Snakes in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has about 10 native snake species, and for practical purposes none are venomous. No venomous snakes are recorded statewide in our data, so the snakes you encounter in the Granite State are harmless to people. The cool northern climate keeps snake diversity and numbers low, and the species you are likely to meet are small, shy animals that present no threat.

New Hampshire's modest snake diversity comes down to its climate and terrain. Long winters and a short warm season limit how many cold-blooded species can survive, so snakes concentrate in the warmer southern part of the state and in sun-exposed spots: rocky hillsides, old fields, forest edges, and stone walls where they can bask. The cooler White Mountains and northern reaches support very few snakes at all, which is typical of New England's higher, colder country.

The only venomous snake historically tied to New Hampshire is the timber rattlesnake, and it is critically rare, reduced to a single tiny, protected population if it survives at all. For nearly anyone exploring the state, venom presence is effectively nil, and a rattlesnake sighting would be extraordinary. Treat the practical risk as zero while respecting that this last remnant population is protected and should never be disturbed.

The snakes people actually see in New Hampshire are harmless: common garter snakes in gardens and meadows, eastern milk snakes around fields and old foundations, DeKay's brownsnake in damp cover, ring-necked snakes under logs and rocks, smooth green snakes in grass, and northern watersnakes along ponds and streams. None can seriously harm a person, and all prefer to flee. Snakebites are extremely rare here and would only come from handling. Never assume a wild snake is safe to handle, and if a bite occurs, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.