A Look at Iowa’s Venomous Snakes and Where to Find Them

No one likes to think about snakes, but they're out there. They perform an important role in keeping the populations of mice, squirrels, and other small animals in check. And when left alone, they are mostly harmless to humans. Mostly. Iowa is home to 28 different species of snakes. Five of those species are venomous. Chances are you'll never run into one. If you do, here is what to look for.

The first venomous snake in Iowa we'll look at is the Eastern copperhead. The Des Moines Register reports that these snakes are usually between 2 and 3 feet long. They feature orange dorsal scales with darker scales across the body. The venom of the Eastern Copperhead uses hemotoxin that destroys red blood cells. The Register reports that this can cause inflammation, disrupt clotting, and tissue damage. The good news? Eastern copperhead snakes are unlikely to attack and are very unlikely to inject anywhere close to a lethal dose of venom. They are also extremely rare in Iowa, found only in the far southeast corner of the state.

The next venomous snake in Iowa is the Timber rattlesnake. The Register reports that these snakes can grow up to 6 feet in length. They have yellow-gray or brown scales with thin black bands that cross their back. The tail is solid black with a tan rattle. Timber rattlesnake venom can be hemotoxic, neurotoxic, or both. The Register reports that neurotoxins disrupt the firing of nerve impulses, which can lead to paralysis, choking, or death. Timber rattlesnakes can be found near bluffs or rocky outcroppings in the southern third of Iowa.

The Prairie rattlesnake is not quite as big as the Timber rattlesnake with a length averaging around 4 feet. They have a very similar color and pattern as Timber rattlesnakes, according to the Register. The easiest way to tell them apart is the tail, which has rings instead of being solid black. Their venom is the same as the Timber rattlesnake. There is only one known population of Prairie rattlesnake in Iowa, located in Plymouth County.

The next venomous snake to call Iowa home is the Eastern Massasauga. The Register reports that these snakes are on the smaller side, ranging between 1 to 3 feet in length. They are usually gray or grayish brown with dark mid-dorsal blotches often outlined in white. They have a small, dark rattle. The Register reports that the venom of the Eastern Massasauga is cytotoxic which means that it destroys cells. There is swelling and inflammation at the bite along with tissue death. With small fangs, they aren't able to inject enough venom to kill an adult. But children and adults with health conditions could be another story.

The Western Massasauga is nearly identical to the Eastern Massasauga. But the Register reports that they have a more dusky gray or smoky appearance. Their venom is also the same. They are very rare and can be found in the extreme southwest corner of Iowa.

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