Page 5 - Arkansas Snake Guide

Arkansas Snake Guide
SPECIES FOUND IN THE NATURAL STATE

Snakes are among the least understood, yet one of INTRODUCTION
the most intriguing groups of animals. Since snakes lack
fur, feathers or legs, and aren’t warm-blooded, most
people find it difficult to relate to them. So, snakes
have been feared and maligned for millennia.
Among some cultures, snakes
represent evil, yet in others
they are respected as much
as other animals.
Snakes have adapted to
survive in a variety of habitats on all continents
– except Antarctica – and in the oceans. Of the
2,900 species found worldwide, 140 species live in
the United States. Arkansas is home to 36 species of
snakes, six of which are venomous.
Most species of Arkansas snakes
are found statewide or almost
statewide in their distribution.
However, a few are restricted
to specific regions such as the
Ozark Highlands or Ouachita
Mountains.

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