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How to spot dangerous snakes slithering in Missouri & what to do if they bite

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Missouri is home to 43 snake species, including 27 varieties in the Kansas City area. Common species like the Western Ratsnake contribute to the state's ecological balance. Two venomous species, the Eastern Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake, are known to inhabit Kansas City.

And these snakes are known to slither into unexpected areas like car engines. Learn more by reading these stories.

NO. 1: WHICH KANSAS CITY SNAKES ARE DANGEROUS? WHAT A MISSOURI HERPETOLOGIST WANTS YOU TO KNOW

Missouri is home to 43 different types of snakes, with around 27 varieties found in the Kansas City area. Here’s what know if you see one next time you’re gardening or hiking. | Published June 6, 2023 | Read Full Story by Natalie Wallington

NO. 2: HOW TO IDENTIFY A COPPERHEAD IN MISSOURI AND WHAT TO DO IF THIS VENOMOUS SNAKE BITES

Missouri is home to six venomous snakes, and the Eastern Copperhead is the most common. Here’s what to do in the rare event of a bite. | Published June 23, 2023 | Read Full Story by Natalie Wallington

The Western Ratsnake, also called the Black Snake or the Black Ratsnake, is the most common snake found in Missouri.

NO. 3: SPRING MEANS SNAKES IN THE MIDWEST. WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU ENCOUNTER ONE AROUND KANSAS CITY

As the weather warms, many snakes are out looking for a mate. But don’t worry — these long friends are mostly harmless. | Published March 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Natalie Wallington

A Missouri mother driving her son to baseball practice found an unexpected passenger nestled into the hood of her vehicle.

NO. 4: ‘SNEAKY PASSENGER’ POPS UP ON CAR AS MISSOURI MOM DRIVES SON TO PRACTICE. SEE IT

The creature nestled into the warmth of the vehicle, but poked its head out during the drive, Missouri conservation officials said. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kate Linderman

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.