Revised June 2003

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Contents

• Biology and habits
• Habitat
• Poisonous snakes of Missouri
• Identification of poisonous snakes
• Other features may help you identify a poisonous snake at a distance
• Snake bites
• Beneficial aspects of snakes
• Controlling snake problems
• Removal from inside buildings
• Other sources of information
• Outdoor prevention and control tips
• Indoor prevention and control tips

Poisonous snakes of Missouri

• Copperhead
• Massasauga rattlesnake
• Timber rattlesnake
• Western cottonmouth
• Western pygmy rattlesnake

Related pages

• G9442 Controlling House Mice
• Owner may protect property, Missouri Wildlife Code, Section 3CSR10-4.130

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Snakes: Information for Missouri Homeowners

Massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)

Poisonous snakes of Missouri

Massasauga rattlesnake photo by Tom R. Johnson, herpetologist, Missouri Department of Conservation.

The massasauga rattlesnake is found in the northern half of the state. Adults range in length from 18 to 26 inches. It lives in marshy areas or wet prairies and may take shelter in burrows of crayfish or other animals. Rodents are its main food source. In Missouri, females produce a litter every other year. Litter size is four to 10, born during August or September. Larger females tend to have the greater number of young. Although this species has very toxic venom, there are few records of human deaths caused by this small rattlesnake. Massasaugas have become rare in Missouri because of habitat destruction and are on the state's endangered species list.

G9450, revised June 2003