Snakes in Michigan: A Guide to the 18 Native Species

Michigan is home to a diverse array of snake species. 18 different snakes can be found slithering through the forests prairies wetlands and urban areas of the Great Lakes State. These reptiles play an important role in the local ecosystems as both predator and prey.

While snakes often get a bad reputation, most species in Michigan are harmless to humans Only one of the 18 snakes found in the state is venomous – the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Even this rattler is quite docile and will avoid confrontation whenever possible.

Read on to learn more about Michigan’s snake species, how to identify them, what habitats they prefer and what they like to eat.

Overview of Snakes in Michigan

Here are some key facts about Michigan’s native snakes

• There are 18 snake species found in the state. 17 are nonvenomous, 1 is venomous (Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake).

• 5 species are listed as endangered, threatened or of special concern due to habitat loss. These are the Copperbelly Water Snake, Eastern Fox Snake, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Gray Ratsnake and Kirtland’s Snake.

• Most snakes in Michigan are small, ranging from 9 to 18 inches in length. The largest can grow up to 6 feet long.

• Snakes are found all throughout the state in various habitats including forests, prairies, marshes, rivers, lakes and urban areas.

• Snakes play an important ecological role as both predator and prey. They help control rodent, insect and frog populations.

• Michigan snakes eat a variety of small animals including insects, worms, slugs, fish, frogs, birds, mice and other snakes.

• Snakes are cold-blooded and hibernate during the winter months buried underground or in other protected locations.

• Snakes shed their skin several times a year as they grow. Finding shed snake skins is a good way to identify species found in an area.

Identifying Michigan’s 18 Snake Species

Here is a guide covering all 18 snake species found in Michigan including details on size, coloration, habitat and diet:

1. Eastern Garter Snake

The Eastern Garter Snake is one of the most common snakes in Michigan. It has three yellow or orange stripes running down the length of its body and grows 2 to 4 feet long. These snakes are found throughout the state in fields, forests, marshes and urban areas. They eat frogs, worms, mice and fish.

2. Butler’s Garter Snake

Similar looking to the Eastern Garter Snake but much smaller (2 feet long). Has three yellow/orange stripes. Found in marshy areas and grasslands. Eats worms due to small size.

3. Northern Ribbon Snake

Small snake (1 to 2 feet) with three stripes (usually yellow) running down length of body. Has white scales above mouth. Lives near water. Eats frogs, fish and insects.

4. Northern Ring-Necked Snake

Small snake (10 to 20 inches) that is black or blue-gray with a yellow/orange ring around its neck. Found in wooded areas. Nonvenomous and eats small invertebrates.

5. Northern Red-Bellied Snake

A small reddish brown snake reaching 10 inches long. Has bright orange/red belly. Lives in forests and fields. Eats worms and slugs.

6. Brown Snake

Tiny brown snake reaching 10 to 15 inches. Often confused with young copperheads. Found in forests, fields and urban areas. Eats insects and worms.

7. Kirtland’s Snake

Rare endangered species. Grows to 18 inches. Gray or brown with dark blotches on back. Found in southern Michigan forests and wetlands. Status is endangered in state.

8. Blue Racer

Grows up to 5 feet long. Bright blue-gray body with lighter belly. Found in prairies and open woodlands. Eats rodents, birds, frogs and other snakes. Known for its speed.

9. Northern Ring-Necked Snake

Nonvenomous snake eating frogs, fish and worms. Grows 2 feet long. Black or brown with yellow/white underside. Found near streams and lakes.

10. Eastern Fox Snake

Grows up to 5 feet. Brown or gray with dark blotches. Found in marshes and fields. Mimics rattlesnakes by vibrating tail. Eats mice and rodents. State threatened species.

11. Western Fox Snake

Similar to Eastern Fox Snake but located in Upper Peninsula. Grows to 6 feet. Light brown with dark splotches. Found in various habitats. Harmless but vibrates tail like rattlesnake when threatened.

12. Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake

Stocky snake up to 4 feet long. Color variable but often gray and brown patterned. Found in various habitats. When threatened, rears up and hoods like a cobra. Harmless but will bite if handled.

13. Eastern Milk Snake

Grows to 4 feet. Brightly colored with red-brown body and black-bordered brown blotches. Found in forests and fields. Constricts prey but docile when handled.

14. Smooth Green Snake

Slender bright green snake reaching 2 feet. Found near water in meadows and forests. Rarely seen as stays hidden in vegetation. Harmless insectivore.

15. Copper-Bellied Water Snake

Heavy-bodied snake up to 5 feet long. Brown back with distinct copper/orange belly. Found in swampy areas. State endangered species. Eats fish, frogs and crayfish.

16. Northern Water Snake

Chunky dark brown snake with square blotches on back. Grows to 4 feet. Found near waterways where prey on fish and amphibians. Often basks on branches overhanging water.

17. Black Rat Snake

Michigan’s largest snake reaching up to 6 feet. Solid black. Found in woods and barns hunting mice. Constricts prey. Species of special concern due to declining numbers.

18. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

The only venomous snake in Michigan. Small and stocky with gray/brown blotches and signature rattle on tail. Found in wetlands and swamps. Bite requires immediate medical attention. State threatened species.

Snake Habitats in Michigan

Michigan’s varied landscapes provide suitable habitat for all 18 native snake species. Here are some of the common places snakes can be found:

• Forests – deciduous and pine forests, especially along edges and clearings. Species found here include rat snakes, garters, ribbon snakes and Kirtland’s snake.

• Prairies – opens grasslands, meadows and old fields. Home to blue racers, fox snakes, milk snakes.

• Wetlands – marshes, swamps and bogs. Habitat for water snakes, queen snakes and massasauga rattlesnakes.

• River and Lakes – species like water snakes, garters and ribbon snakes live near waterways and lakes. Provides food source and basking sites.

• Woodlands Edge – transitional zones like edges of forests and fields are popular with rat snakes, hog-nosed snakes and racers.

• Urban Areas – manmade habitats in cities and suburbs. Garter snakes, brown snakes and rats snakes adapt well to urban settings.

What Do Snakes Eat in Michigan?

Michigan’s snakes fill an important niche as both predator and prey in the state’s ecosystems. Here is what the various snakes eat:

• Small snakes – worms, slugs, insects

• Medium snakes – fish, frogs, smaller snakes, crayfish

• Large snakes – rodents, birds, eggs, other reptiles

• Water snakes – fish, frogs, crayfish

• Hog-nosed snakes – amphibians like frogs and salamanders

• Rat snakes – small rodents like mice and voles

• Garter and ribbon snakes – fish, frogs, worms

• Racer and fox snakes – rodents, birds, eggs

• Massasauga rattler – small mammals, frogs, other snakes

Understanding the role snakes play in controlling pests and contributing to food chains is one way to appreciate these often feared reptiles. Simply respecting snakes and leaving them be ensures they can continue serving as both predator and prey in Michigan’s habitats.

Snake Safety Tips When in Michigan

Most Michigan snakes are harmless and humans have nothing to fear from them. Here are some common sense safety tips when out in snake country:

• Leave snakes alone if encountered. Do not try to capture or kill them.

• Be alert in habitats where snakes live – forests, prairies, wetlands, rocky areas.

• Do not reach into crevices or under rocks or logs where snakes may hide.

• Wear sturdy boots and long pants when hiking to protect from rare bites.

• Keep hands and feet away when moving debris snakes could be under. Use tools instead.

• Teach children to respect snakes and not approach or try to handle them.

• Dogs and cats may harass snakes – keep pets leashed and leave snakes be.

• If bitten by a Massasauga rattlesnake, seek immediate medical treatment. Remain calm and avoid motion to slow venom.

Understanding and respecting Michigan’s snakes helps both humans and reptiles safely coexist. These unique creatures are an important part of the state’s natural heritage.