Snakes in Maine

Maine is home to about 9 native snake species, and none of them are venomous. There are no venomous snakes in Maine, so every snake you encounter in the state is harmless to people. The cool northern climate keeps both the number of species and the overall snake population low, and the snakes that do live here are small, secretive animals that pose no danger.

Maine's limited snake diversity is a direct result of its long, cold winters and short warm season. Snakes are cold-blooded and depend on warmth to stay active, so the state's northern climate caps how many species can survive. The snakes that do persist favor sunny, sheltered spots: rocky hillsides, old fields, forest edges, stone walls, and the warmer southern and coastal parts of the state where the growing season is a bit longer.

Because Maine has no venomous species, the snakes people meet are all harmless. Common ones include the common garter snake in gardens and meadows, the eastern milk snake around fields and old foundations, DeKay's brownsnake in damp leaf litter, the ring-necked snake under logs and rocks, the smooth green snake in grassy areas, and the northern watersnake along ponds and streams. None of these can seriously hurt a person, and all prefer to flee. Snakebites in Maine are extremely rare and only happen from handling. Never assume any wild snake is safe to handle, and if a bite occurs, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.