Reptiles

I have a life policy of knowing about snakes, but staying away from places where I might run into the more dangerous ones. There is a little-known rattlesnake in Illinois that tends to be tiny, but don't let the size fool you. They pack a venomous deadly punch for those that cross them.

It's that time of year. Summer heat is at its zenith and suddenly you begin to see tiny baby snakes with yellow tails especially in Missouri. Beware that the yellow tail on these tiny creatures means they are potentially deadly for you.

If you told me that Missouri had one of the most snake-infested rivers in the country, I'd agree and say it was the Mississippi River, but I'd be very wrong. The most river with the most reptiles is in Missouri, but it's not the mighty Mississippi.

You can't blame the snake for trying. It's relatively harmless, but this Illinois snake pretends to be a deadly Cobra as a part of its own defensive strategy.

I did not know that Missouri had a snake that really is a comedian. It's the eastern hog-nosed snake that is truly harmless, but will pretend to be vicious before eventually pretending that it's dead.

This may sound confusing, but there is (and isn't) such a thing as a Missouri Cobra. One was caught recently showing you what they look like and why you shouldn't fear them even though I do.