantherophis emoryi
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Western Massasauga
Sistrurus tergeminus
Venomous
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Western Milksnake
Lampropeltis gentilis
Harmless
Lined Snake
Tropidoclonion lineatum
Harmless
Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis holbrooki
Harmless
Plains Garter Snake
Thamnophis radix
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Plains Black-headed Snake
Tantilla nigriceps
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Graham's Crawfish Snake
Regina grahamii
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximus
Harmless
Ground Snake
Sonora semiannulata
Harmless
Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Plains Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus
Harmless
Great Plains Ground Snake
Sonora episcopa
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Red Cornsnake
Pantherophis guttatus
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Russell County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Russell County, Kansas?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Russell County, Kansas, including Western Massasauga, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Russell County, Kansas, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Russell County, Kansas?
- 20+ snake species have verified records in Russell County, Kansas, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Russell County, Kansas?
- The Ring-necked Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Russell County, Kansas, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Russell 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.