Latest news with #IllinoisDepartmentOfNaturalResources
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Don't reach under that log! See which venomous snakes to look out for in Illinois
Summer vacation typically involves plans of camping, hiking, tubing and more, meaning some Illinois residents may come face-to-face with creatures they're not used to – such as snakes. Though your instinct may be to fear them, very few of the state's native species are harmful, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. You just need to know how to correctly interact with and identify them while in their home territory. Here's a look at what snakes you might find around Illinois and what to do if you spot them. Are there venomous snakes in Illinois? Only four of Illinois' 40 native snake species are venomous, according to the IDNR. Here's what to look out for: Found throughout southern Illinois. Average length of 24 to 36 inches with a flattened head wider than its neck and ridged scales. The snake has a copper-red head, red-brown or yellow-brown body and hour-glass markings across the back when viewed from above. They prefer forests and river bluffs. Found mostly in southern and western regions of Illinois. Average length of 36-60 inches in length. A flat head much wider than the neck with a rattle at the tip of its tail and ridged scales. The body is gray, yellow or green-white with a series of dark bands along the back and a rust-colored stripe in the middle of the back. A dark bar may be found between the eye and jaw. Northern Cottonmouth: Found in swamps and wetlands in the southern tip of Illinois. Averages 30-42 inches in length with a flat head much wider than its neck. Ridged scales with plain black or brown coloring and little evidence of a pattern. Some have dim crossbands across the back. Found in prairie wetlands and river flood plains in the Chicago metro area, as well as parts of central Illinois. Average length of 18-30 inches with flat head much wider than its neck and ridged scales. The snake has a rattle at the tip of its tail, a row of dark blotches down its back and three rows of dark spots on the sides. The body is gray. Non-venomous snake species found in Illinois Here's a list of the remaining nonvenomous snake species found in Illinois: Scarletsnake North American Racer Coachwhip Prairie Kingsnake Eastern Kingsnake Milksnake Rough Greensnake Smooth Greensnake Great Plains Ratsnake Western Foxsnake Gray Ratsnake Eastern Foxsnake Gophersnake Flat-Headed Snake Common Wormsnake Western Wormsnake Ring-Necked Snake Red-Bellied Mudsnake Western Hog-Nosed Snake Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake Kirtland's Snake Mississippi Green Watersnake Plain-Bellied Watersnake Southern Watersnake Diamond-Backed Watersnake Common Watersnake Graham's Crayfish Snake Queensnake DeKay's Brownsnake Red-Bellied Snake Western Ribbonsnake Plains Gartersnake Eastern Ribbonsnake Common Gartersnake Lined Snake Smooth Earthsnake What to do if you see a snake The Illinois Poison Center and IDNR recommend avoiding the following actions if you find yourself in areas with snakes: Intentionally handling a snake Attempting to trap or feed a wild snake Touching a snake that appears dead (freshly killed snakes can bite) Stepping on a snake in the wild Reaching under or stepping over rocks or logs (look around before sitting) The two organizations recommend wearing leather boots in areas known to house venomous snakes. What to do if a snake bites you The IPC recommends the following actions if you are bitten by a snake: Immobilize the affected limb. Remove any jewelry such as rings, bracelets and watches. Do not apply ice or heat, tight tourniquet, electric shocks, conduct oral suctioning or make incisions to the bite area. Go to the nearest emergency department immediately. You can speak to toxicology experts through the IPC's helpline 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. Snakebite symptoms Here's a list of venomous snakebite symptoms, according to the IPC: Rapid progressive swelling Severe pain Redness on skin Broken blood vessel or bruised appearance Large blisters Bleeding Tissue ulceration Tingling of the mouth, hands and feet Drop in blood pressure or shock Respiratory failure Weakness and sweating Nausea and vomiting Are venomous snake bites deadly? Venomous snake bites are usually not deadly, but are painful and can cause swelling, nausea and the risk of infection, according to the IDNR. If you are bitten, go to a hospital for treatment immediately. Jenny Porter Tilley contributed to this article. This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Does Illinois have venomous snakes? What to do if you see one, get bit Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
IDNR to offer Coyote Track Workshop
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will host a 'Coyote Track' Workshop at the Kennekuk Education Center, Kennekuk County Park, Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. With its interactive visualization tool, the Coyote Track website centers around coyote ecology and behavior using data collected from radio-collared coyotes in urban and rural areas of Illinois. Several Chicago area urban coyotes and rural Illinois coyotes have been fitted with satellite tracking collars making it possible to monitor and analyze their movements and behavior over time. This presents a unique learning opportunity for students and the community to familiarize themselves with their mysterious four-legged community members. Using real data, this workshop will guide participants through the visualization data tool and standards-based lessons that support the unit. Participants will learn about how and why scientists are studying coyotes in Illinois, including learning about telemetry and how the information is gathered. The workshop is geared for teachers of Illinois high school and middle school students. Others may attend, but will need to adapt materials. Professional Development Hours are available. Kennekuk County Park is located at 22296 Henning Road. For more information, call 217-442-1691.
