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  The range of the bull
snake is nearly a perfect match with the grasslands that
comprise the prairies and plains. The bull snake has a
maximum length of nearly 9 feet, which makes it one of
the largest snakes in North America. Bull snakes have a
beautiful pattern of black blotches on a yellowish-brown
background. A good identification mark is the black line
between the eye and corner of the jaw. When confronted,
bull snakes hiss loudly and vibrate their tails, which
imitates the sound of a rattlesnake's rattle. |
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 The prairie rattlesnake
is among the most endangered of all organisms in Iowa.
Only one population is known, and it continues to survive
in prairies of the northern Loess Hills. According to
historical accounts, prairie rattlesnakes were once
frequent across Iowa's prairie. Loss of prairie habitats
and the intentional destruction of rattlesnakes by humans
have nearly eliminated them. These snakes are a good
example of prairie obligate, a species that needs large
tracks of prairie to survive. |
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 The basic pattern of all
milk snakes includes a combination of three colors:
black, red or brown, and yellow or white. The red milk
snake has red blotches rimmed with black set on a white
background. The red blotches extend from the top down
onto the sides of the snake. In Iowa, it is a rare
species usually found in woodlands. Red milk snakes feed
mostly on rodents and other small snakes. Their name
comes from their fondness for living in milk barns, where
they provide beneficial control of mice. |
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 The basic pattern of all
milk snakes includes a combination of three colors:
black, red or brown, and yellow or white. The red milk
snake has red blotches rimmed with black set on a white
background. The red blotches extend from the top down
onto the sides of the snake. In Iowa, it is a rare
species usually found in woodlands. Red milk snakes feed
mostly on rodents and other small snakes. Their name
comes from their fondness for living in milk barns, where
they provide beneficial control of mice. |
Return to Loess Hills Safari Menu
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