What kind of snake is that? Ten of the more common you'll likely see in Mississippi

Brian Broom, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
Updated ·4 min read

World Snake Day is July 16, but at The Clarion-Ledger, we're having Snake Week. After all, sharks have their own week, so why not snakes? From July 15-19, The Clarion-Ledger will publish a snake-related story online each day. Some will be new and some will be reader favorites from our archives.

What kind of snake is that? It's a question that is likely asked a lot in Mississippi. Not only do we have dozens of species, snakes are found in practically every environment in the state.

And love them or hate them, they all have an important place in nature.

"We have 55 different kinds of snakes," said Colt Mooney, wildlife biologist with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. "That's not different species, but different kinds. Some are subspecies."

With that many different types of snakes, it's a very diverse group. They feed on everything, including fish, rodents and each other. Mooney said that helps keep populations of prey in check. It also helps weed out the sick and weak, which reduces disease in the wild and improves genetics.

"Each animal plays a specific role in its ecosystem," Mooney said. "The more diversity you have, the more stable the ecosystem is."

Of the 55 types of snakes in Mississippi, six are venomous and cause some people to avoid the outdoors at times. Mooney said there simple precautions to take that will reduce the odds of a snakebite to almost nothing.

How to avoid a venomous snakebite

  • Don't intentionally kill snakes.

  • Don't harass snakes.

  • Watch where you put your hands.

  • Wear boots.

"If you do those things, the odds of getting a bite are less than winning the Powerball," Mooney said.

What kind of snake is that?

With so many snakes on the landscape, it can be difficult to tell which is which. Also, due to the secretive nature of some as well as the habitats some live in, there are species you may never see.

So, below are 10 of the snakes you're more likely to come across in Mississippi along with descriptions from Herpedia.com and Snake Snap.

There's a World Snake Day? Yes, and here's where you can celebrate it

Gray ratsnake

The harmless gray ratsnake is abundant in Mississippi and is one of the largest snake varieties in the state. This one measures over 6.5 feet long.
The harmless gray ratsnake is abundant in Mississippi and is one of the largest snake varieties in the state. This one measures over 6.5 feet long.

Gray ratsnakes grow to about 6 feet and are one of the most commonly encountered snakes in the state. They are excellent climbers and can be found just about anywhere including barns and sheds. Their diet includes rodents, birds and eggs.

Cottonmouth

Cottonmouth snakes get their name from the warning maw they flash when threatened.
Cottonmouth snakes get their name from the warning maw they flash when threatened.
Juvenile cottonmouths like this example are brighter in color than adults and are often mistaken for copperheads.
Juvenile cottonmouths like this example are brighter in color than adults and are often mistaken for copperheads.

Cottonmouths are venomous, heavy-bodied snakes. Their heads are distinctly larger than their relatively narrow necks. Juveniles are more of a copper color with yellow tails and often confused with copperheads. They are generally found near lakes, rivers and marshy areas. They primarily eat fish and frogs, but will prey on other animals including snakes.

Diamondback watersnake

The harmless diamondback watersnake is often misidentified as a venomous cottonmouth.
The harmless diamondback watersnake is often misidentified as a venomous cottonmouth.

Diamondback watersnakes have a net-like pattern on their backs and grow to about 4 feet. They prefer slow-moving bodies of water along with ponds and lakes. Their diet includes mostly fish and amphibians.

Yellow-bellied watersnake

The yellow-bellied watersnake is another type of snake that is harmless, but often confused with the cottonmouth.
The yellow-bellied watersnake is another type of snake that is harmless, but often confused with the cottonmouth.

Yellow-bellied watersnakes have gray or grayish-brown backs and yellow bellies. They prefer swamps, marshes, ponds and other quiet waters, but will travel long distances over land to find new territory. They eat tadpoles, frogs and fish.

More: Copperheads smell like cucumbers, don't they? Ten myths about snakes explained

Copperhead

Copperhead snakes are identifiable by the hourglass markings that drape over their backs.
Copperhead snakes are identifiable by the hourglass markings that drape over their backs.

Venomous copperheads, like the gray ratsnake, are among the most common snakes in Mississippi. They grow up to 4 feet or so. They are generally encountered in wooded areas or edges of swamps. They feed on lizards, frogs, rodents and insects such as cicadas.

Speckled kingsnake

Speckled kingsnakes are commonly found in Mississippi and are strikingly beautiful with white dots on glossy black scales.
Speckled kingsnakes are commonly found in Mississippi and are strikingly beautiful with white dots on glossy black scales.

Speckled kingsnakes typically grow to 4 feet, but can get longer. They can be found in marshes and along bodies of water, but can also be found in fields and woodlands. They're known to eat frogs, lizards, birds and rodents, but are particularly known for eating other snakes including venomous snakes.

From beautiful to freakish: Here are 4 of the most bizarre snakes found in Mississippi

Black racer

Black racers are a common species in Mississippi and get their name for being speedy with the ability to crawl at about 4 miles per hour for short distances.
Black racers are a common species in Mississippi and get their name for being speedy with the ability to crawl at about 4 miles per hour for short distances.
Juvenile black racers look surprisingly different than adults, but turn black as they mature.
Juvenile black racers look surprisingly different than adults, but turn black as they mature.

Black racers can grow to about 4-1/2 feet and are slender, quick snakes. They can be found in wooded, brushy areas, but also more open areas. Their diet includes a variety of prey including lizards, birds, rodents and other snakes.

Dekay's brownsnake

Dekay's brownsnakes are on the smaller side with adults measuring about 10 inches to 16 inches.
Dekay's brownsnakes are on the smaller side with adults measuring about 10 inches to 16 inches.

Dekay's brownsnakes, also known as midland brownsnakes, are found in fields, woodlands and backyards. They grow to about 12 inches and primarily eat earthworms and slugs.

Eastern ribbon snake

Ribbon snakes are among the commonly seen snakes in Mississippi.
Ribbon snakes are among the commonly seen snakes in Mississippi.

Eastern ribbon snakes are thin-bodied and can grow to almost 3 feet. They prefer to spend their time near ponds and creeks and wetland areas. They primarily eat small fish, tadpoles, small frogs and other animals that live in or near water.

Eastern garter snake

The eastern garter snake grows to about 18 inches to 26 inches. Their patterns can vary. They can be found in many environments including urban and suburban areas. They typically eat frogs and toads, but will eat almost anything they can overpower.

— Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Here are 10 of the more commonly seen snakes in MS

  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next
  • Up next