Oklahoma is home to a rich diversity of snakes. With nearly 50 distinct species, this number includes both harmless and venomous varieties. This extensive serpent population is a direct result of Oklahoma’s unique geographical placement, sitting at the intersection of several major ecological zones.
The Diverse Serpent Population of Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s 46 to 49 native snake species thrive due to its varied geography, which acts as a transition zone between eastern and western North American habitats. The state’s landscape includes eastern deciduous forests, western plains, arid grasslands, and cypress swamps, providing a wide array of biomes for different species to thrive in. The climate also contributes significantly to this species richness, offering warm summers and mild enough winters for a large number of cold-blooded reptiles to maintain stable populations. About 84% of the native snakes in Oklahoma are non-venomous. Distribution patterns show that certain species are confined to specific regions, such as the eastern half for some forest-dwelling snakes, while others, like the bullsnake, are widespread across the prairies and woodlands.
Identifying Oklahoma’s Venomous Species
All seven venomous snake species in Oklahoma belong to the family Viperidae, commonly known as pit vipers, and can be grouped into rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths. These snakes share several identifying features, including a noticeably wider head than the neck, giving it a somewhat triangular appearance. They also possess a heat-sensing pit located between the nostril and the eye, and have elliptical pupils resembling a cat’s eye.
Rattlesnakes are the most recognizable of the venomous snakes, with five species found in Oklahoma, including the Western Diamondback and the Timber Rattlesnake. The Western Diamondback is characterized by interlocking diamond shapes along its back and alternating dark and light bands on its tail. The Timber Rattlesnake can appear gray with black bands and an orange stripe, or gold with a black tail. All rattlesnakes possess a rattle segment on the tail.
Copperheads are medium-sized snakes, typically one to three feet long, distinguished by their hourglass-shaped, chestnut-colored bands that wrap around the body. The copper or reddish-brown coloration is a key identification feature.
The Cottonmouth, also known as the Water Moccasin, is primarily found in aquatic habitats across eastern and southeastern Oklahoma. While young cottonmouths have distinct dark bands, adults often become uniformly dark. The white lining of the mouth gives the snake its common name when it displays a defensive open-mouth posture. Unlike non-venomous water snakes that may have similar coloring, the cottonmouth typically has a dark band running on the side of its face, under the eye, and tends to swim with its body floating on the water’s surface.
Common Non-Venomous Snakes and Their Ecological Role
Non-venomous snakes constitute the large majority of Oklahoma’s serpent population, offering significant benefits to the local ecology, particularly through pest control. The Western Rat Snake is an excellent climber and plays a vital role in keeping rodent populations in check. These snakes have a reddish-brown to brown coloring with dark blotches along the spine.
King Snakes, such as the Speckled Kingsnake, are found nearly statewide and are well-known predators of other snakes, including venomous species like rattlesnakes, to whose venom they are immune. The Speckled Kingsnake has a salt-and-pepper pattern and is a constrictor that also feeds on lizards and rodents.
Garter Snakes, like the Common Gartersnake, are highly adaptable and are often found near water, where they feed on minnows and amphibians. They are characterized by stripes running down the length of their bodies. Hognose Snakes, named for their distinctive upturned snout, are specialized toad hunters that employ a dramatic defensive display, flattening their heads and playing dead, though they are completely harmless to humans.
Safe Encounters and Coexistence Strategies
Coexisting safely with Oklahoma’s diverse snake population requires preventative measures and a calm response to encounters. To discourage snakes around a home, it is important to keep the landscape well-maintained by mowing the lawn short and removing clutter like piles of rocks, wood, and yard debris, which serve as hiding places. Sealing cracks, gaps, or openings in foundations and buildings also prevents snakes from seeking shelter indoors.
When outdoors, especially in brushy or rocky areas, wearing appropriate protection like snake boots or gaiters can reduce risk. Paying close attention to where hands and feet are placed and avoiding reaching into unseen areas are simple but effective preventative actions. A useful strategy is to use a long stick to poke the ground ahead when moving through tall grass to encourage any hidden snakes to move away.
If a snake is encountered, remain calm and slowly back away, maintaining a distance of at least ten feet. Never attempt to touch, handle, or kill a snake, as many bites occur during these interactions.
If a snake bite occurs, seek medical attention without delay. Keep the bitten limb still and below the heart level, and remove any constricting items like jewelry or tight clothing before swelling begins. It is crucial to avoid outdated methods like applying a tourniquet, cutting the wound, or attempting to suck out the venom.