By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The bad news, at least for some, is that snakes are coming out of hibernation. The good news: only four types of venomous snakes are native to Kansas. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf said that number is further reduced when it comes to Barton County and Cheyenne Bottoms.
"In this part of the state, really the only venomous snakes that we have are the Massasauga rattlesnakes," he said. "We could technically have prairie rattlesnakes as well, but they're a little bit more common east of here. I think there've only been a couple records of prairie rattlesnakes in Barton County in history."
The other two venomous species - the timber rattler and the copperhead - can be found further east in Kansas. Contrary to popular belief, Wolf said there are no cottonmouths in central Kansas. Only seven water moccasins have ever been found in the state, all in the extreme southeast corner.
Western Massasuaga's are the smallest of the rattlesnakes found in Kansas. They range in length from 18 to 30 inches, are characterized by a small pit on each side of the head, and have nine large scales on top of the head. They do have rattles but can be difficult to detect.
"Because they are relatively small, oftentimes if the wind is blowing or if there are other noises, that rattle can be awfully difficult to hear," Wolf said. "Sometimes, they don't rattle, so it's not like it's automatic that you're going to hear it."
There have been 124 documented massasauga occurrences in Barton County, 62 in Ellsworth County, and 56 in Russell County. Those numbers are, by far, the highest in Kansas.
"We see them every year," said Wolf. "With the spring coming and the warmer temperatures, they're coming out of hibernation and becoming more active this time of year. On these warm, sunny days, it's possible to see them out and about. Care just needs to be taken if you ever come across one."