All but three snakes of Pennsylvania are Colubrids. Their snouts are flat like a shovel, helping them to burrow through loose and sandy soil. Garter Snakes. Size: 35-70 in. They prefer humid and tropical areas with plenty of foliage and close to a permanent water source. These snakes are usually encountered in rain forests. Common in states such as Texas and Oklahoma, nonvenomous Plain-bellied Water Snakes (Nerodia erythrogaster) are found in various colors from dark olive to all-black. Tiger rat snakes are creamy yellow with a black pattern. The Eastern Hognose will display death-feigning behavior when threatened and will roll onto its back and prop its mouth open to appear dead. Its more efficient to spend your time focusing on which species youre most likely to run into. These colorful snakes have a mild venom, and eat blind snakes, legless skinks, and other small reptiles. Yellowish, reddish, gray, or brown body with two rows of dark dorsal spots that sometimes merge. Habitat: Hardwood forests, pinelands, prairies, scrub, sandhills, residential areas. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. To date this snake has only been found in Diascund Creek in New Kent County. Pine Snakes are known for having a mostly dark-colored body where black and various shades of gray are dominating. Found in Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, and other warm states, these snakes are also nocturnal which further decreases the chances of actually seeing one out in nature. There are three endangered snake species in PA; The Eastern Massasauga, Kirtlands Snake, and Northern Rough Greensnake. Snake appearances often vary based on habitat and geographic location. Snakes are just as startled by your presence as you are by theirs. Due to their docile nature and blue coloration, these snakes have become desirable pets in the exotic pet trade. Its habitat is expanding into Guatemala and North America. Their belly is yellowish with black spots. Other snakes are black with countless cream-colored polka dots and a bright red stripe on their backs, a series of red spots. The coloration of juveniles is similar to adults. White-lipped island pit vipers are venomous snakes found in eastern Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands. They mostly eat lizards, salamanders, blind snakes, frogs, juvenile rattlesnakes, and large insects. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This snake has yellow or white speckles along the sides. All three species of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania are members of the Viperidae family. Its natural habitat includes Southern parts of the country expanding to the Midwest. The blue sea snakes and pit vipers are the most venomous of the blue snakes you may encounter and they should be dealt with great caution. The tongue is bright red with a black tip. 20 Interesting Facts About Burmese Pythons, 18 Types of Butterflies in Arizona (With Pictures), 9 Species Black Snakes in New York (Pictures), The 7 Species of Hawks in Florida (Pictures), Water Snakes in Florida (12 Species With Pictures), Owls in Oregon (See the 15 Different Species), The 5 Best Spotting Scopes For Wildlife Viewing, 6 Types of Millipedes in California (Pictures), 5 Types of Millipedes in Texas (Pictures), Take a Look at 8 Skinks in Texas (Pictures), 6 Species of Skinks You Can Find in South Carolina. These are slender snakes with three thin light-colored stripes running the length of the body. Powell, R., R. Conant, and J.T. Many black species have a taping tactic with their prey. It is often found near water, where it commonly hunts amphibians, small fish, toads, and tadpoles. The blue coral snake belongs to the Elapidae family and is native to southeast Asia. The species gets its name from its capacity to constrict its prey. Lets discuss the states most common species in detail, and discover all of its native snakes. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. It is also known as the Sunda Island pit viper. Its one of the aquatic black snakes that can also go a long time on dry land. These snakes make their way to dryland to lay eggs after reaching sexual maturity. Eastern Ratsnakes are highly common around homes where they arent afraid to seek shelter since many rodents are attracted to food traces around the house. It is a habitat generalist and is often found in urban/suburban areas. Instead, they may press the pointed tip of their tail into the hand of whoever has picked it up. Pygmy rattlesnakes have very small rattles at the end of their tails that make a soft buzzing sound when they feel threatened. As their name suggests, these snakes are mostly interested in preying on rodents such as rats. Night snakes live in North America, from Mexico through the western United States and up through Canadas British Columbia. At first glance, many people mistake Brahminy Blind Snakes for earth worms due to their small size and similar appearance. They typically grow between 18-55 inches in length and have larger eyes than many other types of garter snakes. Most snake bites happen when someone is trying to kill, relocate, or harass a snake in some way. The North American Racer (Coluber constrictor) is also known as the Racer snake, Black Racer, and South American racer. The Spotted House Snake, or Spotted Rock Snake, lives in many of the rocky regions of South Africa. As in with the North American Racer, the Eastern Ratsnake looks different as a juvenile than as an adult. Positive Theme. The grass snake is usually greenish in colour - although this can vary. Black snakes typically flee when encountering humans. However, some individuals may lack stripes. There are small black dots bordering both sides of a light-colored stripe that runs down the middle of the snakes back. The following snake species are known for either being mainly black and green or for being multicolored while still dominantly black and green. Unfortunately, this species is endangered in Michigan, which is why they are such a rare sight. Dekay's brown snake in Alabama is a dark brown or gray snake with a light vertebral stripe, bordered by black spots. This species grows to just over 40 inches as an adult, on average. California red-sided garters ( Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis) are a dark bluish black with a bright red head, red checkered pattern and a turquoise blue dorsal stripe. 668 pp. Habitat: Open grassy habitats or open forests. However, they have a few defense mechanisms they can use against people and other predators. Juvenile Western Worm Snakes look completely different from adults. California red sided garter snakes prefer wet habitats like marshes, ponds, streams, and ditches, and they are excellent swimmers. Occasionally it will also eat small mammals or birds. Despite its wide diet and its capacity to eat venomous snakes, the Eastern Kingsnake remains small compared to other black snakes. They prefer damp soil habitats are and common in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. This snake is known for having size differences from males to females. The dorsal portion of the snake is mostly black with red bands emerging from the ventral (belly) side of the snake. Black rat snakes, however, aren't known for snake killing. Common Gartersnakes are typically diurnal (active during the day) and feed mostly on frogs, salamanders, freshwater fishes, and earthworms. This snake is native to New Guinea, and lives on some Indonesian islands and the Cape York Peninsula in Australia. Young members of the genus have a gray body with red and light color markings looking almost like a completely different species. . There are many different colors of spotted house snakes. These are snakes that live together and even laying eggs is a social activity where all eggs are deposited in the same place. The higher above sea level it lives, the thinner its stripes tend to be. Light brown or off-white belly with tiny black spots along each side. Even seeing people it doesnt bite. Visit WildlifeHelp.org for advice on how to deal with snakes in your area. Rossman, D.A., N.B. Certain individuals may also have patches of red on their chin. The Ringneck Snake is a harmless and secretive snake that lives in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Please credit any photographers on the page and see our copyright policy. Eastern King Snakes have experienced population declines throughout Florida and are not commonly found. This non-venomous species likes to eat frogs, small fish, and salamanders. Their color varies from green to blue/green, with some having yellow coloration. 20. While it can live around homes, it prefers to live next to abandoned buildings such as abandoned farms. Most adult Common Gartersnakes are about 18-26 inches (46-66 cm) in total length. These snakes can also bite if handles. These snakes are creamy or light yellow with black saddle-markings or bands along their backs. The Guatemalan palm pit viper is a venomous pit viper found in Southern Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. Back Coloring. Females lay up to 13 eggs at a time with hatchlings measuring at least 600mm. These are typically deep holes that offer shelter from freezing temperatures. In Florida there are two subspecies of Black Swamp Snakes. The Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) gets its name from its bright ring around its neck, just behind its head. The Barons green racer is a venomous snake endemic to South America. Often found near sources of water and human homes, Amphibians, earthworms, rodents, birds, and fish. The all black body means it can often be confused with the Black Racers. Some snakes also have additional dark bands around their bodies. Snakes of this genus are known for an almost uniform dark red color. It takes up to 2.5 months for young snakes to emerge. Top 20 Rat Snakes By Popularity. It lives here as there are high chances of finding rodents and other prey here. The most common snakes in PA are the Eastern Garter Snake, and Northern Watersnake. They have large round heads and heavy bodies, their tails have a rattle, which is made of keratin. Leave a comment below now, Youre most likely to correctly ID a snake when incorporating all of these aspects together, Fortunately, Pennsylvanias most dangerous snakes are closely related and share several distinguishing characteristics, Theyre also natures pest control, helping keep mice, rats, and insect populations in check, If the snake is in a location where it doesnt pose a threat to you or your loved ones, its best to leave it alone, If a venomous snake bites you, call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room immediately, California Lizards [Identification & Full Guide], Florida Snakes Identification Guide [With Pictures], All Venomous Snakes in Pennsylvania Are Pit Vipers, Related Articles to Pennsylvania Snake Identification, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, A Complete Texas Snakes State-Wide Guide (With Pictures & FAQs), Arizona Snakes Identification Guide: Species Info & Pro Advice, How to Tell if Your Leopard Gecko Is Happy (Pro Tips for Owners), The Ultimate Bearded Dragon Care Guide for Beginners, Small Pet Turtles: 6 Tiny Babies to Melt Your Heart, Ball Python Care Sheet: First-Time Owners Guide (Updated), Leopard Gecko Care Sheet: New Owners Guide, Ball Python Morphs With Pictures: The 50 MOST Popular. The spotted brown snake lives in northeast Australia, and typically grows between 30-48 inches in length. Its most prevalent color is black, however. A dark checkerboard pattern may be visible along the sides of the body between the back and side stripes. Like their name suggests, these snakes eat slugs, snails, and earthworms. Scientific name:Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis. The eastern rat snake is commonly called a black rat snake in Pennsylvania. Even within populations, there are aberrant snakes (ones that appear different from a typical snake of that species). Most adult Common Gartersnakes are about 18-26 inches (46-66 cm) in total length. Back Pattern. Blue is not a common color you would find in snakes, which makes them very interesting. These are small, tree-dwelling snakes, which come in a range of color variations, from green to blue. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? 11 - Harmless This small snake (10-15 inches) has smooth scales, a glossy black back and a bright orange belly (Figure 2). Send photos or videos of interesting observations, along with associated information, by emailing the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum for documentation in the Museums Herpetology Master Database. The Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake only grows 12-24 inches in length with a rather thick body. Habitat: Open forests and edge habitats. The Speckled Kingsnake has a shiny black or dark brown body, with a mass of tiny yellow dots that give it its namesake speckled appearance. White Snake. Scientific name:Coluber constrictor foxii. Ringnecks are typically found under leaf-litter or logs and they also burrow. Most bites occur when someone is trying to kill, harass, or relocate a snake. However, stripes are absent in some individuals. If you see a snake in the wild, respect its space. They prefer to live in the water or swamps, particularly cypress swamps. This happens in August or September. There are 21 species of snakes found in Pennsylvania, and nearly all of them are nonvenomous. Appearance: Dark background color somewhere in the region of brown-blue or glossy blue-black. Commonly these snakes have brownish, tan, cream, or pinkish bodies with dark brown or reddish-brown spots spaced out along their backs. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. Mudsnakes eventually make their way on dry land to either lay eggs or to enter a state similar to hibernation. Describes the primary markings/patterns on the back of the snake. Blue-striped subspecies of the Common Gartersnake. Found in wet habitats in spring and fall, and dry habitats in summer, Small mammals, lizards, frogs, other snakes, and invertebrates. Their venom is not a neurotoxin, but rather a cytotoxin, which causes immediate paralysis of the victim, prey, or human. There is another cream-colored stripe on each side of the snakes body, with additional black dots that run along its length. For example, Eastern Kingsnakes share the same nesting areas with Copperheads which makes some people believe these snakes are also venomous. Description: Long, dark-colored constrictor that can vary in coloration. The most exposed members of this species are juveniles as they are shorter. However, most Black Swamsnakes prefer a diet specific to swamps where they find animals such as tadpoles, frogs, sirens, and small fish to feed on. It is a plan brown snake but what it lacks in vibrant colors, it makes up for in venom, and this is one of the most venomous snakes in Australia, made all the more deadly by the fact that the bite is almost painless and incredibly difficult to detect. They grow to a maximum length of 11 inches. It uses different escaping tactics when captured or before being captured. Basic description. The Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is also commonly known as the Black Rat Snake and the Pilot Black snake. Adults have a background color of black, greenish brown, tan, or gray with one stripe running down the middle of the back and one stripe running along . The head is only slightly distinct from the neck. Juveniles are gray with distinct reddish-brown blotches running down the back of the head and body. A dark checkerboard pattern may be visible along the sides of the body between the back and side stripes. These snakes are considerably smaller than Mudsnakes, on the other hand. Collins. They are often encountered in abandoned farmlands, outbuildings, and trash dumps. There are 11 different subspecies of . Youll also find sensory pits between their eyes and nostrils. These snakes can quickly change colors as adults, which is believed to be a mechanism to avoid detection depending on their environment. If you have a particular interest in watching or photographing wildlife, then you should absolutely check out the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. If you have a new or interesting observation for this species, please email the herpetology staff at the Florida Museum. Learn about other Florida reptiles & amphibians. Juvenile Arizona Black Rattlesnakes are known for showing more marks on their bodies compared to adults. Their diet depends on what is available in the snakes region, but they commonly eat salamanders, frogs, slugs, earthworms, and juvenile snakes and lizards. This den sharing nature of these types of snakes can also be seen in the way they lay eggs together with the eggs of other snakes of the same species or other snake species. Some of them are easy to mistake for one of the many harmless species throughout the state. In Pennsylvania, its illegal to damage or disrupt a reptiles nest or eggs. These are slender snakes with three thin light-colored stripes running the length of the body. It is a habitat generalist and is often found in urban/suburban areas. Their body color can range from blue, prominent in Florida blue garter snakes, to the many shades of red visible . These snakes are actually live bearing snakes and will give birth to 2-11 babies during the summer. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. This is a shiny black snake with a black body and red and black underside coloration. St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. 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