Prairie Kingsnake (Prairie King Snake)
A medium-sized snake, common over most of the state. The overall color is tan, brownish gray, or greenish gray. Numerous dark blotches down the back and sides are brown, reddish, or greenish brown. The belly is yellowish tan, covered by blocky brown markings. Usually, the top of the head has a backward-pointing arrowhead-shaped marking. Older individuals often have a darkened ground color, especially in the southern half of the state. When alarmed, a prairie kingsnake will vibrate its tail; if captured, it may try to bite to defend itself. Its bite is harmless.
Young or newly hatched prairie kingsnakes often are confused with the venomous copperhead. Kingsnakes have round markings on their backs, while copperheads have hourglass-shaped markings.