Snake Identification

Have you found a snake inside your home or in your yard? Do not worry about the exact kind of snake, the goal is to write down length, size, markings and the shape of its eyes. This information can then be easily communicated to a professional. How long is the snake? Arms length? Leg length? How big is the snake? Is it as round as a dime, quarter or toilet paper tube? What markings are on the snake? What is the primary color? Does it have stripes or other shapes on its body? Are the pupils of its eyes round or vertical slits like a cat? Look for other obvious characteristics such as a rattle on the end if its tail. This information, provided to a conservation professional will help determine whether the snake is venomous or not. For example, the five kinds of venomous snakes that live in Missouri all have vertical slit eyes. However, one can't go by eyes alone, it depends on the kinds of snakes that frequent your region/state. Once you have identified the basics characteristics of the snake, call your local department of conservation.