Good Snakes -vs- Bad Snakes

​For starters, there are no bad snakes. A very small percentage have the ability to injure humans and pets, but the majority are beneficial to have around. They all have their place in nature.
Education and identification are the key to living with snakes. There are 46 species of snakes in Oklahoma, but if you lump the rattlesnakes together, there are only three snakes to be concern with: Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and in a limited portion of the state, Cottonmouths.
One of the best snakes to have around is the Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki). 

​They are extremely common in Oklahoma and you are very likely to encounter one.
In addition to their striking speckled color, they have a very unique redeeming characteristic. Their diet is almost completely based on eating other snakes, and their favorite meal is a Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)! They are immune to the Copperhead's venom and eat them every chance they get. As you can see in the picture below, they wrap them up and kill them by constriction before swallowing them whole! 

The next time you see a black and yellow speckled snake in your yard, consider letting him stay. He might very well protect you from a less pleasant encounter with a Copperhead!
Got an unwanted snake on your property, or just need help identifying one, contact Predator Impact. There is never a cost for consultation and we are always eager to help!

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Mark Runnels
Predator Impact
(918) 397-4091