Speckled kingsnakes live in prairies, farm fields, wooded hillsides, and the edges of forests and marshes. For more on this spotted serpent, slither over to mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.
Speckled Kingsnake
Shy Guys and Gals
Shy and secretive, speckled kingsnakes hide under rocks and logs or in abandoned animal burrows.
Pest Patrol
Kingsnakes eat rodents, eggs, small birds, and other snakes — even venomous ones like copperheads
and rattlesnakes.
All Hail the King
Speckled kingsnakes aren’t affected by the venom of Missouri’s cottonmouths, copperheads, and rattlesnakes.
Heavy Huggers
To subdue prey, kingsnakes coil around it and squeeeeeze until the meal quits breathing or its heart stops.
Eggstra Snakes
In June and July, mama kingsnakes lay eggs in rotten logs, sawdust piles, and animal burrows. The babies hatch in August or September.
Also In This Issue
Some creatures dine where the sun doesn’t shine. Here’s what’s on the menu.
Join a spunky little bird on an epic adventure.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Les Fortenberry
Art Director – Cliff White
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Laura Scheuler
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber