© 2024 KRCU Public Radio
90.9 Cape Girardeau | 88.9-HD Ste. Genevieve | 88.7 Poplar Bluff
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Every week there are new marvels to look for in the outdoors, and Discover Nature highlights these attractions. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Josh Hartwig brings us the stories of river otters, luna moths, red buds, and other actors as they take center stage in nature’s theater.You can hear Discover Nature, Mondays at 7:42 a.m. and 5:18 p.m.

Discover Nature: Timber Rattlesnakes

Missouri Department of Conservation.
/
KRCU
A timber rattlesnake

September 27 - October 3

Discover nature this week as timber rattlesnakes enter hibernation.

Missouri’s largest venomous snake, the Timber Rattlesnake, can be found statewide in the wild, but this is no reason to hide away indoors. Though the Timber Rattlesnake is dangerously venomous, there are few cases of rattlesnake bites in this state, because the snakes prefer to be left alone. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, there have been no recorded deaths caused by venomous snake bites in the state of Missouri and almost all snake bites in Missouri are cases in which was the snake was being handled or felt threatened.

Even so, it’s important for those who spend time in Missouri’s outdoors to learn to identify venomous snakes. Photos, descriptions and maps to help identify the size, color and distribution of these snakes can be found online at MDC.mo.gov.

A Timber Rattlesnake can be anywhere from 36 to 60 inches long, and will live on rocky, wooded hillsides. They’re generally grey or yellowish-tan, and have dark brown markings along the back that change from blotches on the neck to bands near the tail. Often, a dark line extends from the eye along the angle of the jaw, and there is a rust-colored stripe down the back.

Few Missourians realize the benefit these snakes provide by keeping rodent populations in check. Another fact you might not know is that all snakes native to Missouri are protected. The Wildlife Code of Missouri treats snakes, lizards and most turtles as nongame, meaning that unless a person is directly threatened by the animal, it is unlawful to kill them.

So instead of avoiding the outdoors for fear of snakes, arm yourself with information at MDC.mo.gov and learn to identify our state’s venomous snakes.

Candice Davis is the former host of Discover Nature on KRCU. Her goal is to help people to discover nature and learn to appreciate the many outdoor opportunities Missouri has to offer. Candice knows that people who spend time in the outdoors are generally less stressed, more thankful, healthier and more successful in life. Children who spend time outdoors have better grades and are more physically active. It’s Candice’s goal to inspire Missourians to discover nature in their everyday lives through stories of butterflies, elk, tupelo trees, alligator gar and other marvels of nature on KRCU’s Discover Nature program.
Related Content