Different snake species thrive in Ohio and the Great Lakes. Several of these types of snakes in Ohio may winter behind rocks or logs.
Summer activity is unique to several snakes. Only adaptive species survive the state’s cold northern winters.
Venomous and non-venomous snakes are found across Ohio, although mostly in the north around Lake Erie.
They vary in color and size up to 50 inches for most species. Let’s begin with our post about the types of snakes in Ohio!
1. Copperhead
Venomous and common, the copperhead is one of Ohio‘s most feared types of snakes.
Copperheads supposedly smell like fresh-cut cucumbers. They defend with this fragrance when attacked or disturbed.
Copperheads are predators with heat-sensing pits between their eyes. They hunt, bask, and wander marshes and deep forests.
Strangely, these types of snakes in Ohio only strike when forced to.
2. Racers
Racers are also on our list of types of snakes in Ohio. Racers’ sleek, shiny scales and lightning-fast speeds are astonishing.
Black and blue racers live in this state. Color is the sole distinction between them.
These jittery boys are fast and anxious. If threatened, they may pursue you out of their area. However, they are non-venomous and seldom bite types of snakes in Ohio.
3. Timber Rattlesnake
This is the state’s scariest rattler. Timber rattlesnakes attack quickly after shaking, injecting poisonous venom into the body. They are among the most poisonous types of snakes in Ohio.
Interestingly, timber rattlesnake moms have live babies. Venomous newborns have hollow fangs. Timber rattlesnakes seldom bite since they don’t want problems.
4. Hognose Snake
The fascinating hognose snake has upturned nostrils like pigs and hogs.
They live in Ohio’s farmlands, forests, sandy regions, and fields. They are even traded as snakes due to their look.
They may be territorial and difficult, but they prefer bluffing to biting. Their bites deliver minor poison, but not enough to kill.
5. Ribbon Snake
Thin ribbon snakes have distinct lines along their bodies. Although garter snakes are similar, females are bigger than males. Ribbon snake bands run along its body.
Ohio has plenty of these harmless snakes. You could observe one observing you in the garden as much as you watch them.
The animal’s curiosity makes it simple to handle, but don’t damage or startle it.
6. Queen Snake
Semi-aquatic queen snakes like slow-flowing water and bank hideouts. Although benign, these small types of snakes in Ohio have a defense mechanism.
Beware—they discharge a foul-smelling odor from their vents to dissuade predators.
Unlike terrestrial snakes, queen snakes eat molted crayfish, snails, and minnows. These snakes don’t want to socialize like other snakes in Ohio.
7. Green Snake
Tiny, skinny green snakes dislike being outside. Their vivid color and size make them vulnerable to predators.
Therefore, they hide in long grass meadows, prairies, and pastures.
Since they are so slim and blend in, you may pass right past one of these little fellas accidentally.
These types of snakes in Ohio eat grasshoppers and centipedes, not rodents.
8. Common Water Snake
A common water snake is the most likely aquatic snake to see when wading in a stream or river. These boys relax on rocks and swim in water.
These snakes mimic the deadly cottonmouth. Be cautious since you may not be able to discern the difference without a skilled eye.
9. Lake Erie Water Snake
Unlike the typical water snake, the Lake Erie water snake is rare and endangered in Ohio.
These beautiful types of snakes in Ohio prefer large quantities of water, yet you may never see one.
Other types of snakes in Ohio are merely colored and unimpressive. Opportunistic feeders, they eat tiny fish and amphibians.
10. Worm Snake
The term suggests that worm snakes resemble earthworms. The tiny, invisible object is harmless. They dwell mostly in southern Ohio.
These types of snakes in Ohio prefer hiding from predators that wish to devour them. Worm snakes, which eat earthworms, are non-venomous and hunt at night.
11. Kirtland Snake
Ohio has few Kirtland snakes, a vulnerable North American species. These snakes like water in deep woods and marshes, although not aquatic.
Instead, they seek snails, toads, and frogs in their habitat. These types of snakes in Ohio avoid conflict whenever feasible. There are no records of this species biting humans.
12. Dekay’s Brown Snake
Dekay’s brown snakes are prominent snake faces in Ohio. These snakes are around garter and corn snake size and may hide together.
Hidden in ancient buildings or behind wood boards, the brown snake likes man-made settings.
These brown snakes vary in color. They eat slugs, snails, and larvae but are safe for people. Instead of poison, Dekay’s brown snakes produce a foul-smelling musk as a defense.
13. Northern Red-bellied Snake
Ohio has fewer northern red-bellied snakes or fire snakes. These snakes may seem dull from above.
However, they have bright red flaming bellies and know how to utilize them when terrified.
These shy, non-venomous snakes in Ohio deter predators with their menacing appearance. Interestingly, they live just four years in the wild.
14. Ringneck Snake
Don’t be scared by its bright colors. No one in Ohio is harmed by these types of snakes. When frightened, they flash their bright underside to confuse predators.
These snakes are abundant in Ohio and the East Coast. They may explore but prefer dense woods. Salamanders and earthworms are their main feed as they don’t grow huge.
15. Eastern Milk Snake
Eastern milk snakes have brilliant, colorful designs that could make you feel unsafe. Non-venomous snakes are more likely to hide if you approach them.
Though they may thrive everywhere in Ohio, these snakes adore ancient stone foundations.
You could locate one of these snakes in Ohio beneath an old slab in a farm yard or abandoned home basement.
16. Garter Snake
Garter snakes adore yards, flowerbeds, and gardens, so you’ve probably seen one.
Their tiny heads, slim bodies, and lined patterns always reveal them. Butlers, plains, and eastern garters live in Ohio.
The innocuous garter snakes produce a foul odor when startled.
Though uncomfortable, it’s safe. Despite being in plain sight, they like basking on rocks or tree trunks.
17. Eastern Rat Snake
The Eastern rat snake is one of Ohio’s biggest. Adults may reach 100 inches. However huge, they are normally gentle. However, they may bite if threatened (which hurts).
Rat snakes are like large prey. These guys eat rats, birds, and bird eggs. This snake is often seen in chicken coop rafters.
18. Eastern Fox Snake
The interesting eastern fox snake looks nothing like the red fox, yet its name is connected. Some believe these types of snakes in Ohio smell like wild foxes.
The brown and black markings on these snakes are intriguing. Rock foundations are their thing, and stone-walled basements in older homes may have them.
19. Eastern Black Kingsnake
Eastern black Kingsnakes are ending our list of types of snakes in Ohio. Despite their size, eastern black king snakes are gentle giants.
These snakes often have scattered patterns rather than lines.
These large snakes eat rodents, eggs, birds, and other snakes. Terrestrial and diurnal snakes hunt throughout the day. King snakes can rattle their tails when disturbed, which is cool.
