One of the states in the US having a lot of non-venomous snakes is Maryland. This area is home to aquatic, arboreal, ground snake, and fossil species.
The different types of snakes in Maryland are frequently found near ponds and streams.
Multiple species are also often drawn to woodlands and their boundaries.
The state has various colorful and long-living snakes, which will be listed below in our post.
Let’s get started on our list of different types of snakes in Maryland
1. Eastern Copperhead Snake
How Does the Copperhead Snake Appear? In much of Maryland, copperhead snakes can be found, but they might not be in the area close to the Eastern Shore.
Eastern copperheads are easily identified when spotted by their remarkably distinctive color pattern.
These types of snakes in Maryland’s bodies can be speckled black and brown or different hues of brown and white, while their heads are a brown copper color.
They only grow approximately 40 inches long and are not very big.
For most of the year, eastern copperheads are primarily nocturnal during the hot, muggy summer but are also active during the day.
Be mindful of your surroundings and on the lookout for these snakes if you’re camping in Maryland during the summer.
2. Timber Rattlesnake
The western half of Maryland and areas outside the Chesapeake watershed are home to most timber rattlesnakes.
The majority of timber rattlesnakes are forest inhabitants, and they especially like grassy places close to deciduous woods and dark deciduous forests.
These types of snakes in Maryland might be light gray with black markings or dark in color.
Although they can reach up to 60 inches long, timber rattlesnakes are usually only 50 inches long. Like most rattlesnakes, they feature a loud tail rattle and a broad, massive body.
Generally speaking, timber rattlers won’t attack unless they sense danger or are cornered. But if you catch one off guard while traveling through a forest, it can strike out because of your surprise.
Stay on the designated hiking pathways and use caution when walking through woodlands.
Steer clear of fallen trees, hollowed-out stumps, or heaps of leaves and other plants as a timber rattlesnake may travel through them.
It is crucial to get medical help immediately if a timber rattlesnake has bitten you.
3. Common Watersnake
Common Watersnake is also on our list of types of snakes in Maryland, marked by various hues of brown in addition to black, which is also visible on a few adults.
The species’ many monikers, such as “The Brown Water Snake” and “The Black Adder,” are derived from their brown and black coloring combination.
In the state, light brown snakes with dark brown crossbands are frequently found around water sources.
The species is similar to other water snakes and larger than them. It is significantly larger compared to snakes that live on dry land. It can grow to a height of four feet or more.
Despite its size and prevalence, the Common Watersnake is not poisonous.
The only adults in the species with the confidence to bite are the larger ones. The size of the snake makes its bite extremely agonizing.
These types of snakes in Maryland initially exhibit low biting intention, preferring to run away before biting if it is cornered, trodden upon, or handled harshly.
4. Common Garter Snake
In the Eastern regions of North America, which includes Maryland, the Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is one of the snakes with the greatest range in color.
This species can have variants with blotches and stripes or a plain color with stripes.
Common variants of this species include those with a base color of brown and black, backed by contrasting dorsal yellow and orange stripes, and they are found in woodlands, prairies, and areas near water.
It is reported that this species will bite if handled harshly. Its low-venom saliva is harmless to humans and should only be utilized against small prey.
It can use its saliva to harm animals like slugs, snails, and crayfish. This species is characterized by its little prey.
Juveniles of the same species may also be eaten by larger species that coexist in the same habitat. Among the birds that can feed on their young are owls and hawks.
A creature that feeds on young Common Garter Snakes is the American bullfrog.
5. Dekay Brown Snake
Storeria dekayi, often known as the Dekay’s Brown snake, is a widespread species around water sources.
This snake has a broad, strong body and is somewhat short. It is found in greater abundance in the Southeastern United States and adjacent to water sources throughout the state.
The snake is observed in the summer when it emerges to hunt soft prey like snails and slugs. It emerges to mate and give birth as well.
Younger snakes with a lighter color are born straight to females.
Juveniles and adults of this little species can only reach 12 inches, with a maximum measurement of only 10 inches.
In the summer, females give birth to eight to ten live offspring, which larger snakes frequently eat.
6. Eastern Worm Snake
Compared to Ring-necked Snakes, Eastern Worm Snakes (Carphophis amoenus) are a fossorial species and spend most of their time underground.
This does not negate that Eastern Worm Snakes and Ring-necked Snakes have similar coloring characteristics, such as vivid red coloring.
Due to its burrowing activity, this species also has brown ventral coloring. However, none of its variants are easily distinguishable.
One kind of active snake at night is the Eastern Worm Snake, which spends most of its days underground. It begins its daily operations in the loose soil in the evening.
Compared to males, females of these types of snakes in Maryland are more likely to be spotted.
One of the Eastern Worm Snakes’ most frequent habitats is woodlands, where females can be seen protecting their eggs.
Nearly all female Eastern Worm Snakes tend to stay close to the locations where their egg batches have been laid.
Despite having 12 teeth, these types of snakes in Maryland do not bite and will not attempt to attack humans if they are handled.
7. Rough Green Snake
At times, North American Racers can also be climbed by Rough Greensnakes (Opheodrys aestivus).
Because they are smaller, these green snakes may climb trees more frequently to avoid predators.
The Rough Green Snake’s smaller stature makes it a desirable meal for several avian species and ground-dwelling predators like foxes.
This species is easily recognized by its faded yellow ventral and homogeneous neon green dorsal color.
These little types of snakes in Maryland prefer to hide in the undergrowth when they see people because they cannot bite.
Although The Rough Green Snake’s smaller size presents a vulnerability to predators, it doesn’t stop it from figuring out the best defense strategies.
Animals can reduce their chances of predation by congregating in large groups. Hardly any female Rough Greensnakes lay their eggs in group nests.
While not required for every female, this is typically the case for most of them.
Consequently, compared to other species, Rough Greesnake communal nests yield a larger number of eggs. In a single nest, up to 70 eggs may be found exposed.
8. Eastern Milk Snake
One of Maryland’s most vibrant snake species is the Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum).
While becoming less common in other states, the species remains in stable populations.
The species is vulnerable because of its colorful nature to people who wish to gather it for the pet trade.
These types of snakes in Maryland have a gray or virtually white base color with large brown or brown to red markings on them.
The black borders around its brown patches, sometimes known as saddles, give the species a more striking appearance.
This little colubrid snake is more likely to be found in the pet trade than in the wild.
Although it is possible to handle the snake, Eastern Milksnakes occasionally bite. The small size of the snake means that these bites aren’t extremely painful or venomous.
This family of snakes is slim, although they can reach lengths of over 30 inches.
9. Eastern Hognose Snake
Examining the Eastern Hognose Snake’s (Heterodon platirhinos) snout is one of the simplest methods to identify it.
The nose of this species is pointed upward. Because this species can have several color combinations or even just one basic color, identifying it by color can be more challenging.
An Eastern Hognose snake’s common morph is plain black. Human interaction with the species is known to be absent.
It would rather use other means to keep people and animals at a distance than to bite.
Like a snake, it lifts and flattens its head. The Eastern Hognose Snake also hisses to give the impression that it is larger than it is.
This variety of tilted noses also impersonates biting. It does not bite. However, it does headbutt both people and animals.
Another way to keep people at a safe distance is to pretend to be deceased. It can appear dead and move animals forward by rolling over motionless while sticking its tongue out of its mouth.
These types of snakes in Maryland occasionally emit an unpleasant stench to scare away further animals and predators.
10. Ribbon Snake
Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis saurita) are also one of the types of snakes in Maryland, distinguished by how they resemble their habitat and behave like their prey.
This snake blends in with the flora near the water sources it inhabits thanks to its striped body and drab gray or green coloring.
Only found near bodies of water, ribbon snakes are attracted to fish, spiders, and other small invertebrates as prey. They do not consume prey with warm blood.
Since these snakes prefer to swim or run away from humans when they detect them, their behavior does not qualify them as an aggressive species in Maryland.
The snake may also try to stay still by hiding among plants and using its colors to blend in with its surroundings.
The many morphs of this species exhibit shades of gray, dark brown, and light brown. Even a black hue with contrasting white or yellow dorsal stripes has been observed for the species.
11. Queen Snake
Regina septemvittata, or Queen snakes, are among the first aquatic animals to react to water pollution and changes in water quality.
Their favorite food is freshly-molted crayfish, which can only be obtained in crystal-clear, pristine water.
In Maryland, queen snakes are among the most prevalent dark olive-green snakes. The yellow ventral side of the species also has olive-green stripes.
Nevertheless, these are only apparent during the initial stages of its existence, turning yellow as the snake ages.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the huge snake is not a biter and will always run away from humans or other animals near water.
When a queensnake is cornered, it doesn’t lay still. They would rather spin nonstop till people move away.
When not spinning simultaneously, these types of snakes in Maryland can produce repulsive odors either exclusively or in conjunction with these spins.
Adult queen snakes are more adept at self-defense than juveniles. Juveniles are more vulnerable to other predators due to their smaller stature.
When exposed to other snakes as prey, many young queesnakes, measuring only 6-7 inches, are eaten.
12. Smooth Earthsnake
One of Maryland’s many fossorial species is the smooth earth snake (Virginia valeriae).
Since these types of snakes in Maryland spend much of their lives underground, they are likewise patternless, drab, or gray.
The little snakes eat earthworms and tiny spiders that they uncover beneath fallen leaves.
Despite their diminutive size, these types of snakes in Maryland can bite if they feel threatened. Because of their little teeth, bites are seldom severe.
In addition to their various defensive strategies, Smooth Earth Snakes, being several tiny species in Maryland, also defecate. They ward off numerous predators with this tactic.
Most people consider little snakes of this species, which they can find in gardens or parks, harmless.
If you find a snake in your garden, you can relocate it to a secure area because this species is usually calm and safe, even if it does bite.
The substrate and other loose or aerated soil portions of the garden are some regions most likely to serve as a habitat for the species.
13. Eastern Kingsnake
Only the Eastern Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) has smooth scales. This is one of the native black snakes of North America, found in large numbers across Maryland.
Although these types of snakes in Maryland can be found in about every place where poisonous snakes can be found, some of its most common habitats are woodlands and chaparral.
One of the most prevalent non-venomous snake predators of venomous snakes is the eastern kingsnake.
Since there are fewer dangerous snakes in Maryland than elsewhere, rattlesnakes may be among their prey.
This snake might not bite people when handled because it is a rather gentle animal. For this reason, eastern kingsnakes are also among the species maintained in captivity, most frequently as pet snakes.
The colored subspecies of the snake, as opposed to the white morph and simple pattern, maybe a more popular pet.
Among the snake species with the longest lifespans are the eastern kingsnakes. Members of the species can live up to 25 years, including males and females.
14. Red-Bellied Snake
Although they darken, adult Red-bellied Snakes (Storeria occipitomaculata) retain the striking red ventral coloring that gave rise to their name.
Among the species also noted for leading solitary lives are red-bellied snakes.
When it rains, juveniles up to 4 inches in length will occasionally come to the surface, but adults are difficult to notice.
These types of snakes in Maryland love to hide underground and are easy victims because of their modest size.
Red-bellied snakes are only as big as 10 inches when they are adults. This species exhibits various defensive behaviors, just like other tiny snakes.
The lips of red-bellied snakes twitch in response to danger. It is thought that they are pretending to be dead to fend off predators.
It is known that female red-bellied snakes give birth to live young. Rather than depositing eggs, they give birth to a limited number of live snakes.
15. Smooth Green Snake
Opheodrys vernalis, often known as the Smooth Greensankes, are short and have smooth green scales. This species’ maximum length is known to be 21 inches. It has a variety of habitats.
The snake inhabits meadows, woodlands, and the areas adjacent to woodlands. However,, many species of snakes can be found around ponds or streams in these settings.
For Smooth Greensnakes, clearings in forests and meadows are excellent since they require warmth and sunlight.
It favors living near bodies of water since the vegetation there is lush and vibrant. By hiding in the greenery, the species can keep up its camouflage and move away from predators.
These types of snakes in Maryland consume insects, bugs, and caterpillars. Bites from smooth Green Snake are frequent. They are rarely painful or hazardous, though.
16. Corn Snake
Even when handled, corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) are a gentle species that rarely bite.
There is a lot of color diversity in this type of snake. This helpful snake is unique in its colors, which include red, brown, orange, gray, and even black.
Most corn snakes in the United States are restricted to the Southeastern region, making Maryland one of the few states where this species can be found.
Because this species prefers to feed on rodents that eat grains, it can be found in grain storage facilities adjacent to farms.
Amphibians and mice are among the common species that Corn Snakes consume. Because this species is nocturnal and has fewer populations throughout the state, it may be challenging to locate.
For survival and digestion, these types of snakes in Maryland rely on heat from the sun or their environment.
Because of this, the majority of the soil that these snakes travel on at night is still warm.
Corn snakes are introduced as a rodent deterrent in various nation sections. It is also thought that the snake was venomous at one point and changed to become non-venomous.
17. Plain-Bellied Watersnake
Although this species (Nerodia erythrogaster) is multicolored, its most prevalent color is an olive-green morph.
The Plain-bellied Watersnake is an aquatic animal, as its name suggests. It searches for food near bodies of water for the majority of its time.
Other snakes frequently target this particular snake for prey.
One of the most frequent predators of Plain-bellied Watersnakes is the king snake. Biting is one of its typical defense mechanisms, especially in non-venomous snakes.
Although it can bite people, it would rather run into the water when it sees them.
When another snake tries to eat it, this one may try to bite it too. The Plain-bellied Watersnake also uses releasing an unpleasant odor to deter predators.
By late summer, this snake could be spotted around ponds and streams. This is the time of the month when live babies are born to gravid females.
18. Mole Kingsnake
The rarest fossorial snake species in Maryland are the mole kingsnakes (Lampropeltis rhombomaculata).
This species hibernates during the day, although it may emerge at night in search of food.
This snake, a frequent victim of road deaths, dies while attempting to cross busy roads at night throughout the state.
This snake, distinguished by its black hue, is thought to enjoy the warmth of paved roadways, where it rests at night to search for food.
Mole Kingsnakes also enjoy eating rodents, unlike other fossorial species.
These types of snakes in Maryland consume rodents whole. Because of their size, Mole Kingsnakes are sometimes mistaken for other species and prefer to reside close to wooded areas.
Larger than other fossorial species, Mole Kingsnakes exhibit remarkable size. They are the largest fossorial species in Maryland, reaching up to 40 inches long.
19. Scarlet Snake
These species (Cemophora coccinea) are distinguished by their red spots with black borders.
Although they are uncommon throughout the state, tiny populations of rattlesnakes can still be found in Maryland.
These types of snakes in Maryland are capable of biting. Since scarlet snakes are not venomous, their bite is neither extremely painful nor deadly.
Mammals and birds are two of the snake’s common predators. Because road deaths are common, humans are partly to blame for the species’ declining numbers.
Since these snakes are being caught for the illicit snake pet trade, the snake’s vibrant character has also been connected to its declining population.
20. Rainbow Snake
Rare and colorful rainbow snakes (Farancia erytrogramma) can occasionally be discovered in Maryland.
The colors of the rainbow inspired the naming of this species. The colors black, red, and adult are unique to this snake.
Rainbow snakes can live in various parts of the state due to their ability to swim. This big snake’s primary food source is eels.
Rainbow Snakes are distinguished by their strong bodies and can reach lengths of more than 40 inches.
It is known that females lay their eggs in clusters. The gravid female lays up to 20 eggs during the summer. Despite their size, these types of snakes in Maryland are not venomous.
21. Northern Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus is a non-venomous species of snake that is also referred to as the Northern Pine Snake. This snake, a frequent rodent predator, has a unique ground color.
Among its favorite prey are moles. Eastern Pine Snakes can also consume eggs from different species.
When these types of snakes in Maryland see humans, they prefer to run away. When threatened, they may bite.
Reports of many bites have also been made every time this snake is walked on or handled aggressively.
22. Northern Brown Snake
One of the lesser types of snakes in Maryland are northern brown snakes. The rat snake’s opposite is the northern brown snake. It’s the tiniest kind of snake found in Maryland.
As its name implies, the northern brown snake is brown with reddish-brown or black patches running the length of its back.
Since they are nocturnal, your chances of seeing them are limited to camping, hunting, and hiking before dawn.
Because they are not poisonous, northern brown snakes won’t harm humans unless you unexpectedly approach their den.
23. North America Racer
North American Racers are a species that favors open spaces, in contrast to Eastern Worm Snakes (Coluber constrictor) found in woodlands.
The grass-covered areas devoid of numerous trees are the snakes’ primary attraction.
In this environment, the North American Racer is shown to be raising its head in search of prey. Given its dark hue, it might be easily identified if discovered in the grass.
One popular prey item that this snake may target is rabbits. Since it also resides near water, it can eat frogs and toads.
This species can also survive in environments with trees and medium- to tall-growing plants. It can also move up for birds and eggs because it is a strong climber.
Although there isn’t enough evidence to support this theory, North American Racers are thought to be capable of biting.
Direct bites from the species are thought to be uncommon, though. It just takes a few warning signs for most people to avoid a snake.
Like the deadly Timber Rattlesnake in Maryland, this species also rattles its tail.
24. Ring- Necked Snake
The ring-necked snake is a small, nocturnal, non-venomous snake that is colorful. The ring-necked snake has a highly unusual look.
They have cream or yellow ring markings around their necks, which is how they received their name.
They are only around a foot long. Since ring-necked snakes prefer wet, dark, and moist environments, you can usually locate them in the northern counties near the Pennsylvania border and along Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
In addition, some of these types of snakes in Maryland can be found in basements, decaying tree stumps, mulch piles, and urban or suburban landscaping.
Don’t panic if you encounter these tiny snakes in your basement or yard; they are not poisonous.
