Snakes in Pennsylvania: An Insider’s Guide for 2023
When most people think of Pennsylvania, snakes are not the first thing that come to mind. However, the Keystone State is actually home to a diverse population of snakes – 21 species in total. While the majority are harmless, Pennsylvania does have three venomous snake species that require caution.
This in-depth guide will provide everything you need to know about snakes in Pennsylvania including
- A breakdown of venomous vs nonvenomous species
- Identification tips and descriptions of key snakes
- Safety precautions & what to do if bitten
- Ways to snake-proof your home and yard
- Fun facts about PA snakes!
Let’s slither in…
Venomous Snakes in Pennsylvania
Out of 21 snake species in Pennsylvania, only 3 are venomous. These are:
Timber Rattlesnake – Large, heavy-bodied pitviper with dark chevron bands. Elliptical pupils. Found statewide except southeastern corner.
Copperhead – Smaller, copper-colored head. Hourglass pattern on tan body. Most common venomous snake. Statewide distribution.
Eastern Massasauga – Small rattlesnake with row of spots down back. Limited to western PA. Rare.
While dangerous if provoked venomous snake bites are extremely rare in PA. No recent fatalities. With proper identification and precautions, coexistence with these shy snakes is entirely possible.
Most Common Nonvenomous Species
The majority of snakes encountered in Pennsylvania’s fields, forests and wetlands are harmless to humans. The most frequently seen include:
Eastern Garter Snake – Variable coloration with stripes. Small teeth can produce mild venom but pose no real danger.
Northern Water Snake – Heavy-bodied brown snake found near water. Often confused with venomous cottonmouths.
Northern Ring-necked Snake – Tiny, 7-15 inch snake with bright yellow/orange neck band.
Eastern Milksnake – Distinctive red-bordered saddle pattern. Often found in barns.
Eastern Ratsnake – Pennsylvania’s largest snake, up to 8 feet long! Solid black or with blotches.
Northern Brownsnake – Tiny, seldom seen brown snake of forests and gardens.
Snake Identification Tip: Eyes Have It!
An easy way to distinguish venomous from nonvenomous snakes is by pupil shape.
Venomous snakes have vertical, cat-like pupils while nonvenomous species have round pupils. If confronted by an unknown snake, pupil examination from a safe distance can help reveal whether extra caution is warranted.
What To Do If Bitten
Seek immediate medical care. Stay calm, immobilize the bite area and move as little as possible to slow venom spread.
Do NOT cut bite or try to suck out venom. Note identifying features of the snake but avoid killing it for identification, which is illegal for some protected PA snakes.
Antivenom and medical treatment make snakebite fatalities extremely rare. Still, urgent care is vital for best results – don’t delay!
Snake Safety & Bite Prevention
Follow these tips to safely coexist with Pennsylvania snakes:
- Watch your step in snake habitat like wood/rock piles.
- Don’t reach into crevices or under debris without looking first.
- Wear tall boots & long pants when hiking through brush.
- Leave snakes alone if encountered. Don’t harass or threaten them.
- Educate children to respect snakes and not approach them.
- Keep yard clear of hiding spots like woodpiles, debris or excessive mulch/rock landscaping.
- Seal potential entry points to home such as gaps in foundation. Install snake-proof fencing & mesh over vents.
- Limit bird feeding near home, as seeds attract rodents that snakes prey on.
What To Do If There’s A Snake In Your House
If a snake finds its way inside, isolate it by closing doors. Call animal control or a wildlife removal service to safely remove or relocate the snake.
Never try to capture or kill venomous snakes yourself. Protect children and pets by confining them away from the snake’s location until help arrives.
Fun Facts About Pennsylvania Snakes!
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There are zero reports of humans ever being killed by PA’s three venomous species. Antivenom makes fatalities exceedingly rare.
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PA is home to two rare/endangered snakes – the brilliant green Northern Rough Greensnake and the tiny, secretive Kirtland’s Snake
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The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake plays dead when threatened, rolling onto its back and letting its tongue loll out of its mouth!
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Male garter snakes produce female pheromones to entice other males away from female snakes they wish to court.
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Fossil records show snakes have inhabited Pennsylvania for over 50 million years!
The Takeaway: Safety Through Understanding
Despite their undeservedly frightening reputation, snakes are a valuable part of Pennsylvania’s web of life. Very few pose any danger, and with sensible awareness of venomous species, bites are easily preventable. Their unique behaviors and adaptations make snakes endlessly fascinating. With knowledge and understanding, Pennsylvanians can feel empowered to safely enjoy the presence of these diversereptiles in their backyards and beyond!
Venomous Snake Permits
What are the seasons, possession limits and size restrictions to hunt Timber Rattlesnakes and Eastern Copperheads?
The season to hunt both the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Copperhead is from the second Saturday in June to July 31. Both species have an an annual limit of one. The Timber Rattlesnake must be at least 42 inches in length, measured lengthwise along the dorsal surface from the snout to the tail, excluding the rattle, and must possess 21 or more subcaudal scales. There is no size restriction on Eastern Copperheads. Check the Summary Book for further regulations.
When are the report forms due for hunting Timber Rattlesnakes and Eastern Copperheads?
Within 10 business days following the capture or kill of a Timber Rattlesnake and/or a Eastern Copperhead. If no snake is captured or killed, then 10 days of the conclusion of the season (August 10 of the permit year).
When do I have to fill out a possession tag?
Once you take, catch, kill or possess a Timber Rattlesnake, you must immediately complete the possession tag that is attached to your permit and detach the tag from the permit in the field. The possession tag must be kept in a safe location so that it can be presented along with the Timber Rattlesnake to which it pertains upon the request of an officer authorized to enforce the code. A possession tag is not required for Eastern Copperheads.
The .gov means it’s official.
Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use “pennsylvania.gov” or “pa.gov” at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure youre on an official state website.
Pennsylvanias native reptile and amphibian species include salamanders, snakes, frogs, toads, turtles and lizards.
Jump to:
Pennsylvania Snakes, A Crash Course – World Snake Day
FAQ
Are there any poisonous snakes in Pennsylvania?
One of only three venomous snakes common to Pennsylvania, the eastern copperhead is a close cousin of the cottonmouth or water moccasin found in more southerly aquatic environments. Reflecting its preferred habitat, the copperhead sometimes is referred to as the “upland” or “highland” moccasin.
What county in PA has the most snakes?
Bucks County has some of the highest numbers of documented snakes in the state, with 2,132 total sightings and 45 sightings in 2023 alone.
Are black mambas in Pennsylvania?
ALIQUIPPA, Pa. —
Police also discovered hundreds of reptiles inside the home, including two highly venomous black mamba snakes, which is when they notified Aliquippa Code Enforcement Officer Jim Bologna to remove them.
What is the most common backyard snake?
- 1. Rat Snakes. Rat snakes come from the Colubridae snake family. …
- Garter Snakes. Garter snakes are small to medium-sized and often found in North America. …
- King Snakes. …
- Gopher Snakes. …
- Banded Water Snake.
What species of snakes live in Pennsylvania?
a complete list of Pennsylvania’s 21 species of snakes. Copperhead (venomous) Eastern Garter Snake Eastern Hognose Snake Eastern Massasauga (venomous) Eastern Milk Snake Eastern Rat Snake Eastern Ribbon Snake Eastern Smooth Earth Snake Eastern Worm Snake Kirtland’s Snake Mountain Earth Snake
What state has the most poisonous snakes?
What state has the most venomous snakes? While plenty of states are host to a variety of poisonous creatures, the state with the largest number of venomous reptiles is Arizona. How much does a snake milker make a year? On average, snake milkers make around $2,500 per month, but snake venom is an expensive market. One gram of certain types of