Snakes in Virginia: A Guide to Identification, Habitats, and Safety

Virginia is home to a diverse array of snake species, ranging from tiny harmless snakes to large venomous pit vipers. While most people have an instinctive fear of snakes, these reptiles play an important role in the state’s ecosystems. Understanding the different types of snakes in Virginia and how to identify them can help residents safely coexist with these misunderstood creatures.

Overview of Snakes in Virginia

There are around 31 different snake species found in Virginia. Only 3 of these are venomous – the timber rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth. The other 28 species are nonvenomous, including popular snakes like the black rat snake, Eastern kingsnake, and corn snake.

Snakes thrive in Virginia thanks to the variety of habitats like forests, swamps, marshes, and grasslands. The most commonly spotted species based on citizen science data are the Northern watersnake, Eastern ratsnake, common gartersnake, Dekay’s brownsnake, and Eastern wormsnake.

While snakes play a vital role in controlling rodent and insect populations, human-snake conflict does occur. Bites are rare if snakes are left undisturbed, but children and pets can be especially at risk. Learning how to identify different snakes in Virginia can help residents take appropriate safety precautions.

How to Identify Snakes in Virginia

Identifying snakes relies on paying attention to several key features:

• Size – Length and thickness of the snake.

• Head shape – Pit vipers have broad, triangular heads while most nonvenomous snakes have narrower heads.

• Eyes – Pit vipers have vertical, cat-like pupils while nonvenomous snakes have round pupils.

• Body pattern and color – Markings like bands, blotches, or stripes help indicate species.

• Habitat – Where the snake is found, as different species prefer certain habitats.

For example, a short brown snake with dark blotches curled up in leaf litter is likely a Dekay’s brownsnake. A large black snake near water is probably a Northern watersnake. A camouflaged snake coiled in dry leaves with a triangular head is cause for caution as it may be a copperhead.

Paying attention to all these factors together allows accurate identification. Resources like online guides and identification keys can further help differentiate similar-looking snakes.

Major Groups of Snakes in Virginia

The 31 snake species in Virginia can be divided into several major groups:

Pit Vipers

• Timber Rattlesnake – Largest venomous snake in VA, up to 60 inches long. Dark with rattle on tail tip.

• Copperhead – Camouflaged brown with hourglass pattern. Up to 36 inches long.

• Cottonmouth – Stocky semiaquatic snake with white mouth lining. Up to 48 inches long.

Watersnakes

• Northern Watersnake – Common semiaquatic snake, brown with bands. Up to 42 inches long.

• Plain-bellied Watersnake – Gray-brown snake found near water. Up to 48 inches long.

Ratsnakes

• Black Ratsnake – Usually black or gray. Excellent climbers that eat rodents. Up to 72 inches long.

• Corn Snake – Docile snakes popular as pets. Orange, red, or yellow blothces on back. Up to 48 inches long.

Gartersnakes

• Common Gartersnake – Widespread snake with yellow stripes. Up to 26 inches long.

• Ribbonsnake – Semi-aquatic with three yellow or tan stripes. Up to 26 inches long.

Earthsnakes

• Rough Earthsnake – Tiny brown snake with yellow underside. Up to 10 inches long.

• Smooth Earthsnake – Similar but smaller species. Up to 10 inches long.

Kingsnakes and Milksnakes

• Scarlet Kingsnake – Red, black and white bands. Up to 20 inches long.

• Milksnake – Reddish snake with white and black blotches. Up to 36 inches long.

• Eastern Kingsnake – Glossy black with white bands. Up to 48 inches long.

As this shows, understanding the major groupings of snakes can aid identification. For example, if you see a black snake climbing a tree, it must be a ratsnake rather than a watersnake that hunts on the ground. Paying attention to key traits of each group narrows possibilities.

Where to Find Snakes in Virginia

Snakes occupy diverse habitats in Virginia. Knowing what snakes occur where helps anticipate encounters:

• Forests – Timber rattlesnakes, rat snakes, kingsnakes, scarlet snakes, wormsnakes.

• Swamps and marshes – Cottonmouths, Northern watersnakes, ribbonsnakes.

• Streams and ponds – Watersnakes, common gartersnakes.

• Overgrown fields – Copperheads, brownsnakes, smooth greensnakes.

• Rocky areas and wooded hillsides – Timber rattlesnakes, earthsnakes.

• Rural and suburban areas – Ratsnakes, milksnakes, racers.

While some snakes have specialized habitats, others like Eastern gartersnakes and Northern watersnakes readily adapt to new environments. Understanding each species’ preferred habitat provides clues to their identification.

Venomous Snakes in Virginia

The three venomous snake species in Virginia – timber rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths – deliver potent hemotoxic venom through hollow fangs.

How to Identify Venomous Snakes

All three have thick bodies, triangular heads, and vertical “cat-eye” pupils. Timber rattlesnakes also have obvious rattles on their tails.

Juveniles can be harder to identify as their venom is still developing. Their tails lack rattles and their pattern may be less defined. When in doubt, treat an unknown snake as potentially dangerous.

Safety Tips for Venomous Snakes

While death from snakebite is rare, medical treatment is still essential. To avoid snakebites:

• Wear sturdy boots and long pants in snake habitat.

• Use thick gloves when moving debris like logs or rocks.

• Watch where you step and don’t reach into hidden areas.

• Keep pets leashed and children supervised outdoors.

• Leave snakes alone – don’t harass or kill them. A threatened snake is more likely to bite in self-defense.

Understanding venomous snake safety and identification allows Virginians to confidently enjoy the outdoors.

Virginia’s varied landscapes support a diverse assemblage of snake species. Only 3 are venomous – the timber rattlesnake, copperhead, and cottonmouth. The other 28 species are harmless if left alone. Learning to identify snakes by color, patterning, body shape, habitat, and head shape allows accurate species identification. With proper knowledge and caution, Virginians can safely appreciate these fascinating reptiles in their backyards and neighborhoods.