5 Most Snake-Filled Bodies Of Water In Kansas

While Kansas isn’t as widely known for its snake population as it is for its abundance of sunflowers, its diverse habitats, from prairies and woodlands to wetlands, are home to both venomous and non-venomous snakes. There are over 42 different snake species in the state, including six venomous species: the timber rattlesnake, the western Massasauga rattlesnake, the western diamond-backed rattlesnake, the prairie rattlesnake, the copperhead, and the northern cottonmouth. Northern cottonmouths, also known as water moccasins, are considered semiaquatic, meaning they are comfortable on land and in the lakes, rivers, and creeks of the Sunflower State. These pit vipers have only been spotted in the far southeastern corner of the state in the Spring River drainage system. Still, certain rivers and water bodies are natural habitats for snakes due to their ecosystems, including in the five most snake-filled bodies of water in Kansas.

Arkansas River

The 1,469-mile Arkansas River begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas until it joins the Mississippi River in southeastern Arkansas. A 192-mile section of the river that runs through Kansas from Great Bend to the Kansas-Oklahoma border is a designated National Water Trail by the US National Park Service. One of the top 10 longest rivers in the US, the Arkansas River flows through the state’s largest city, Wichita, making it easily accessible for water sports enthusiasts who want to spend a day exploring the river by kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or pedalo.

The river is also the perfect habitat for a variety of snakes. Boaters taking advantage of the many river outfitters located near the Arkansas River, or the self-service kayak rentals offered by Wichita Park and Recreation, may encounter midland watersnakes, broad-banded watersnakes, or diamondback watersnakes in and around the river’s edge. The broad-banded watersnake doesn’t stray too far from the river’s edge, where it feeds on frogs and fish, and if threatened, may bite and emit a foul odor.

Chikaskia River

A tributary of the Arkansas River, the 159-mile Chikaskia River flows through southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma. The river is a popular fishing destination, primarily known for its flathead catfish, with some anglers reporting catching fish over 30 pounds. The Kansas state record for the largest flathead catfish caught is also the world record at 123 pounds.

The Chikaskia River is a preferred habitat of the checkered garter snake, which is listed as a threatened species by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The snake has been spotted in the nearby grasslands and hillsides, making its home west of the river. Checkered garter snakes are dark colored with three lighter-colored stripes along their backs, giving them a checkerboard appearance. They are venomous, but because they only grow between 18 and 33 inches long, the venom is not potent enough to be dangerous.

Kansas River

The state of Kansas gets its name from the Kansas River, affectionately known as the “Kaw,” which was named for the Kanza people who once inhabited the area. The Kansas River flows entirely within the Sunflower State, beginning near Junction City and ending in Kansas City (KCK), and is one of the state’s most popular rivers for canoeing, rowing, and fishing. Unlike many rivers in the state, the Kaw remains relatively free of dams and structures controlling the flow of water, so hundreds of acres of sandbars have formed in the river where boaters can pull ashore and observe wildlife, like North American river otters, pond sliders, river cooters, and snakes.

Several species of watersnakes swim in the Kansas River and bask on the banks along the shores, including the common garter snake, the eastern hognosed snake, the eastern racer, the northern watersnake, and the western rat snake. Of these snakes, the eastern hog-nosed snake is a species of concern in Kansas. If outdoor enthusiasts encounter the snake in or around water where it feeds primarily on toads, it is known to spread its hood, hiss, lunge, and then roll over and play dead. Thanks to their diet of fish and frogs, northern watersnakes are rarely far from the Kaw, where they are sometimes mistaken for northern cottonmouths with their dark brown bodies, dark crossbands, and blotches.

Ninnescah River

The Ninnescah River, stretching 56.4 miles, is another river that flows entirely within Kansas. The river has two branches, and the 9,500-acre Cheney Reservoir, one of the ten largest lakes in Kansas, was created by damming the North Fork Ninnescah River. Located in central Kansas, the artificial lake is a top sailing destination and hosts national sailing regattas at the Ninnescah Sailing Center. Along the reservoir's shores, sailing enthusiasts will find the 1,913-acre Cheney State Park, which offers fishing, camping, hiking, biking opportunities, and boating.

A tributary of the Arkansas River, the Ninnescah River is home to many watersnakes, including the western rat snake, an excellent swimmer. Western rat snakes are constrictor snakes and will use their body to suffocate prey like amphibians, small birds, and rodents. Western rat snakes also produce a strong foul odor when scared to deter predators and humans.

Neosho River

The 463-mile Neosho River, another tributary of the Arkansas River, flows through Kansas and Oklahoma, with most of its course in the Sunflower State. The word “Neosho” is an Osage word meaning “clear and abundant water,” which is an apt description of a river where fishing with a license is allowed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anglers can expect to find channel and flathead catfish, crappie, and spotted and white bass. The riverbank is also a haven for bird watchers, who may spy bald eagles and blue herons.

Plain-bellied watersnakes, western rat snakes, rough green snakes, speckled kingsnakes, northern watersnakes, and common garter snakes have been reported in the river and along the banks, but all of these snakes are relatively harmless. If provoked, the plain-bellied watersnake is known to bite despite having no venom. These snakes are about 30 inches to 45 inches long and can be distinguished from other watersnakes due to the absence of markings on their sides.

Kansas is home to numerous species of snakes, but many snakes located near bodies of water are non-venomous and pose no danger to humans. Most snakes found in Kansas waters are harmless watersnakes, often seen sunning themselves on rocks or floating logs, and actively swimming in warmer months. Venomous snakes, like copperheads and timber rattlesnakes may be found in areas near water, but they are less likely to inhabit the rivers directly. Outdoor enthusiasts near rivers and bodies of water in Kansas who want to avoid snakes should stay clear of tall grasses, rocky outcrops, and areas with abundant driftwood, as these are their preferred hiding spots, especially when recreating in or near one of the five most snake-filled bodies of water in Kansas.