Wild Side: Mickey the Great Plains ratsnake visits from Great Plains Nature Center

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Great Plains Nature Center Director of Educational Programs Emily Davis brought in a Great Plains ratsnake to KSN’s Wild Side on Tuesday afternoon.

“His name is Mickey. He is one of our animal ambassadors. He has these cute little Mickey Mouse-shaped ears all over his back,” said Davis.

Davis says Great Plains ratsnakes can grow up to around four feet long and live all over Kansas.

Ratsnakes are constrictors.

“Most of our non-venomous snakes in Kansas are constrictors, and he is one of those guys. Loves to wrap around little rodents and sometimes small birds as a nice little snack when they’re hunting at night,” said Davis.

Luckily enough for KSN Anchor Jason Lamb, Davis says none of the snakes in Kansas are big enough to constrict a human.

The Great Plains Nature Center is hosting Walk With Wildlife 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Chisholm Creek Park, 6232 E. 29th St. N. The Great Plains Nature Center says the fundraising event will let guests get close to nature and learn about more than over 50 species of native animals from local wildlife enthusiasts.

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