Longnose Snakes
Longnose snake. Photo by Michael Cravens
Longnose Snakes (Rhinocheilus lecontei) are nonvenomous, nocturnal snakes found primarily in southwest Kansas although they also occur in the southwestern states.They have a slightly upturned snout that allows them to burrow into loose sandy soil where it resides during the day. It has black and red banding on a creamy yellow background. The black bands have a creamy colored speckling. This tricolor appearance resembles the venomous coral snake. However, the bands of the longnose snake do not completely encircle the body; and, their nose is slightly upturned. It becomes active nocturnally and eats lizards and their eggs, small snakes and rodents.