How long is the winter in Oklahoma?
The winter in Oklahoma is usually three months long. Winter usually settles in around Thanksgiving, in late November, and lasts until the end of February.
How cold does it get in Oklahoma in the winter?
The average temperature in winter is mid-40’s to low 50’s.
What is the coldest month in Oklahoma?
January is the coldest month with the temperature dipping below freezing during some nights.
When do snakes come out in Oklahoma?
Snakes come out in Oklahoma in April and are most active until October. When temperatures begin to rise in March and into April the snakes begin the process of coming out of their dens. Besides the change in weather that alerts the snakes hormonal changes get the snakes ready to mate in the spring.
Do snakes hibernate or brumate?
Snakes actually don’t hibernate like bears, they brumate which is similar but a little different. Snakes will go into a dormant state where they don’t need to consume as many calories but they are not completely asleep like bears and other mammals. They will come out on warmer days to bask in the sun and find water since they do need to replenish their water to avoid dehydration.
Are there really large snake dens?
Yes! Rattlesnakes will den together in large snake dens of hundreds of snakes! Western rattlesnakes will den together in large groups with an occasional western racer snake joining the group. Timber rattlesnakes will den in the same place year after year.
Do large groups of snakes travel together?
If you are imagining a herd of snakes slithering across Tulsa you will be disappointed. Although snakes may den together, when they come out the split up and spread out getting ready to find the best mating ground.
Do snakes fight each other?
During mating season rattlesnakes will fight each other if there are several males in one area and only one female. They may rise up and wrestle each other wrapping their bodies around each other to show dominance. Their goal is not to kill and eat the other snake it is all about winning the right to mate with the female. That is why they typically don’t bite during these altercations.
Where do you find snakes in Oklahoma?
Snakes are located in every county in Oklahoma. Some of the most dangerous snakes like the cottonmouths and copperheads are usually found in moist areas or wetlands. In southern and western Oklahoma you should be more aware when hiking near rocky ridges where snakes like to hide. Garter snakes, rat snakes and bull snakes may find their way into your backyard. But, if you keep your grass trimmed and clear any brush leaf piles they are less likely to stick around. When you are out hiking be sure to stick to the trail where you are less likely to startle a snake.
What kind of snakes live in Oklahoma?
There are 46 different snake species in Oklahoma. Garter snakes are the most common snakes in Oklahoma and one of the most common you may run into. They are very adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats.
What non-venomous snakes live in Oklahoma?
Garter snakesKingsnakesWater snakesBullsnakesRough green snakesHog-nosed snakesRat snakesRacers
What venomous snakes live in Oklahoma?
Northern Cottonmouths (Water Moccasin)CopperheadRattlesnakesTimber RattlesnakePrairie RattlesnakeWestern Diamondback RattlesnakeWestern MassasaugaWestern Pygmy Rattlesnake
How can you tell the difference between a venomous and non-venomous snake?
Cottonmouths, copperheads and rattlesnakes are all pit vipers so they have some common traits. Pit vipers all have small openings on their heads, pits, that are a heat-sensing organ. It helps them find prey. Pit vipers also have vertical pupils, similar to cats and they all have fangs. The fangs can fold up to the roof of their mouth and be ready in a split second if they need to defend themselves or snag a scurrying mouse. For rattlesnakes look for a triangle head and a rattle at the end of the tail. If you are comparing cottonmouths to other water snakes, cottonmouths are more thick bodied down to their tail and they swim on top of the water with their heads up.
How common are snake bites in Oklahoma?
People do get bit by snakes in Oklahoma. According to the Oklahoma Center for Poison & Drug Information there are around 300 bites each year. Both venomous and non-venomous snakes can bite, with the venomous ones requiring immediate medical attention. If you are not sure what kind of snake bit you, seek medical attention as a precaution. Sometimes venomous snake will deliver a “dry bite” where they bite but don’t release venom. Painful but not as serious.
Do people hunt snakes when snakes come out in Oklahoma?
Yes! Rattlesnake hunting season is March 1 – June 31 in Oklahoma. There is no daily limit! If you want to compete with other snake enthusiasts take your catches to the Apache Rattlesnake Festival in Apache, OK. They have contests for the most rattlesnakes caught and the largest. The main attraction however is an enormous pit of rattlesnakes! To plan your trip to the Rattlesnake festival for next year check out details here.
