New York’s landscape is home to a diverse array of slithering creatures.
From harmless garden snakes to venomous vipers, the Empire State boasts a surprising variety of serpents.
There are 18 different types of snakes in New York, including three venomous species that can be dangerous to humans.
Many people fear snakes, but most New York snakes are harmless and play important roles in the ecosystem.
These reptiles help control rodent populations and serve as food for other wildlife.
Learning to identify common snake species can help residents and visitors feel more at ease when encountering these fascinating animals.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply curious about local wildlife, exploring New York’s snake diversity offers an intriguing glimpse into the state’s natural history.
From the common garter snake to the rare timber rattlesnake, each species has unique characteristics and behaviors that make it an essential part of New York’s wildlife.
Eastern Garter Snake
The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is one of the most common snakes in New York.
These snakes are easily recognizable by their long, slender bodies and distinctive stripes.
Eastern Garter Snakes typically grow to be 18 to 26 inches long.
They have a dark body with three light-colored stripes running the length of their body.
The stripes are usually yellow, but can sometimes be white or greenish.
These snakes are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats.
They often live near water sources like ponds, streams, and wetlands.
Eastern Garter Snakes are also common in urban areas, including parks, gardens, and even backyards.
Garter snakes are generally harmless to humans. They may bite if handled roughly, but their bite is not venomous and rarely causes more than minor irritation.
Diet:
Eastern Garter Snakes are active during the day and are often seen basking in the sun.
They hibernate during the winter months, usually in groups in underground dens.
These snakes play an important role in controlling pest populations.
They help keep rodent and insect numbers in check, making them beneficial to both ecosystems and human environments.
Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake is the most common water snake in New York.
It lives in slow-moving or still water areas like ponds, lakes, and marshes.
These snakes often bask on rocks or logs near water. They can grow up to 4-5 feet long and have a stocky build.
Northern Water Snakes have round pupils, unlike venomous snakes with slit pupils.
Their coloring can be mistaken for venomous snakes, though.
Diet:
- Fish
- Frogs
- Salamanders
- Crayfish
Northern Water Snakes are not dangerous to humans, but they may bite if threatened.
Their saliva contains a mild anticoagulant, which can cause bleeding.
These snakes are excellent swimmers. They can stay underwater for long periods, hunting for prey.
Female Northern Water Snakes give birth to live young, not eggs. They can have up to 30 babies at once.
While common in New York, these snakes face threats from habitat loss and persecution due to mistaken identity.
It’s important to respect these snakes in their natural habitat. Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing them.
Smooth Green Snake
The Smooth Green Snake is a non-venomous species found in New York’s grassy areas.
Its bright green color helps it blend in with vegetation, making it hard to spot.
These snakes are small, usually growing to about 2 feet long. They have smooth scales and a slender body, which gives them their name.
Smooth Green Snakes prefer habitats like:
- Meadows
- Grasslands
- Marshes
- Areas with dense vegetation
Their diet consists mainly of insects. They help control pest populations, making them beneficial to ecosystems.
Unlike some other snakes, Smooth Green Snakes are gentle and rarely bite.
They often freeze when threatened, relying on their camouflage for protection.
In New York, these snakes are active from spring to fall. They hibernate during the cold winter months.
Conservation efforts are important for Smooth Green Snakes. Habitat loss and pesticide use can harm their populations.
If you spot a Smooth Green Snake, it’s best to observe from a distance. Remember, all wild snakes in New York are protected by law.
Eastern Milk Snake
The Eastern Milk Snake is a non-venomous species found in New York. These snakes have a unique appearance that helps them stand out.
Eastern Milk Snakes have distinct patterns on their bodies. They typically display a light gray or tan background with reddish-brown blotches outlined in black.
These snakes are quite adaptable. They can live in various habitats, including:
- Forests
- Fields
- Wetlands
- Farms
Eastern Milk Snakes are known for their defensive behavior. When cornered, they may:
- Strike repeatedly
- Bite hard
- Shake their tails (mimicking a rattlesnake)
It’s important to give these snakes space if encountered. They usually prefer to escape rather than confront humans.
Despite their name, Eastern Milk Snakes don’t actually drink milk.
This myth likely came from their tendency to hang around barns, where they hunt for rodents.
These snakes play a valuable role in controlling rodent populations. They help farmers by keeping mice and rat numbers in check.
Eastern Milk Snakes can grow to be 3 to 4 feet long as adults. Their size and colorful patterns make them easy to spot in the wild.
Northern Ringneck Snake
The Northern Ringneck Snake is a small, non-venomous snake found in New York.
It gets its name from the distinctive ring around its neck, which is usually yellow or orange.
These snakes are quite small, typically growing to about 10-15 inches long.
They have smooth, dark scales that can appear black, gray, or dark brown.
Northern Ringneck Snakes prefer moist environments. They can often be found in:
- Woodlands
- Meadows
- Swamps
These snakes are secretive and spend much of their time hidden under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. They are most active at night when they hunt for food.
Their diet mainly consists of small prey such as:
- Salamanders
- Earthworms
- Small snakes
Northern Ringneck Snakes have a unique defense mechanism.
When threatened, they may coil their tails, exposing their bright orange or red belly. This display can startle potential predators.
While Ring-necked Snakes are common in New York, they are rarely seen due to their secretive nature.
They pose no threat to humans and are generally harmless.
Eastern Rat Snake
The Eastern Rat Snake is one of the longest snakes in New York. It can grow up to 6 feet in length, making it an impressive sight in the wild.
This non-venomous snake is also known as the black rat snake or gray ratsnake.
Its coloration can vary, but it’s often black with white or yellow underbellies.
Eastern Rat Snakes are excellent climbers. They use their skills to hunt for prey in trees and buildings. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and eggs.
These snakes play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.
They’re often found near farms and rural areas where mice and rats are common.
Despite their size, Eastern Rat Snakes are generally shy and try to avoid human contact.
When threatened, they may vibrate their tails or release a musky odor to deter predators.
In New York, these snakes are active hunters and powerful constrictors. They squeeze their prey before swallowing it whole.
Eastern Rat Snakes are beneficial to have around. They help maintain ecological balance and are harmless to humans.
If encountered, it’s best to admire them from a distance and let them go about their business.
Dekay’s Brown Snake
Dekay’s Brown Snake is a small, secretive snake found in New York.
It got its name from James Ellsworth De Kay, an American zoologist who first discovered it on Long Island.
This snake is thin and typically measures between 30-45 cm in length. The longest recorded specimen was 52.7 cm.
Dekay’s Brown Snake has a unique coloration:
- Brown, tan, or gray body
- Black dots along its sides
- Lighter colored stripe down its back
These snakes are non-venomous and harmless to humans. They are known for their ability to thrive in urban environments.
In fact, Dekay’s Brown Snake is the most common snake in many bustling cities, including:
- New York’s suburbs
- Washington DC
- Pittsburgh
- Cleveland
- Detroit
These snakes prefer moist habitats. They can often be found under leaf litter, where they hunt for their favorite prey: slugs and earthworms.
Despite their small size, Dekay’s Brown Snakes play an important role in controlling pest populations in both urban and rural areas of New York.
Eastern Hognose Snake
The Eastern Hognose Snake is a unique species found in New York.
It has a distinctive upturned snout that looks like a pig’s nose. This snake can grow up to 3 feet long.
Eastern Hognose Snakes have varied colors. They can be brown, gray, or black with dark blotches. Some are even solid black or olive green.
These snakes prefer sandy soil areas where they can easily burrow. They eat mostly toads and frogs.
When threatened, Eastern Hognose Snakes put on an impressive show.
They flatten their necks and hiss loudly. If this doesn’t work, they play dead by rolling over and lying still.
Despite their dramatic behavior, these snakes are not dangerous to humans. They rarely bite and are not venomous.
Eastern Hognose Snakes face threats in New York. Habitat loss and urbanization are reducing their numbers.
They are now considered a species of special concern in the state.
People often mistake these snakes for more dangerous species due to their defensive displays. This can lead to unnecessary killing.
Education about their harmless nature is important for their protection.
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is one of New York’s venomous snake species.
This snake can be found in certain parts of the state, but its numbers have dropped a lot.
Timber rattlesnakes used to live in many New York mountains and hills.
Sadly, their population has decreased by 50-75%. Now, they only live in a few scattered areas.
These snakes face many threats. People have killed them and destroyed their homes.
Until 1971, some counties even paid bounties for rattlesnake tails.
Timber rattlesnakes are now a threatened species in New York.
They can be found in southeastern New York and parts of the Adirondack Mountains.
Key features of timber rattlesnakes:
- Length: 3-4.5 feet
- Color: Yellow, brown, or black with dark bands
- Distinctive rattle on tail
- Venom: Potent, but rarely fatal to humans if treated quickly
These snakes play an important role in nature. They help control rodent populations. It’s best to leave them alone if you see one in the wild.
Copperhead
Copperheads are one of three venomous snakes found in New York. Their scientific name is Agkistrodon contortrix.
These snakes have a distinctive copper-colored head and a patterned body with hourglass-shaped bands.
Adult copperheads usually grow to be 20 to 37 inches long. Copperheads prefer wooded areas and rocky hillsides.
They can also be found in suburban areas near human settlements.
Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, and amphibians. Copperheads are ambush predators, often lying still and waiting for prey to come close.
While venomous, copperheads are generally not aggressive. They will usually try to avoid confrontation with humans. However, they may strike if stepped on or threatened.
Copperhead bites are painful and require medical attention. Luckily, their venom is rarely fatal to healthy adults.
In New York, copperheads are most common in the southeastern part of the state. Their range is limited, making encounters relatively rare.
During summer, copperheads are often active at night. This nocturnal behavior helps them avoid the heat of the day.
If encountered, it’s best to give copperheads plenty of space. Never attempt to handle or harm these snakes, as they play an important role in the ecosystem.
Eastern Ribbon Snake
The Eastern Ribbon Snake is a slender serpent found in New York. It belongs to the garter snake family and is known for its long, thin body.
These snakes typically grow to 18-26 inches in length. They have a distinctive appearance with three bright stripes running along their bodies.
Eastern Ribbon Snakes prefer wet habitats. They are often seen near:
- Ponds
- Streams
- Wetlands
Their diet mainly consists of small aquatic animals. They eat:
- Frogs
- Tadpoles
- Small fish
Eastern Ribbon Snakes are non-venomous and generally shy. They will try to escape if approached by humans.
In New York, these snakes face some challenges. Habitat loss and urbanization are reducing their natural homes.
Despite these issues, Eastern Ribbon Snakes are not currently listed as endangered in New York. However, their populations are closely monitored by wildlife experts.
If you spot an Eastern Ribbon Snake, it’s best to observe from a distance. Disturbing wildlife can cause stress to the animals.
Eastern Worm Snake
The Eastern Worm Snake is a small, secretive reptile found in parts of New York. It gets its name from its worm-like appearance and diet.
These snakes typically grow to 7-11 inches long. They have smooth, glossy scales that are pinkish-brown on top and light pink on their belly.
Eastern Worm Snakes spend most of their time underground. They burrow through loose soil and leaf litter in search of food.
Their diet consists mainly of earthworms and soft-bodied insects. They use their pointed snouts to dig and find prey.
In New York, these snakes are found mostly in the southeastern part of the state. They prefer areas with moist, loose soil and plenty of ground cover.
Eastern Worm Snakes are non-venomous and harmless to humans.
If threatened, they may try to poke with their pointed tail, but this causes no harm.
These snakes are rarely seen due to their burrowing habits. Spotting one in New York is considered lucky for snake enthusiasts.
Conservation efforts are important for this species. They face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation in some areas.
Queen Snake (Rare)
The queen snake is a rare species in New York. It’s a small, slender snake that often gets confused with garter snakes due to its similar size.
Queen snakes typically grow to be less than 24 inches long. They have a distinctive appearance with dark brown or olive-green bodies and yellow stripes along their sides.
These snakes prefer very specific habitats. They live near clean, rocky streams where they can find their favorite food: freshly molted crayfish.
This picky diet makes them vulnerable to environmental changes.
In New York, queen snakes face several challenges:
- Limited distribution
- Habitat loss
- Water pollution
- Indiscriminate killing by anglers
Conservation efforts for queen snakes include:
- Fencing along suitable streams
- Maintaining shrubby vegetation
- Keeping water temperatures stable
Queen snakes have exceptionally permeable skin, making them more susceptible to pollutants in the water. This trait adds to their vulnerability in the wild.
Due to their rarity and specific habitat needs, spotting a queen snake in New York is considered a special occurrence for wildlife enthusiasts.
Northern Black Racer
The Northern Black Racer is a swift and agile snake found in New York. Its scientific name is Coluber constrictor, and it’s also known as the North American Racer.
This snake has a sleek, slender body with smooth scales. It’s typically solid black on top with a white chin and gray underbelly.
Adult Northern Black Racers can grow up to 3-5 feet long. These snakes are non-venomous and harmless to humans.
However, they may bite if cornered or handled. Their bites can be painful but don’t cause serious harm.
Northern Black Racers are active during the day. They’re excellent climbers and can move quickly on the ground, living up to their name.
Their diet consists mainly of:
- Small rodents
- Frogs
- Lizards
- Smaller snakes
- Birds and their eggs
In New York, these snakes prefer open habitats such as:
- Fields
- Meadows
- Forest edges
- Rocky hillsides
During winter, Northern Black Racers hibernate in dens, often with other snake species. They emerge in spring to mate and lay eggs.
While not endangered, habitat loss poses a threat to Northern Black Racer populations. Preserving their natural habitats is crucial for their survival.
Red-Bellied Snake
The Red-bellied Snake is one of New York’s smallest snake species.
These tiny reptiles typically grow to about 10-11 inches long, rarely reaching their maximum length of 12 inches.
As their name suggests, these snakes have a bright red belly, making them easy to identify.
Their back is usually brown or gray, providing good camouflage in their natural habitat.
Red-bellied Snakes are non-venomous and generally harmless to humans.
They’re known for their docile nature and rarely bite, even when handled.
These snakes prefer moist environments like forests, meadows, and gardens.
They often hide under rocks, logs, or leaf litter.
Diet:
- Slugs
- Snails
- Small insects
When threatened, Red-bellied Snakes have an interesting defense mechanism.
They curl up their bodies and display their vibrant red underbelly to deter predators.
These snakes are active from spring to fall but hibernate during the cold winter months.
They’re most commonly seen in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Red-bellied Snakes play an important role in controlling garden pests.
Their preference for slugs and snails makes them beneficial for maintaining ecological balance in their habitats.
Short-Headed Garter Snake
The Short-headed Garter Snake is the smallest of the garter snake species found in New York. It typically grows to a length of 10 to 22 inches.
This snake has a distinctive appearance. Its body is olive green with three beige to yellow stripes running along its length.
One stripe runs down the back, while the other two run along each side.
Short-headed Garter Snakes prefer specific habitats. They can be found in:
- Woodlands
- Open fields
- Meadows
These snakes are generally mild-mannered. When handled, they rarely bite and are known for their relatively tame behavior.
It’s important to note that in New York, it’s not legal to keep Short-headed Garter Snakes as pets. This rule applies to all native wildlife in the state.
While not aggressive, these snakes may defend themselves if threatened. They might release a musky odor or strike if they feel cornered.
Massasauga Rattlesnake (Rare)
The Massasauga rattlesnake is a rare sight in New York. It’s the smallest of the three venomous snakes found in the state.
This snake has a unique name. “Massasauga” comes from the Chippewa language and means “great river-mouth.”
The Eastern Massasauga is endangered in New York. It’s also listed as a federally threatened species. This means it needs special protection.
In New York, there are only two known populations left. These are in the central and southwestern parts of the state.
Unlike the timber rattlesnake, the Massasauga prefers wet areas. It likes marshes and swamps.
Key features of the Massasauga:
- Small size
- Gray or brown color with dark blotches
- Rattle at the end of its tail
- Heat-sensing pits between eyes and nostrils
People should be careful not to disturb these snakes. They play an important role in their habitat. They help control rodent populations.
If someone sees a Massasauga, they should leave it alone. It’s best to admire these rare creatures from a safe distance.
