Beware: This Deadly Snake Lives in Eastern Iowa

If you're afraid of snakes, you're not alone. Ophiophobia, or a phobia of snakes, isn't terribly rare. You're also in good company, look at Indiana Jones. He's no fan of the slithery creatures.

Throw in some venom, and who wouldn't have at least a small fear of snakes?

Iowa is home to a couple of venomous snakes

Venomous snakes in Iowa aren't terribly common. In fact, while our state has plenty of different snake species, most are harmless. Some, like garter snakes, are actually beneficial. Eating nasty bugs and helping avid gardeners keep unwanted elements away from gardens. Oh, and they're completely harmless.

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But what about nasty, mean ol' venomous snakes? Well first off, it's important to know that unless kept as a pet or jostled in the wild, these snakes are NOT dangerous. They don't seek out humans to hurt or even frighten. They are largely looking to do their own thing and be left alone.

Also, it's worth mentioning that most of Iowa's venomous snake population is endangered. With that in mind, there is one type that's popped up recently, as in this year, in Eastern Iowa.

Meet the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake has been spotted in our neck of the woods recently. Popping up in Muscatine this year, and Bremer County last year the endangered Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is still considered extremely rare in the Hawkeye State.

The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake has a typical snake diet. It feeds off certain small mammals, birds, bird eggs, or even other snakes. They are venomous but are quite shy and will almost always avoid humans. Think of them as having a human phobia.

You can learn more about what the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake looks like from a video the Michigan DNR put out a few years ago.

So should you be fearful of hunting or camping in Eastern Iowa? No. Well, no if your only fear is venomous snakes. Yes if you fear pooping in the woods. Can't help you there.

Since we're on the subject of engaged Iowa animals, check out 8 such creatures we could lose forever if we're not careful.