The sad news is that there are lots of snakes in Illinois. The list may include many popular names such as Kirtland’s Snake, Green Snakes, Racer Snakes, Milk Snakes, Rat Snakes, Ribbon Snakes, Water Snakes, King Snakes, Hognose Snakes, Ringneck Snakes, and Garter Snakes. However, the good news is that there are only four venomous snakes out of which three are limited to Southern Illinois region only, and only one Massassauga Rattlesnake is found in other areas of the state. If you are a resident of Illinois, it is good to collect few details about some of the most commonly spotted and venomous snakes of this area so that you can stay safe from their attack.



Venomous Snakes of Illinois:

1. Copperhead:
Copperhead snakes are often spotted in southern Illinois and River Valley areas. Most of the cases of a Peoria snake bite in the U.S are reported due to copperhead snakes because these snakes never give a signal for their attack. Their venom is highly potent and can cause sudden death of the person.

2. Peoria Water Moccasin:
This snake is commonly known by the name Cottonmouth due to the white lining inside its mouth. It also lives in the same area where copperhead snakes are often spotted, and they are very scary. These snakes are capable enough to swim fast and can threat prey by opening its wide white mouth.

3. Timber Rattler:
These Peoria snakes prefer to spend their most of time near river areas where they can find lots of food to eat. Although they do not like to bite humans, chances are more if you try to threaten them.

Common Snakes of Illinois:

1. Garter Snakes:
You can easily spot both striped garter and common garter snake in Illinois. They usually come in a variety of colors and patterns, but they can be identified from continues strips that run down through the length of the body. These snakes prefer to live on toads, frogs and other water-dwelling creatures. When they are threatened by humans, they prefer to release foul, musky smell but it doesn’t contain venom, so there is nothing to worry.

2. Ringneck Snakes:
There are generally three species under this category, and they all are spotted in different regions of Illinois. The list includes Mississippi Ringneck, Northern Ringneck, and Prairie Ringneck. These snakes are rarely spotted by humans due to their secretive nature. The common color variations for ringneck snakes can be orange, yellow and red; however, the color keeps on getting darker as they age.

3. Water Snake:
There are 6 different types of water snakes that can be found in Illinois. They are Northern Watersnake, Midland Watersnake, Diamondback Watersnake, Broad-Banded Watersnake, Copperbelly Watersnake and Yellow Belly Watersnake. As the name suggests, these snakes are very strong swimmers, and they prefer to attack earthworms, toads, frogs, slugs, salamanders, and snails.

4. Racer Snake:
They are often spotted in day hours when they come out in search of Peoria toads, rats, mice, frogs, and lizards in residential areas. They are low tempered snakes, so it is good to stay away from them.

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