(WKYT) – Thursday is World Snake Day, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is reminding the commonwealth about the wonders of its slithering inhabitants.
According to the department, Kentucky is home to 32 native snakes. Only four of those are venomous: the copperhead, timber rattlesnake, western cottonmouth and western pygmy rattlesnake.
Some of Kentucky’s non-venomous ones include the black king, northern pine, queen, corn and milk snakes.
Snakes are often among the most misunderstood animals on Earth but play an important role in the ecosystem by eating insects and rodents.
Sadly, due to habitat and environmental issues, some of the native snake populations are declining.
The department has a free digital booklet on native snakes available here.