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Great barbecue, the Wizard of Oz, rolling farm fields, and down home charm, there’s lots to love about Kansas but if you’re visiting the sunflower state you should first read up on some of its wilder residents. Kansas is home to several venomous snakes, including multiple rattlesnake species that deliver a powerful bite.

There are four varieties of the viper in Kansas — the Timber Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake, Sistrurus tergeminus, the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, and the Prairie Rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis.

While encounters aren’t common, and bites are rarely fatal, their venom can cause a severe reaction so it’s helpful to know the snakes’ habits and habitats. Rattlesnakes are found throughout Kansas but are more prevalent in areas where they can forage, hibernate, and breed in peace, such as secluded rocky outcrops, forested hills, and bluffs. Read on to discover where you’re most likely to share space with these serpents and how to protect yourself if you do meet one on the trails.

Fall River State Park

Fall River State Park near the Chautauqua Hills in southern Kansas is the perfect habitat for rattlesnakes thanks to its rocky outcrops, tall grasslands, and shady forests. The scenery also draws hikers, bikers, paddlers, and campers eager to explore the 1,107-acre preserve.

This area, known as the Cross Timbers region, is particularly popular with Timber Rattlesnakes, Kansas’ largest native rattlesnake that can grow to over 5 ft long. Chautauqua County has the highest occurrence of Timber Rattlesnake sightings in the state. If you’re visiting the area between April and October, stay on the assigned trails and keep an eye out for the vipers, as this is their active season. Don’t rely on hearing a warning rattle; the Timber Rattlesnake is very shy and may not make a noise until it’s stepped on.

Kanopolis State Park

Last year, biologists discovered a cluster of Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes at Kanopolis State Park in the Smoky Hills region. The snakes are particularly prevalent around Horseback Canyon and are now part of a wide-ranging study to determine why they are there, where they came from, and whether they are breeding.

Located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, Kanopolis State Park was the first established state park in Kansas and includes Kanopolis Reservoir, the Smoky Hill Wildlife Area, and Faris Caves. If you spot a rattlesnake on your visit to the park, take a photo of the snake, mark your location, and report it to a park ranger.

Mushroom Rock State Park

Near Kanopolis State Park, you’ll find the intriguingly named Mushroom Rock State Park, which is also a favorite hangout for rattlesnakes as its unique geological rock formations give the serpents plenty of places to hide. The rocks loom out of the tall grass, another good hiding place for rattlers. At only 5 acres, this is one of the smallest state parks in Kansas but also one of the most unusual. Formed millions of years ago, its signature rocks served as landmarks for Native American tribes and early pioneers. There are two hiking trails at the park; both are around a mile long and open year-round.

Flint Hills

Nestled in eastern Kansas, the beautiful Flint Hills is a well-known haunt for Timber Rattlesnakes and Massasauga Rattlesnakes, Sistrurus tergeminus. The latter is the smallest rattlesnake in Kansas, growing to around 2.5ft.

Flint Hills is one of the largest areas of tallgrass prairie left in the Â鶹AV. One of the best places to admire its unique ecology is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve which stretches over 10,000 acres and has over 40 miles of trails as well as a resident bison herd. Visitors are warned to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, watching where they walk, and never putting their hands anywhere they can’t see. Sightings should be reported to park staff members.

Clinton Lake

Douglas County has the highest occurrence of timber rattlesnake sightings in the state, and many of those occur around Clinton Lake in the Clinton Wildlife Area and Clinton State Park. This large wetland area is an important habitat for many species, and visitors can see painted turtles, foxes, coyotes, white-tailed deer, bobcats, beaver, red-bellied woodpeckers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and American kestrels. There are eight trails around the lake to explore, as well as boat ramps, picnic areas, campsites, and a beach. Be especially mindful on trails around rocky bluffs, through tall grass, and in forested areas where there is leaf litter.

Cheyenne Bottoms

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is known as one of the best spots for birders in the state, thanks to its popularity with migrating species such as waterfowl, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, great blue heron, egrets, and many more. The wetlands aren’t just known for their birds however, they’re also packed with reptilian life and home to both Western Massasauga and Prairie Rattlesnakes, Crotalus viridis.

The 19,998-acre preserve forms part of a 41,000-acre land sink northeast of the town of Great Bend. Aside from birdwatching, fishing and camping are also available at the marshlands but it is a refuge for many diverse species so visitors are forbidden from littering, vehicle traffic is confined to designated roads, and the use of watercraft is restricted.

Be Snake Smart

Kansas is a great state to explore the outdoors, but while you’re enjoying the beautiful landscapes of this midwest state, don’t forget that you’re not the only one out there. Rattlesnakes like to bask in the sun when it’s warm, but they are also pretty shy and like to tuck themselves away in secluded spots. Never reach into wood piles, rocks, crevices, or other hidey holes without making sure they’re clear. If you’re camping or hiking in a rattlesnake habitat, be mindful of your surroundings. Keep pets on a leash, and wear long trousers and boots that cover your ankles.

If you do hear that telltale rattle, freeze, but don’t panic. Don’t move until you can locate the snake, then move away slowly, giving it plenty of room. Taking these common-sense precautions will help keep you safe on your vacation. We share our planet with many beautiful, fascinating, and, yes, sometimes dangerous creatures, but learning about them helps reduce risk so we can fully appreciate the gift of seeing them in the wild.