Some of the most useful elements to consider when you come across a snake are:
- Size – If you find a large snake, you can be certain it isn’t an Eastern worm snake, for example. ...
- Color – A bright green snake, like the smooth green snake, definitely can’t be confused with a timber rattlesnake.
- Location – Some species live in specialized habitats, and you’ll only find them in particular areas of the state.
Full Answer
What are the characteristics of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania?
A few general characteristics will help to distinguish venomous from nonvenomous snakes. The three species of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania (northern copperhead, timber rattlesnake, eastern massasauga) belong to the pit viper family. Pit vipers have a "pit" or opening between the eye and the nostril.
How do you identify snakes?
When identifying snakes, avoid getting close so that the snake doesn't feel threatened and so that you stay safe from getting bitten. To identify venomous snakes, look for characteristics such as a rattling tail, elliptical eyes, and a triangular head. Identify non-venomous snakes by their body color, double belly scales, and round eyes.
What do garter snakes look like in Pennsylvania?
Garter snakes can be identified by their dark top and light stripes along their sides as well as being very thin with little distinction between their heads and necks. Ribbon snakes, a subspecies of garter snake, are even more slender than that. With all that said, let’s learn a little about the garter snakes in Pennsylvania.
Where to find snakes in Pennsylvania?
These small and harmless snakes can be found in the pine woods, hardwood forests, wooded areas, and old fields in southeastern Pennsylvania, where they are usually encountered not far from wetland borders and streams. 14 snakes that look like worms. 5. Kirtland’s Snake Scientific name: Clonophis kirtlandii. Common name: Kirtland’s snake.
How can I tell what kind of snake I found?
Key field marks for identifying snakesHead Shape: Is the head shaped like a broad arrowhead, like a spade, or like an oval? ... Eyes: Are the eyes large or small? ... Scales: What texture are the scales, rough or smooth? ... Patterns: What kinds of patterns does the snake have?Color: Which color(s) is the snake?More items...
How do I identify a snake in my yard?
To identify venomous snakes, look for characteristics such as a rattling tail, elliptical eyes, and a triangular head. Identify non-venomous snakes by their body color, double belly scales, and round eyes. You can also use reference resources to help you identify snakes.
Is there a snake identifier app?
Compton has developed an app called SnakeSnap. You can take a photo, send it through the app and get an answer to what type of snake and if the user is safe. "We've assembled a team of biologists, herpetologists, toxicologists, medical doctors.
What kind of snakes does PA have?
The three venomous species of snakes in Pennsylvania are the Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake and Eastern Massasauga. Reports of venomous snakebites in Pennsylvania are rare.
What does a rat snake look like in Pennsylvania?
The upper body is black to dull brown with a trace of black blotches. In some individuals the pattern is distinct and often times may appear to be outlined in red or golden color. The coloration and pattern of Adult rat snakes can be variable. The belly is white or yellowish white with a dark checkerboard pattern.
What do PA garter snakes look like?
Adults typically range from 18 to 26 inches in length. A slender snake with a long tail! Coloration is brown to nearly black with three bright yellow to cream stripes; one down the back and one down each side. Snout and entire head are brownish, lips and underneath head are white.
Can I upload a picture of a snake for identification?
Take or upload a photo of any snake and get a fast accurate response with your snake's identity, diet, habitat, and a brief characteristic description from our expert panel.
What is the most common snake to find in your backyard?
Garter SnakesGarter Snakes They are native to both North and Central America and are the most common snakes found in gardens and yards. They're also called grass snakes and are distinguished by 1 or 3 long, yellow to red stripes that are often checkered.
Is snake snap free?
There is a FREE trial! Included in the subscription: Any questions related to your submission, assistance with Snake Removal, Snake Prevention measures or general wildlife questions just ask and we will personally communicate with you.
What does a rat snake looks like?
The eastern ratsnake is a shiny black snake with weakly keeled scales and an irregular black and white checkerboard pattern on the belly. The chin and throat are cream or white in color. Juveniles look very different. They have strongly patterned backs of gray and brown blotches on pale gray.
What does baby copperhead snakes look like?
Baby copperheads are between 7 and 9 inches long with a triangular head and a beige-gray base color. They are patterned with dark brown, hourglass-shaped bands that start just below the head and end at the tail. Babies also have a bright yellow tail tip that they use to lure prey.
What poisonous snakes are found in PA?
The three species of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania are the timber rattlesnake, eastern massasauga and copperhead. Reports of venomous snakebites are rare in Pennsylvania. All three species are usually not aggressive and like to avoid humans by moving away or keeping still until the person is gone.
What kind of snakes are black in Pennsylvania?
We'll take a closer look at the seven most common black snakes in the state of Pennsylvania now.Northern Black Racer. Northern black racers will bite if you try to handle them. ... Timber Rattlesnake. ... Queen Snake. ... Black Rat Snake. ... Northern Ring-Necked Snake. ... Eastern Garter Snake. ... Northern Water Snake.
How do you identify a poisonous snake?
Typically, venomous snakes have triangular-shaped heads, pupils with slits like a cat's, and thick bodies. Some venomous snakes are also classified as pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes and copperheads. These types of snakes have pits just behind their noses that they use to detect prey.
Will a black rat snake bite you?
Black rat snakes are one of the longest snakes in North America. While the most common black snakes or Western rat snakes are not venomous, all black snakes can bite in self-defense or if stepped on. The black snake's bite may not be fatal, but it can still hurt a lot.
What do copperhead snakes look like?
According to Beane, copperheads' bodies are distinctly patterned. Their "dorsal pattern is a series of dark, chestnut-brown or reddish-brown crossbands, each shaped like an hourglass, dumbbell or saddlebag … on a background of lighter brown, tan, salmon or pinkish," Beane said.
What's the biggest snake in Pennsylvania?
As for just how big the snake is, zoo officials said that the black rat snake is "the largest species you'll find here in Pennsylvania."
What is the difference between a garden snake and a garter snake?
There is no difference between a garter snake and a garden snake. Both names refer to the same species, the Thamnophis sirtalis, which is the most common non-venomous reptile in North America. While they vary in color, garter snakes are easily recognizable for 3 lines that run through their bodies.
What does seeing a garter snake mean?
In some tribes, garter snakes (also known as garden snakes) are symbols of jealousy or dishonesty; to other tribes, they are a symbol of water. In the traditions of the Arapaho Indians, garter snakes are associated with the Sun Dance and are represented in the hoop of the tribe's sacred Medicine Wheel. Sponsored Links.
What is a garden snake look like?
What Does a Garden Snake Look Like? Garden snakes, nicknamed garter snakes, come in many varieties, various colors, and have different markings, depending on your area of the country. These snakes are usually brown or black but may be a greenish color. Most have a checkerboard pattern near the stripes.
Does one snake mean more?
Snakes are not social creatures. Contrary to common belief, they do not always travel in groups; instead, they prefer to hunt and live alone. So, chances are if you find one snake, there's no greater likelihood that there are more around the place.
What can I put in my yard to keep snakes away?
Natural repellents including sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, and vinegar may help repel snakes. Pour these substances around the perimeter of your property, any place you have noticed snake activity.
Do snakes leave tracks in the grass?
Even though they don't have feet, snakes do leave tracks on the ground you may notice in grass or loose dirt.
Do snakes make tunnels in the ground?
Digging Behavior Most terrestrial snakes can burrow through leaf litter or exceptionally loose soil, but few snakes can dig into packed earth. Some snakes native to areas with loose substrates are effective excavators, including the sand boas (Eryx sp.)
Are There Venomous Snakes In Pennsylvania
Out of the 21 snake species in Pennsylvania, only three are considered venomous. These include:
What To Do When You See A Snake
Whether you see a snake in the yard or in nature, the best course of action is to leave it alone. Most snakes will try and flee rather than be aggressive. Rather stand still or back away slowly to give the snake time to move on.
How To Prevent Snakes
The good news is that there are a few things you can do in your home and yard to prevent snakes, especially if you live in an area where visiting snakes is common.
Summary
Not all snakes are bad, some do a lot for your yard and surrounding areas, by eliminating rodents and pests.
What Are The Species of Snakes in PA?
In total, there are 2,700 species of snakes in the world. But, how do scientists break all these species down into categories? Where does Pennsylvania fit in?
Threats From Habitat Loss
The Massasauga Rattlesnake has been listed as threatened by the USDA since 1998. This is because of habitat loss and fear from humans.
Climate Change
With the earth’s temperatures warming, it’s possible that we could see an increase in the amount of snake’s moving northward across North America.
Snakes In Culture
Snakes have been feared and revered throughout much of history. In some cultures, the serpent is regarded as the bearer of lies and temptation. They are the embodiment of evil. In other cultures, snakes represent fertility and rebirth. Some even associate snakes with immortality.
Snakes Venom
No snake has just one kind of toxin in its venom. Instead, snakes will have multiple types of toxins in their venom that can affect different parts of your body. Mycotoxins, cardiotoxins, haemotoxins, and neurotoxins are just a few of the toxins that can be found in snake venom.
What Do You Do If You See A Snake?
If you like to go hiking, you’re bound to encounter a snake at some point. Even if you don’t venture into the outdoors that much, you’re still likely to see one at some point in your life. So, what should you do if you see a snake? How do you keep from getting bitten?
How many snakes are there in Pennsylvania?
Twenty-two snake species are found in Pennsylvania; only three are venomous.
How to tell if a snake is venomous or nonvenomous?
The pattern of scales on the underside of the tail can also be used to tell venomous from nonvenomous snakes. Venomous snakes have a single row of scales under their tails, whereas nonvenomous snakes have divided scales that appear to be in two rows.
What is the difference between a non-venomous snake and a venomous snake?
Pit vipers have a "pit" or opening between the eye and the nostril. They also have a vertically elliptical eye pupil. Nonvenomous snakes lack the "pit" and have round eye pupils.
Why do snakes hide in the shade?
To compensate, these reptiles often bask in the sun on cool days and hide in the shade on hot days when their bodies are too warm. A snake that is too cool will be sluggish and not able to digest food properly. When winter approaches, snakes look for areas in which to hibernate.
How to trap snakes in a house?
One way to "trap" snakes is to place a pile of damp burlap bags on the floor where snakes have been seen. The snakes may be drawn to the secure environment of the bags, and the whole pile can be taken out of the area with a shovel; or the snake can be lifted using long tongs or another device to keep the animal away from your body.
What do black rat snakes eat?
Food habitats vary. Water snakes consume large quantities of fish and amphibians. Terrestrial snakes eat rodents, bird eggs, amphibians such as toads or salamanders, and other snakes.
How do snakes change their habitat?
Habitat Modification. Snakes are attracted to habitats by a food source and cover from predators. Removing the food and cover decreases the likelihood of seeing a snake in the vicinity of your home. Eliminating rodent habitat discourages mice and their predators from living in the area.
How to identify snakes in your area?
Use a snake reference website to identify snakes in your region. Use a search engine to find a website that is specific to the location where you want to identify snakes. These websites usually guide you through answering questions about the snake to determine the defining characteristics or show you pictures of common snakes in the area. Many local government and council websites provide these services.
How to identify venomous snakes?
To identify venomous snakes, look for characteristics such as a rattling tail, elliptical eyes, and a triangular head.
What is the most venomous snake in the US?
Most venomous snakes in the U.S. are part of the pit viper group of snakes. This group includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths.
What snakes have a red belly?
Some common non-venomous snakes that have solid yet differing colors for the body and belly include the Northern redbelly snake (black body and a red belly), the ringneck snake (black body and a yellow belly), and the Southeastern crowned snake (tan body and a white or pink belly).
What organs do snakes use to detect heat?
Check between the eyes and nostrils for heat-sensing pits. A group of venomous snakes called pit vipers have a small slit between each eye and nostril. These organs help the snakes to detect changes in temperature, which is useful when hunting prey.
What is the best book to find snakes in Minnesota?
For example, Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota by John J. Moriarty and Carol D. Hall is an ideal reference book to start with if you want to identify snakes in Minnesota.
How to tell if a snake is poisonous?
Look for a triangular head and a sharp jawline. It's easiest to see the shape of the snake's head by looking at it from the side rather than from above. Venomous snakes tend to have a head that is shaped like an arrow, with a thin neck, sharp face, and a bulbous jaw.
How to identify a snake?
One of the simplest ways to identify snakes is by breaking their identification down to key field marks. These are aspects of the snake's appearance which make it unique as a group or species. Here is a list of some of the best ones to use:
What color are snakes?
Color: The background color of the snake is a pale tan color. The large blotches start out blackish behind them head, fading to brown as they move down the body and again becoming blackish towards the tail.
What is a snake?
Snakes are members of the class of animals known as reptiles (Reptilia), and are further divided into the order Squamata – which includes lizards, and are in the suborder Serpentes. In other words, they belong to a family of animals with dry, scaly skin which lay tough-shelled eggs on land and depend on the external warmth from their environment to maintain their body temperatures. Snakes in particular are animals without limbs and elongated bodies. Snakes have no external ear openings, nor any eyelids.
Where and when can you find snakes?
Therefore, in the parts of the world where it is warm throughout the year, like in the tropics and subtropics, snakes can be seen anytime of the year. While in the more temperate or colder parts of the world, snakes are only active during the warmer months. In some areas, snakes will hibernate for several months of the year.
How many snakes are poisonous?
Of the 120 species of snakes in the USA, only 17 are a potentially hazardous to humans. These snakes are not "poisonous," rather they have venomous saliva which is injected when they bite. It is important to identify snakes that belong to the venomous group. Most snake species are harmless and even the venomous species are worth studying, though with respect. Please, do not try to handle any dangerous species.
Why do snakes have a forked tongue?
The presence of a long, two-pointed, forked tongue helps you identify snakes. Snakes depend on their tongue for a great deal of information. They do not smell through their nostrils like mammals, rather they smell using their tongue to collect scents and then insert them into the roof of their mouth, where lies the Jacobson's organ. This organ helps interpret the different scents and guides snakes to potential food or mates, as well as away from potential danger. The tongue of a snake is not harmful.
What does it mean when a snake has tiny eyes?
Snakes with tiny eyes – such as those of blind snakes – tell of their subterranean existence. Snakes that have eyes with vertical pupils tend to be largely active at night. Vertical pupils do not necessarily indicate that the animal is dangerous, as many non-venomous snakes also have them.
What are the different types of garter snakes in Pennsylvania?
There are just 3 types of garter snakes in Pennsylvania, they are the eastern garter snake, shorthead garter snake, and the eastern ribbon snake.
How big do Eastern Garter snakes get?
The eastern garter snake can be found everywhere in the state of Pennsylvania. The average eastern garter snake can grow up to 18” to 26” in total length.
What color is a shorthead garter snake?
The shorthead garter snake has a blunter snout than most garter snakes. They tend to be olive or olive-green in coloration and have three beige to yellow stripes running down its body.
What do Eastern Garter snakes eat?
Eastern garter snakes give birth to about 3-80 live young between July and October. They typically eat frogs, salamanders, freshwater fish, and earthworms but also prey on slugs, snails, small mammals, young birds, eggs, smaller snakes, and various bugs.
When do ribbon snakes breed?
Eastern ribbon snakes breed from July to September and females give live birth to anywhere from 3 to 26 young. Like other garter snakes, eastern ribbon snakes eat frogs, salamanders, and freshwater fish. They can be found in all the same habitats as well.
Do garter snakes have saliva?
Garter snakes actually have slightly venomous saliva, since they’re not constrictors it helps them hunt. They usually just swallow their prey alive. Garter snakes can be found in pinelands, hardwood hammocks, cypress strands, prairies, marshes, bogs, and anyplace with flowing water. They’re also found in suburban areas where development encroaches on their habitat.
Is a garter snake dangerous?
Garter snakes are not dangerous, since they have no venom or even fangs. They rarely bite. When confronted, a garter snake will typically flee or take shelter in water. Considered docile, they avoid direct contact with people and pets.
What color are milk snakes?
The background color of the upper body can range from gray, beige, gray-brown, olive brown, or pinkish brown to red.
How to tell if a milksnake is a Y or V?
One sure way to identify a milksnake is by the "V", "U" or "Y" shaped blotch that is found on the back of the head.
What color are dorsal blotches?
Adult Coloration: The dorsal background can be grey, beige, grey-brown, olive brown, or pinkish brown to red. The strong dorsal pattern has 30-47 large squarish blotches with smaller alternating row of lateral blotches on the sides. Blotches vary from light to dark brown that are bordered by black.
General Biology
Venomous Versus Nonvenomous
- A few general characteristics will help to distinguish venomous from nonvenomous snakes. The three species of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania (northern copperhead, timber rattlesnake, eastern massasauga) belong to the pit viper family. Pit vipers have a "pit" or opening between the eye and the nostril. They also have a vertically elliptical eye pup...
Damage and Damage Identification
- Snakes are not known to cause physical damage to property. Some species prey on young chickens, but this is not common. Most complaints about snakes result from their coming in close proximity with people. Because many people are frightened by the sight of snakes, any they find in the vicinity of their homes or yards can cause them undue alarm. Snake sheds, discarded outer …
Legal Status
- All snakes in Pennsylvania are protected by Fish and Boat Commission regulations. Species that are not listed as endangered, threatened, or candidate may be captured or possessed under specific daily and possession limits. Consult the Fish and Boat Commission's Summary of Fishing Regulation and Laws for specific information. Endangered or threatened species such as Kirtlan…
Damage Control
- You can contact local wildlife pest control operators to remove snakes and other nuisance wildlife. These persons have experience in removing animals, allowing the homeowner to alleviate the problem without coming into contact with the animal. Contact your county extension office or the yellow pages for information regarding these companies and industries.
Facts to Remember
- Twenty-two snake species are found in Pennsylvania; only three are venomous.
- Snakes eat rats, mice, insects, and other pest species.
- No toxicants or fumigants are registered for use against snakes.
- The most effective means of eliminating snakes in an area is to make the area less attractive to snakes, that is, to remove hiding places and food sources.
For Additional Information
- For additional information on snakes, contact the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (Natural Diversity Section, 450 Robinson Lane, Bellefonte, PA 16823). The commission has produced fact sheets and a poster on snakes. It also sells a book on Pennsylvania amphibians and reptiles (Pennsylvania Amphibians and Reptilesby Larry Shaffer. Pennsylvania Fish and Bo…