![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Massasauga (pygmy) rattlesnakes were at one time common in northern Illinois, but due to destruction of their native habitat are now considered endangered in this state. Adults are not large, ranging from 45 to 75 cm (18 to 30 inches) in length. Its color pattern consists of a grey or tan groundcolor with a row of large rounded brown/black blotches or spots down the centre of the back and three smaller rows of alternating spots down each side.
The Western Foxsnake is common in northern Illinois. A young western fox snake is grayish-white with blackish blotches. As it matures and ages, it becomes tan with reddish-brown blotches. The male is larger than the female. The fox snake ranges from 36-60 inches in length.
Interesting fact: When a western fox snake is disturbed, it rapidly vibrates the tip of its tail. The vibration of the tail against the leaf litter can sometimes resemble the sound of a rattlesnake's rattle. Because of this, people sometimes confuse this gentle snake with a rattlesnake; however, it is not dangerous. It can, however, coil, raise its head, and possibly strike when cornered.
When one's feisty terrier-husky mix is barking and hopping around a small, coiled snake, light-colored with dark splotches, head raised to strike, one concentrates on getting said dog out of the way. One then calls the local animal control office, which is actually the local police department. The conservation officer then comes to your house, asks you what you saw, and assures you that he gets these calls all the time and the pygmy rattlesnakes he is asked to examine turn out to be Western foxsnakes.
The terrier-husky mix is resting comfortably. Dogmom is feeling much calmer than she was about eight hours ago.
The Western Foxsnake is common in northern Illinois. A young western fox snake is grayish-white with blackish blotches. As it matures and ages, it becomes tan with reddish-brown blotches. The male is larger than the female. The fox snake ranges from 36-60 inches in length.
Interesting fact: When a western fox snake is disturbed, it rapidly vibrates the tip of its tail. The vibration of the tail against the leaf litter can sometimes resemble the sound of a rattlesnake's rattle. Because of this, people sometimes confuse this gentle snake with a rattlesnake; however, it is not dangerous. It can, however, coil, raise its head, and possibly strike when cornered.
When one's feisty terrier-husky mix is barking and hopping around a small, coiled snake, light-colored with dark splotches, head raised to strike, one concentrates on getting said dog out of the way. One then calls the local animal control office, which is actually the local police department. The conservation officer then comes to your house, asks you what you saw, and assures you that he gets these calls all the time and the pygmy rattlesnakes he is asked to examine turn out to be Western foxsnakes.
The terrier-husky mix is resting comfortably. Dogmom is feeling much calmer than she was about eight hours ago.
