Slithering Through The Old Line State: A Guide To Snakes In Maryland

Pit Vipers (Subfamily Crotalinae)

There are two species of pit vipers found in Maryland, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the eastern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Both of these species are dangerously venomous and should be treated with caution. Do not approach or handle these snakes as a bite could be fatal. As the name implies the pit vipers have a heat seeking pit between each eye and nostril. The pit vipers also differ noticeably from the colubrids by having vertical pupils, and undivided subcaudal scales (Conant and Collins 1998). For more information on Maryland’s venomous snakes, please click here. For visuals of snake anatomy features, please click here.

Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) Photo courtesy of Linh Phu Former Name:​ Northern Copperhead

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) – Watchlist Photo courtesy of Scott A. Smith

Maryland colubrids differ from vipers by having round pupils in the eyes, no heat seeking pit between each eye and nostril, a complete set of divided sub-caudal scales, and a series of large plates (scales) on the dorsum of the head.

There are 25 different types of snakes (including sub-species) from the Family Colubridae that can be found in Maryland. Due to the large number of genera (16) and the relatively few species within each genus (no more than two), identification of Maryland colubrids to genus is not discussed here. Species and sub-species descriptions follow. ​

A Few Common Non-Venomous Snakes

The Eastern Rat Snake (or commonly referred to as Black Rat Snake) is the largest snake in Montgomery County, growing up to 6 feet (sometimes larger) in length as an adult. Adults can be identified by their plain, shiny black body with their belly having an irregular black and white checkerboard pattern. The chin and throat are typically a cream or white color.

Juvenile Eastern Rat Snakes can be distinguished from the adults with their strong pattern of grey and brown blotches on their pale grey back. Juveniles are often mistakenly identified as Eastern Copperheads. One key feature to compare a juvenile Eastern Rat Snake from a juvenile copperhead is the sulfur yellow colored tail that juvenile copperheads possess.

Eastern Rat Snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including farmlands, hardwood forests, forested wetlands, urban woodlots and backyards. They are notorious climbers, as they are often seen climbing up and down trees and even the sides of human structures in search of food and shelter. In some cases, they can find their way into attics, basements and crawlspaces undetected.

Northern Watersnakes have a large rounded head and a back pattern of black to reddish-brown blotches, which may form crossbands. They can grow to almost 4 feet in length. They are excellent swimmers and can be found in nearly every type of wetland habitat, from rivers to lakes to ponds. They are often seen basking on rocks on the shorelines of creeks and ponds.

These snakes are non-venomous but can be aggressive. They readily strike and bite. When they feel threatened, they will release a foul- smelling musk as a defense mechanism. Often, watersnakes can be mistakenly identified as the venomous Northern Copperhead due to the patterning and bands on the body. It is important to remember that there are some key features to help identify whether a snake is venomous or not. These features are described below on page 8. Watersnakes can also be mistaken for the venomous Water Moccasin, which are not known to live in Maryland.

Eastern Garter Snakes can be identified by their distinct yellow or white strip down the center of their back. The rest of their back has a greenish brown or black checkerboard pattern. The belly is cream to yellow-green, and generally unmarked. They grow to 1-2 feet in length. They are relatively common to see, especially during the day. They can be found in the forest, old fields, riparian areas and backyards. These snakes are non-venomous, but they can be fairly aggressive. Like all snakes, they will readily strike. When they feel threatened, they will release a foul-smelling musk as a defense mechanism.

The Eastern Milk Snake is slender with a body color of tan to light brown and broad red with black-bordered blotches down the body. At the nape of the neck, there is a grey or tan Y-, V-, U- or A- shaped patch. The belly has a black and white checkboard pattern. They can grow up to 3 feet in length.

Sometimes, these non-venomous snakes can be mistakenly identified as the venomous Northern Copperhead due to the patterning and bands on the body. It is important to remember that there are some key features to help identify whether a snake is venomous or not (see page 8).

Eastern Milk Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats, from the forests to rocky outcrops to open fields to human structures. The chances of encountering one is slim because they are primarily nocturnal and burrow.

Maryland is home to two venomous snakes: Eastern Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake. While Timber Rattlesnakes are native to Maryland, they are not historically found in Montgomery County. They typically are only found in the western part of the state from Frederick to Garrett Counties.

There are some key features to help identify whether a snake is venomous or not. Both of Maryland’s native venomous snakes have elliptical shaped pupils, similar to that of a cat, whereas the native non-venomous snakes have round pupils similar to humans. The venomous snakes also have a pit sensor below their eyes, which is a separate opening on their snout from their nostrils (these snakes are collectively also known as “pit vipers”). The shape and size of the head can also help you distinguish between those which are venomous and nonvenomous. Venomous snakes have wider heads, and they often resemble a triangle. This can sometimes be difficult to notice, especially on smaller snakes. Please note that these identification features apply to the native snakes of Maryland and may not hold true for venomous snakes from other areas of the world

Eastern Copperheads typically have a tan to brown colored body with a copper-red colored head. They can be identified by the darker chestnut brown colored hourglass pattern crossbands along the entire body. Like most venomous snakes, they have elliptical shaped pupils in their eyes, facial pit sensors below the eyes and a triangular shaped head.

Juvenile Copperheads are distinguished by a sulfur yellow colored tail. This feature is most important when comparing to other similar looking snakes, such as a juvenile Eastern Rat Snake. The sulfur yellow tail fades over time as they grow into adults.

As noted above, Copperheads are pit vipers. Pit vipers have a heat- sensitive pit organ on each side of its head between the eye and the nostril. The pits help detect objects that are warmer than the environment and allow copperheads to locate prey. When prey is detected, copperheads will ambush and subdue the prey by injecting it with venom using their fangs. Newborn and juvenile copperheads have fully functional fangs that are capable of injecting venom as toxic as an adult’s.

Copperheads are most active during the spring and summer months as they emerge from winter hibernation and prepare for mating season. Mating season is usually from April to May, but they can mate again in September. Copperheads hibernate over the winter from November to April but can emerge on the warmer days to bask in the sun.

While Copperheads are not aggressive by nature, and would prefer to remain undetected, they will strike when threatened, stepped on or handled. They can be difficult to see because they rely on camouflage for protection. Though the copperhead is the cause of some snakebites annually, those bites are rarely fatal. However, they are extremely painful.

Finding one of the rarest Snakes in Maryland!

FAQ

Are there any poisonous snakes in Maryland?

• Eastern Copperhead:

  Found throughout Maryland, more common than the Timber Rattlesnake. 

• Timber Rattlesnake:

  Primarily found in the western part of Maryland, particularly in Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett counties. 

• Venom:

  Both species have venom that can cause a painful bite, but most Maryland snake bites are due to copperheads. 

• Protection:

  All snakes in Maryland, including venomous ones, are protected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. It is illegal to kill them. 

• Safety:

  If you encounter a venomous snake, it’s best to leave it alone and avoid approaching or handling it. 

Does Maryland have a snake problem?

On average, Maryland Poison Control receives 100 snake bite cases each year, about half of which are due to bites from venomous snakes, mostly copperhead bites.

What time of year do snakes come out in Maryland?

Diurnal during the spring and fall, nocturnal during summer to avoid the heat. Most active in the spring following hibernation. Warning – this is a venomous snake.

Where do snakes live in Maryland?

Maryland has several species of snakes that live in rural, suburban, and urban areas. All are perfectly harmless except for the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Both are found mostly in the northern and western regions of the state.

Are there venomous snakes in Maryland?

Smooth Earthsnakes (Virginia valeriae) are the only representative of the Virginia genera. They are fairly common in the East and easily recognized by their smooth brown body. Maryland has two venomous snakes, the Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. We cover all types of Maryland snakes.

Are snakes endangered in Maryland?

Every day, snakes function as vital predators, as well as prey. Because of their importance, all snake species are protected in Maryland under the Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act. Maryland is home to 27 species and sub-species of snakes, including two with medically significant venom, the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake.

Where can you find snakes in Maryland?

Forrest, fields, wetlands, marshes, rivers, and even near residential areas are some of the places you can find snakes. It is important to know what species are near you to fully appreciate and stay safe while around the animal. This list will have all of the snakes in Maryland and common places to find them.

How many snake species are there in Maryland?

Snake diversity in the United States runs from south to north, with most southern states having the highest number of snake species. Maryland’s geographic situation on the Mason/Dixon line puts in in the middle of East Coast geography. It’s twenty seven snake species also puts it at the higher middle range of snake diversity among all US states.

Are there rattlesnakes in Maryland?

These species (Cemophora coccinea) are distinguished by their red spots with black borders. Although they are uncommon throughout the state, tiny populations of rattlesnakes can still be found in Maryland. These types of snakes in Maryland are capable of biting.

Are brown snakes common in Maryland?

Brown snakes are common to find hiding under rocks, leaves, and other natural debris. They are active in the evening and night, avoiding the day. When the night comes, bugs like slugs, worms, and snails are preyed upon and eaten by this snake. Brown snakes are common in Maryland and can even be found near your home. 10. Eastern Hog-nosed snake