Kirtland's Snake

By Hannah Cease

Kirtland’s snake is a smaller semi-aquatic snake in the family Colubridae. It is the only species still living in its genus, Clonophis. This snake is endangered, it is rarely seen yet populations have been recorded in Kentucky. It is most often found in northern Kentucky along the Ohio river. An isolated population is also found in the Jackson purchase region of Kentucky. The most notable population is present inside the city of Louisville in Jefferson county. These snakes prefer to live in wet or damp areas such as wet meadows, damp vacant lots, or edges of swamps. They also occasionally live in forested areas or near rivers and creeks. 

These snakes are smaller ranging between 14-24.5 in. (36-62 cm) in length. They have a short head that is not distinct from the neck in coloration or size. The top of their heads are black with light cream colored scales around the bottom of the mouth, chin and throat. These cream colored scales continue down the length of the snake between its underside and its back. The back of the snake is dark, with alternating stripes between a very dark brown almost black color and a more reddish brown color. The underside of the snake is a bright red, sometimes almost pink color that has black spots on each end of the stomach scales. 

Not much is known about these snakes as they are quite elusive and their population continues to dwindle. They occupy ¼ of the counties they did 40 years ago. Kirtland’s snakes are most active in the spring when they are seen breeding. These snakes give live birth and give birth in the late summer. The Kirtland's snake is a fossorial species and spend most of their lives underground. They have been seen using crayfish burrows for hibernation and likely to escape the heat of the summer months as well. They eat smaller insects and animals such as earthworms and slugs.

They have many predators as they are smaller snakes and are often eaten by bullfrogs,

hawks, owls and other birds of prey, a variety of small mammals such as fox kits or even household cats, and other snakes such as Kingsnakes. 

Not much is being done to protect these snakes or their habitats as their populations continue to dwindle. If you see one, do not disturb it. If you come across one that is injured take it into your local nature center or reptile rescue.

Hannah Cease is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2026. She is studying biology and political science at the University of Louisville.