Kansas Rattlesnake's New Entry
In Kansas, rattlesnakes are not supposed to get so big and nasty. In some of the larger state parks, more and more western diamondback rattlesnakes are showing up. Why is this a big deal? Primarily because Western Diamondbacks are not native to Kansas.
The Western diamondback rattlesnake is nearly three times the size of the average Kansas rattlesnake. Kansas rattlesnakes are normally very small. The Kansas rattlesnakes that are natives are the prarie rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, and the massasauga rattlesnake. These rattlesnakes usually top out at under three feet in length.
Kansas rattlesnakes are dangerous just like any other kinds of rattlesnakes, but the western diamondback rattlesnake is a whole different ball of wax. This rattlesnake is much larger at around six to seven feet, and it is known for having a particularly nasty venom. The Kansas rattlesnake antivenin is not effective for the Western Diamondback bite. That is one of only a handful of problems the Western showing up in Kansas might cause.
Another problem is the fact that they could throw off the ecosystem. Anytime you introduce a new species of anything into a new area, you are playing with fire.
It is thought this new introduction to Kansas rattlesnakes is due to rattlesnake wranglers releasing them in the wild. This could be for breeding purposes, or simply to create a new place to have rattlsnake roundups such as you might find in Texas. Regardless of how, the Western Diamondback is a seriously dangerous snake.
People in Kansas need to add this species of rattlesnake to their list of things to look out for. The western diamondback is notorious for being stepped on, and they are quick to bite if surprised or disturbed. The western diamondback snake bite can be deadly, and Kansas rattlesnake enthusiasts would do well to leave them alone.
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