There are almost 40 different types of snake that call the beautiful state of Missouri home. Five of these are poisonous; Osage Copperhead (Agkistrodon Contortrix Phaeogaster), Western Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon Piscivorus Leucostoma), Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus Horridus), Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus Miliarius Streckeri) and the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus Catenatus).
Focusing on the yellow stripes that you mention, I have outlined three possibilities:
It may be that you saw a Graham's Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii) which is brown with yellow stripes. These are pretty harmless snakes; they keep themselves to themselves and are often misidentified as the poisonous Western Cottonmouth. Graham's Crayfish Snakes are semi-aquatic and are found state wide in Missouri (except for the Ozarks).
Another possibility is that you saw an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis). They are very dark brown with yellow stripes. Watch out though, they will bite as a form of defense but thankfully are not poisonous. Eastern Garter Snakes are found in the eastern half of Missouri.
Finally it may be a Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis Proximus) which is black and yellow with a greenish belly. They like wooded areas near water. They don't bite but will secrete an incredibly stinky musk when captured. This snake is found throughout the state of Missouri.
Remember to be very careful when happening upon wild snakes (any wild animals in fact). Do not try to capture a snake unless you are an experienced herpetologist, when out walking in areas likely to contain snakes, look down and around your feet, wear thick socks and proper boots on said feet and do not lift up large stones or fallen vegetative matter. Finally if you find yourself within striking distance, freeze and retreat slowly.
Focusing on the yellow stripes that you mention, I have outlined three possibilities:
It may be that you saw a Graham's Crayfish Snake (Regina grahamii) which is brown with yellow stripes. These are pretty harmless snakes; they keep themselves to themselves and are often misidentified as the poisonous Western Cottonmouth. Graham's Crayfish Snakes are semi-aquatic and are found state wide in Missouri (except for the Ozarks).
Another possibility is that you saw an Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis). They are very dark brown with yellow stripes. Watch out though, they will bite as a form of defense but thankfully are not poisonous. Eastern Garter Snakes are found in the eastern half of Missouri.
Finally it may be a Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis Proximus) which is black and yellow with a greenish belly. They like wooded areas near water. They don't bite but will secrete an incredibly stinky musk when captured. This snake is found throughout the state of Missouri.
Remember to be very careful when happening upon wild snakes (any wild animals in fact). Do not try to capture a snake unless you are an experienced herpetologist, when out walking in areas likely to contain snakes, look down and around your feet, wear thick socks and proper boots on said feet and do not lift up large stones or fallen vegetative matter. Finally if you find yourself within striking distance, freeze and retreat slowly.
