When the weather warms up in Kentucky, everyone enjoys spending more time outside. The same can be said for animals, and yes, that includes snakes. Snakes rank right up there with bees and sharks as widely misunderstood animals that many people are afraid of, and yet probably shouldn’t be. While most snakes throughout the Bluegrass are completely harmless, there are a few types of venomous snakes in Kentucky to watch for and they’re emerging from their dens now as we approach the summer months.
Kentucky is an outdoor lover’s dream come true with so many beautiful and diverse places to explore.
Flickr/Lynn Dieter And of course, with the outdoors, comes wildlife and some animals are more lovable than others. While many may be more frightened by coming across a snake on a hiking trail than a squirrel, it’s important to remember that these slithering creatures deserve our respect, too.
Whether in your backyard or while hiking in the woods, there is a chance you may come across a snake in Kentucky.
Flickr/WhatsAllThisThen The good news is, most of the snakes in the Bluegrass are not venomous, such as the black rat snake shown above.
There are dozens of non-venomous snakes throughout Kentucky, but there are also four venomous species to be aware of.
Flickr/Anthony The Copperhead, shown above, is generally reddish-brown to brown and can resemble many non-venomous snakes. It can be found all over the state, so be on the lookout as the weather warms up and they head out in search of food.
The Western Cottonmouth, found in the western corner of Kentucky, is another venomous snake that can be found in our state.
Flickr/Peter Paplanus They are usually dark in color and can be found in or near water. Unlike the harmless water snakes, the Cottonmouth will often stand its ground when threatened and open its mouth, as in the photo above.
There are two varieties of rattlesnakes in Kentucky, the Timber Rattlesnake, shown below, as well as the Western Pigmy.
Flickr/Peter Paplanus The Timber Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Kentucky and can often be found in the forest. And of course, it’s known for its rattling tail when the snake becomes alarmed.
So when you’re out and about in Kentucky and come across a snake, how can you tell it’s venomous?
Flickr/Nathan Rupert One way is to look at its eyes (although you may not want to get that close!). A venomous snake has a vertical pupil, while a non-venomous snake’s pupils will be round.
These four varieties of venomous snakes in Kentucky can be found all over the state, so just be aware if you come across one.
Flickr/Anthony If you’re out in the wild, simply turn and go the other way. It’s more afraid of you. And if you find one in your home, call animal control to come and remove it so it can be safely returned to a better habitat.
The bottom line is, you should not stay home just to avoid venomous snakes in Kentucky. Yes, there are a few species to be aware of in our state, but you’re not likely to see one and if you do, leave it alone in the wild or call animal control if you find one in your home. Are you afraid of snakes? Have you ever seen venomous snakes in Kentucky? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Flickr/Lynn Dieter
And of course, with the outdoors, comes wildlife and some animals are more lovable than others. While many may be more frightened by coming across a snake on a hiking trail than a squirrel, it’s important to remember that these slithering creatures deserve our respect, too.
Flickr/WhatsAllThisThen
The good news is, most of the snakes in the Bluegrass are not venomous, such as the black rat snake shown above.
Flickr/Anthony
The Copperhead, shown above, is generally reddish-brown to brown and can resemble many non-venomous snakes. It can be found all over the state, so be on the lookout as the weather warms up and they head out in search of food.
Flickr/Peter Paplanus
They are usually dark in color and can be found in or near water. Unlike the harmless water snakes, the Cottonmouth will often stand its ground when threatened and open its mouth, as in the photo above.
The Timber Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Kentucky and can often be found in the forest. And of course, it’s known for its rattling tail when the snake becomes alarmed.
Flickr/Nathan Rupert
One way is to look at its eyes (although you may not want to get that close!). A venomous snake has a vertical pupil, while a non-venomous snake’s pupils will be round.
If you’re out in the wild, simply turn and go the other way. It’s more afraid of you. And if you find one in your home, call animal control to come and remove it so it can be safely returned to a better habitat.
For more information on snakes in Kentucky, check out the Kentucky Snakes book from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
And if you love learning about wildlife in Kentucky, check out this spot where you can get up close and personal with all sorts of animals without leaving your car.
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