Common Snake Species in Little Rock

Eastern Racer: Also known as the Coluber constrictor, the eastern racer is a non-venomous, exceptionally fast type of snake you can encounter in Arkansas. It typically grows up to 60 inches (150 cm) in length and is usually one solid color (rather than multiple shades), like black or brown. It’s a largely diurnal serpent, and its diet primarily consists of small rodents, lizards, and any other creature it can overpower.





Northern Scarlet Snake: Scientifically referred to as the Cemophora coccinea copei, the northern scarlet snake is a small type of serpent, usually only measuring 20 inches (or roughly 50 cm) in length. It’s a secretive, burrowing snake that spends most of its time hidden, usually only emerging to capture prey (e.g. small lizards and rodents). Its body is usually white or gray and speckled with reddish blotches.





Speckled Kingsnake: Or Lampropeltis holbrooki, by its official name. The speckled kingsnake is a fairly long serpent, usually growing to roughly 50 inches (or around 120 cm). True to its name, its body is mainly black and marked by bright yellow specks, which make it easily recognizable. It tends to issue a rattling noise when threatened, hoping to imitate a venomous rattlesnake. The speckled kingsnake usually dwells in wet areas, like swamps, and feeds on small mammals and rodents. Its docile nature makes it a quite common pet.



Rough Green Snake: The rough green snake (or the Opheodrys aestivus) is true to its name, usually easily distinguished by its bright green color, and usually has a yellowish belly. It’s a fairly big snake, growing up to 45 inches (115 cm), but is remarkably thin, which makes it difficult to see in the grass. It’s a highly docile serpent, which makes it one of the easiest snakes to approach. It’s an excellent climber and can often be found in trees, usually near water. Its diet usually consists of insects, snails, and small frogs.

Venomous Snake Species in Little Rock

Copperhead: Officially referred to as the Agkistrodon contortrix, the copperhead is a type of pit viper that typically grows up to 37 inches (or roughly 90 cm in length). It is distinguished by its head, which is usually broader than the body, and by its earthy color palette. The copperhead is marked by 10 - 18 crossbands that resemble an hourglass in shape, and are slightly darker than the body. Its eyes are elliptical, and its diet consists mainly of small rodents. It usually lives in forested areas.



Cottonmouth: Also known as the Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma or the water moccasin, the cottonmouth is a fairly small specimen of the Viperidae family. An adult typically doesn’t grow over 27 inches in length (around 70 cm). Its color tends toward a dark gray or brown and darkens with age, making old cottonmouths appear entirely black. Depending on the darkness of the color, some crossbands may or may not be visible. It gapes its mouth wide when startled, and tends to live near water (e.g. swamps, drainage ditches, lakes).