1. Pupil of eye round 2. No pit between eye and nostril 3. All teeth of upper jaw approximately same size 4. Scales on underside of tail in a double row
Key To Kansas Poisonous Snakes
I. No rattle or button on end of tail. 1. Color pink-brown to red-brown with 10-20 light-edged crossbands on body, narrow on top and wider at lower side. Dark spot coinciding with and between each crossband at lower edge of side. Top of head copper-colored—COPPERHEAD, ([page 7]). 2. Always in vicinity of water. Pattern generally obscured by dark grey or black. If pattern is obvious, crossbands not narrow on mid-back and top of head not copper-colored (Note: extremely restricted range in Kansas)—COTTONMOUTH ([page 7]). II. End of tail provided with a button or rattles. 1. Top of head provided with paired plates, (see [diagram]), dark colored, small size, MASSASAUGA ([page 10]). 2. Top of head covered with numerous small scales; no paired plates. (a) tail pattern alternating black and chalk white bands—WESTERN DIAMOND-BACK RATTLER ([page 10]). (b) tail pattern same as rest of body—PRAIRIE RATTLER ([page 11]). (c) tail entirely velvety black—TIMBER RATTLER ([page 11]).
TAIL TIPS
TAIL TIPS NONE BUTTON RATTLE HEAD MASSASAUGA OTHER RATTLERS TAILS OF RATTLERS WESTERN DIAMOND-BACK TIMBER PRAIRIE
COPPERHEAD (Agkistrodon contortrix). Length usually 2-3 feet. Common where it occurs, the copperhead is probably the most abundant poisonous snake in eastern Kansas. It is most frequently found in the vicinity of rocky ledges in oak-hickory-walnut woods, but it ranges widely, so that individuals may be found in almost any habitat during summer months. Although generally nocturnal during most of its active season, its habit of lying in the open during the daytime among dried leaves in patches of sunlight and shadow causes the pattern to blend perfectly with the background. Any hiker through this habitat should be alert. Because of the rather small size, usually inoffensive disposition, and the low toxicity of its venom this snake should be placed on the non-fatal list for adults. Elderly persons, those in poor health, or small children could find the copperhead bite fatal, however.
