The Boston Marathon will run for the 129th time — and 12 years since the fatal marathon bombing in 2013 — in a few days, and heres everything you need to know about the race, including how to watch.
Massachusetts is home to 14 different snake species, with only 2 being venomous. This guide covers everything you need to know about identifying avoiding and living with snakes in Massachusetts.
Overview of Snakes in Massachusetts
There are 14 snake species found in Massachusetts
- Northern Copperhead (venomous)
- Timber Rattlesnake (venomous)
- Eastern Rat Snake
- DeKay’s Brownsnake
- Eastern Garter Snake
- Eastern Black Racer
- Eastern Hognose Snake
- Eastern Milk Snake
- Eastern Ribbon Snake
- Eastern Worm Snake
- Northern Red-bellied Snake
- Northern Water Snake
- Ringneck Snake
- Smooth Greensnake
The most common snakes seen in Massachusetts are the garter snake, water snake, milk snake, brown snake, and ringneck snake.
The two venomous species – the copperhead and timber rattlesnake – are endangered in Massachusetts. It is illegal to kill, harass, or possess these snakes.
Identifying Snakes in Massachusetts
There are a few key characteristics to look for when identifying snakes:
Size: Note the length. For example, timber rattlesnakes can reach over 5 feet while worm snakes max out under 2 feet.
Head shape: Pit vipers like copperheads have wide, triangular heads. Other snakes have more oval-shaped heads.
Eyes: Venomous snakes have elliptical, cat-like pupils. Most non-venomous snakes have round pupils.
Color patterns: Markings like bands, blotches, speckles, and stripes can indicate the species. For example, the milk snake has red, black, and yellow bands.
Habitat: Knowing what kind of habitat or location the snake was found in can provide clues to the species. Water snakes will be found near water, for instance.
Distribution: Consider the known range of the species. Timber rattlesnakes live mainly in western Massachusetts.
Safety Tips
Most snakes are harmless to humans and help control pests like mice and rats. Here are some tips for safely living with snakes:
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Leave snakes alone if you encounter them outside. Give them space and let them move away.
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Wear sturdy shoes and long pants when hiking to avoid accidental bites. Watch your step.
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Keep yard areas tidy. trim vegetation, and remove wood/rock piles to discourage snakes near homes.
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Teach children not to touch snakes and keep pets away from them.
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If you find a snake inside, isolate it by closing doors and calling animal control.
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Never try to kill or capture venomous snakes. Stay calm and back away slowly.
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Seek immediate medical attention if bitten. Try to note identifying details of the snake but don’t risk another bite trying to catch it.
What To Do If Bitten
While snake bites are rare, here are some dos and don’ts if you are ever bitten:
Do:
- Remain calm and move away from the snake.
- Call 911 or seek immediate medical treatment.
- Note any details about the snake like color and shape of head/eyes.
- Keep the bitten area still and below heart level.
Don’t:
- Cut into the wound or try to suck out venom.
- Apply ice or a tourniquet.
- Try to capture or kill the snake.
Snakes to Watch For in Massachusetts
Here are some notable snake species found in the state:
Copperhead
- Venomous pit viper.
- Tan, brown, or rusty body with hourglass-shaped dark crossbands.
- Wide triangular head with heat-sensing pits.
- Found in wooded areas near swamps and marshes.
Timber Rattlesnake
- Massachusetts’ only rattlesnake species.
- Can reach over 5 feet long. Makes buzzing rattle sound.
- Tan or gray body with dark “V” shaped crossbands.
- Prefers forested rocky areas.
Milk Snake
- Distinct red, black, and yellow/white bands.
- Often mistaken for the venomous coral snake.
- Docile; will often freeze when approached.
- Found in various habitats from forests to barns.
Garter Snake
- Massachusetts’ most common snake.
- Long and slender with yellow/white stripes on brown or black.
- Mildly venomous saliva. Generally docile if left alone.
- Found everywhere from backyards to meadows.
Ringneck Snake
- Small snake under 2 feet long.
- Brown or gray with distinctive yellow/orange neck band.
- Prefers moist wooded areas and hides under debris.
What is the Boston Marathon?
The Boston Marathon is an annual marathon which is typically held on Patriots’ Day, which is the third Monday in April.
The Boston Marathon is also one of the oldest and most prestigious marathons in the world, and is part of the World Marathon Majors.
The top finishers in the Boston Marathon will split a pool prize worth $705,000. The top finishers in the Boston Marathons wheelchair division will each get a share of the $308,000 grand prize for that division.
When is the Boston Marathon?
The 129th running of the Boston Marathon will occur on Monday, April 21.
Poisonous snakes in Massachusetts with Saltyhead
FAQ
Are there any poisonous snakes in Massachusetts?
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- These are large, heavy-bodied pit vipers with triangular heads and variable color patterns.
- They are listed as endangered in Massachusetts.
- They are active from April to October, basking on ledges during the day.
- They are found in rocky, forested areas, particularly in western Massachusetts.
- They are protected due to their endangered status
- These are large, heavy-bodied pit vipers with triangular heads and variable color patterns.
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- These snakes have a thick, heavy body, a triangular head, and a thin, cat-like pupil.
- Their brown and orange body is well-camouflaged against the forest floor.
- They are also endangered in Massachusetts.
- They are found in rocky, forested areas.
- They are more common than the timber rattlesnake
- These snakes have a thick, heavy body, a triangular head, and a thin, cat-like pupil.
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Important Note:Contrary to popular belief, there are no venomous “water moccasins” in Massachusetts; only harmless water snakes.
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Conservation:Both species are protected and it is illegal to harass, kill, collect or possess them
Does Massachusetts have copperheads?
In Massachusetts, the Copperhead is usually associated with deciduous forest and shows a preference for traprock (basalt) ledges with extensive rock slides below. The Copperhead is a relative of the Eastern Cottonmouth and, like that species, is fond of moist, damp habitats.
What is the most snake-infested lake in Massachusetts?
According to AZ Animals Quabbin Reservoir, the largest inland body of water in Massachusetts and the primary water supply for Boston; is the most snake-infested lake in the state. This makes sense seeing that the lake is so massive. Quabbin Reservoir’s maximum length is 18 miles with a maximum depth of 151 feet.
What state has the worst snake problem?
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Arizona’s Venomous Snake Diversity:Arizona is home to a wide range of venomous snakes, including various types of rattlesnakes.
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Texas‘s Snake Population:Texas has the most snakes in the United States overall, with over 105 species and subspecies, though only 15 are potentially dangerous.
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Florida‘s Snake Population:Florida has 46 species of snakes, with six being venomous, and also has invasive, non-native species like Burmese pythons that are causing shifts in the ecosystem.
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North Carolina‘s Snake Encounters:North Carolina has the highest number of snake bites per million inhabitants, with 157.8 snake encounters per million inhabitants, according to the World Animal Foundation.