Bull snake on burned prairieApril, 2000 One of the longest and heaviest snakes in Missouri is the bullsnake. Bullsnakes can average four to six feet long but may grow upwards to seven, maybe even eight, feet in the right environment. Bullsnakes are tan, yellow, or cream-colored with numerous, large, brown, or black blotches. These markings along…
The eastern musk turtle, or stinkpot, is Missouri’s smallest species of turtle and one of the smallest turtles in the world. These darkly-colored aquatic turtles only grow to 4.5 inches and have a more dome-like shell than other aquatic turtles. The name “stinkpot” suggests a smelly reputation and this turtle does not disappoint! Its official…
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• Species: Dark-eyed junco. • Scientific name: Junco hyemalis. • Nicknames: Snowbird. • Claim to fame: The junco was known to nature watchers in the Ozarks and elsewhere long before singer Anne Murray vaulted the small bird into national prominence with her 1970 hit, “Snowbird.” It earned the name “snowbird” because, in this region, it…
• Species: Eastern wood rat. • Scientific name: Neotama floridana. • Nicknames: Pack rat, trade rat. • Claim to fame: Many people have used the term “pack rat,” but most don’t know what a pack rat is or where it lives. “Pack rat” is the most common name used for this long-tailed rodent which is…
Turkey hunters should have some appreciation for the barred owl, also known as the hoot owl. That is the owl who helps us locate that gobbler early every morning during turkey season. If you sound off with a barred owl hoot just before daybreak, chances are you might get a gobbler to respond so that…
• Species: Raccoon. • Scientific name: Procyon lotor. • Nicknames: None. • Claim to fame: “Coon hunting” is part of the Ozarks’ rural heritage that dates back to this region’s first settlers. Though the sport isn’t as popular these days, raccoons are still classified as a game animal in Missouri and are included in the…
