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Carterville boy's wish to name a state snake moving forward

A long, slender reptilian is slithering toward becoming an official state symbol in the Land of Lincoln.

State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) has gotten a bill through the Illinois Senate to establish the Eastern Milk Snake as the official State Snake of Illinois, inspired by a civic-minded young constituent from Carterville.

"I am happy to carry this legislation over from the House and sponsor a bill that will not only establish an official state snake but bring to life the vision of an 11-year-old boy from southern Illinois who took the initiative in making sure our state indeed had an official snake," said Fowler Thursday in a news release.

The Eastern Milk Snake is common to central regions of the country and its hallmark is the reddish dorsal scales with black edges. The snake averages 24-36" in length, is non-poisonous, and is generally not a threat unless provoked or cornered.

"Some reasons snakes benefit our society is that they are the best natural pest control, eating both rodents and invertebrates that eat our crops and can carry and cause diseases," said 11-year-old constituent Gentry Heiple.

The initiative stems from a constituent response from state Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton), who originally filed House Bill 4821 this past January.

"While I know there is still plenty of work to be done in Springfield for the remaining days of the spring legislative session, it's nice to see senators from both sides of the aisle have a little fun with a bill and grant Gentry with his wish of designating an official state snake," said Fowler.

There are at least 28 designations under the State Designations Act, including the Monarch Butterfly as the State Insect, the White Oak as the State Tree, and Pumpkin Pie as the State Pie.

The Eastern Milk Snake, native to Illinois, is non-poisonous.