Illinois Has 4 Venomous Snakes, Here’s What to Watch For

Summer in Illinois means camping, hiking, river tubing, and for some of us, sprinting in the opposite direction the second we hear a suspicious rustle in the grass. Yes, I know most snakes are harmless. Doesn’t matter. If it slithers, I’m out.

But for the sake of actual safety (and not just irrational snake terror), here’s what the Illinois Department of Natural Resources says about venomous snakes in our state.

How Many Venomous Snakes Are in Illinois?

Out of Illinois’ 40 native snake species, only four are venomous. That’s a small number, but still four too many if you ask me.

1. Eastern Copperhead

Found in southern Illinois, copperheads are 2 to 3 feet long with a copper-red head and hourglass-shaped markings. They like forests and river bluffs… aka, the exact places you’ll be hiking.

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2. Timber Rattlesnake

Mostly in southern and western Illinois, these can grow up to 5 feet long and come with a rattling tail. They have dark bands across their back and a rust-colored stripe. Hard pass.

READ MORE: 3 of Illinois' Most Snake-Infested Lakes

3. Northern Cottonmouth

These prefer wetlands in southern Illinois. They’re thick-bodied, dark-colored, and have that trademark “don’t mess with me” look. Message received.

4. Eastern Massasauga

Rare but found in prairie wetlands near Chicago and central Illinois. They’re smaller, with a gray body and distinct blotches, plus a rattle.

Want to Know the Harmless Ones?

Check out pjstar.com for the full list of non-venomous snakes you probably saw slithering past your tent, plus how to safely coexist with them while enjoying the outdoors.

READ MORE: Unveiling The Top 5 Fears In The U.S.