Massachusetts
Snakes in Essex County
10 species have been documented here, 1 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Essex County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Essex County
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Common Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis saurita
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
Harmless
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Essex County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Essex County, Massachusetts?
- Yes. 1 venomous snake species has verified records in Essex County, Massachusetts, including Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Essex County, Massachusetts, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Essex County, Massachusetts?
- 10 snake species have verified records in Essex County, Massachusetts, of which 1 is venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Essex County, Massachusetts?
- The Common Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Essex County, Massachusetts, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Essex County, Massachusetts?
- Keep your distance and do not try to catch or kill it. Most bites happen when people handle or corner a snake. If someone is bitten, contact local emergency services or poison control immediately.