Illinois, If You See A Bright Yellow Stripe In Your Yard Run Away

While you're mowing, if you see small, bright yellow lines in your yard that are moving, you have a serious problem. Illinois residents are really dealing with this dangerous issue since these little yellow lines are more common there than in other Midwest states.

Of course, anything that is moving in your grass or that makes your grass move is alive. What harm could a tiny, yellow line be to humans and pets? A lot of harm because they are very dangerous. That's why if you see those small yellow stripes, you need to run away ASAP.

If these little yellow tails are angry, they also give off a cucumber smell. And if you smell that because they're angry, you're really in big trouble with baby copperhead snakes.

A Bright Yellow Feature Only Found On Baby Copperhead Snakes

Copperhead snakes are native to Illinois. According to the Illinois DNR, copperhead snakes are one of 4 venomous snakes in the state. They range from 24 to 36 inches long. These snakes are active during the day in the spring and fall and become nocturnal during the hot summer months.

Copperheads mate in Illinois typically in the springtime and sometimes in the fall, typically giving birth between August and September. That means adult copperheads are out trying to mate and soon enough baby copperheads will be out with their tiny tails.

Mother copperheads can produce between 3 and 10 baby copperhead snakes. Baby copperhead snakes have something unique that helps you know where they are: a bright yellow tail.

Get our free mobile app

Above is a photo taken by USI Public Safety, showing that the baby copperhead has that yellow-tipped tail. If you see that slithering in your yard, run away because you have venomous snakes and no one wants that.

Where Copperheads Are Found In Illinois

Illinois is where copperheads call home but not all of it. If you live in the upper two-thirds of the state, you'll most likely never find a copperhead. We're fairly safe here in the Quad Cities.

But the Illinois DNR says that copperhead snakes are typically found in the southern one-third of Illinois. Several counties in southern Illinois are where copperhead snakes truly call home.

Copperheads are venomous but they don't typically snack on humans. Just bite us we make them map. They typically eat mice, small birds, lizards, snakes, amphibians, and insects. You can normally spot them

Even though copperheads are rare in our area, still keep an eye out for them, especially near bodies of water.

Be Aware Of Small, Bright Yellow Stripes In These Areas

Hiking and exploring through forests is a fun summer activity. If you plan to do that in southern Illinois or parts of southeast Iowa, make sure you're aware that baby copperhead snakes and their parents could be lurking.

Always wear good shoes and pants to protect yourself. Hike when it's hotter outside since copperheads aren't fans of the heat. Just bring water with you to stay hydrated.

Be on the lookout this summer and fall, and be safe!