Well, there is one exception to the law, and that's for snakes that "pose reasonable threat or endangerment to persons or property." NEXT: BABY COPPERHEADS: HOW TO IDENTIFY THEM AND HOW TO GET RID OF THEM. Also commonly called the Dekay’s Brown Snake, the Brown Snake is another small species of snake, rarely attaining more than a foot in length. We'd expect the laws to be strict in the Golden State, but if anything, they're some of the most lenient in the U.S. © 2020 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Get directions, Open daily 9am-5pm These guys are fairly common and harmless to humans (their only real defense is to secrete a foul musk that smells unpleasant). Both snakes are under Federal and State protections. Snakes are classified as non-game, but under Missouri's laws that just means that without a season, they can't be killed. It doesn't help that this info is hard to find on the Arizona Game and Fish website. Old Dominion isn't just for lovers, it's also for scaly serpents. (1980) found a density of 0.23 snake per hectare in Maryland, and Fitch (1963b) found 1 per hectare in Kansas. Mostly because California considers snakes game animals but puts its reptile regulations under the fishing regulations (for some odd reason). One of these is the federally protected Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. The Aloha state is a lot like Alaska in that there's nothing on the books against killing snakes because technically, there aren't supposed to be any snakes there. Texas is hardest state to vote in this election, experts say. Now, some of you are probably saying: "Hey, wait a minute, what about that giant rattlesnake killed there a few years ago?". Keeping this in mind will help you avoid an uncomfortable encounter with your local DNR officer. Juvenile Eastern Copperheads on the other hand look much like the adults, but with a bright yellow tail that is used like a fishing lure to attract prey such as small frogs and toads. More commonly known as the Black Rat Snake, this snake is Virginia’s longest native snake, capable of reaching up to 8 feet in length! The Volunteer State is one with rules that say in order to kill an animal, there must be a set season for them. Virginia is home to more than thirty species of snakes, but I’ve narrowed this post down to just a handful of species that are encountered most frequently around local homes and gardens. A few weeks after emerging, they begin to seek out mates. Fourteen counties allow for the disposal of Timber Rattlesnakes, but the Iowa DNR's website says that is only for snakes within 50 yards of an active residence. Black rat snakes have been known to live for almost 34 years in captivity, but their lifespan in the wild is unknown. Hi Michael, based on the size and description, I’m thinking eastern kingsnake. This state has four venomous species. The all black body makes it a fairly easy species to recognize. Anyone can kill a rattlesnake at any time in California, with one exception: the endangered red diamond rattlesnake. Many people can't stand the sight of a snake. To learn more about these snakes, and the other snake species of Virginia, come check out the Virginia Living Museum and see them up close! The Black Rat Snake ranks as the most wide ranging of the species. To put it briefly, it's illegal to kill a Mexican gartersnake, narrow-headed gartersnake, rock rattlesnake, twin-spotted rattlesnake, Massasauga rattlesnake and ridge-nosed rattlesnake in Arizona. Although they may be encountered in small groups, earth snakes are completely harmless and have never been known to bite even when handled (If necessary, these snakes can be safely picked up and relocated, but like any wild animal, one should avoid handling as much as possible). He was on top of a juniper bush. The most common venomous species you're likely to encounter here is the Prairie Rattlesnake and killing them is perfectly legal. It's legal to kill snakes, but you must have a hunting license. Old Dominion isn't just for lovers, it's also for scaly serpents. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology. Young black rat snakes, called hatchlings, are light gray with black blotches along the back.