Snakes in Nunavut

Nunavut has 3 recorded snake species and no venomous species. Every snake documented here is harmless to people.

Snake diversity is sharply limited by the cold northern climate. Snakes are cold-blooded and depend on outside warmth, so the long, severe winters and short summers of the Canadian north push them to the very edge of their range. The few species that occur survive by hibernating communally, gathering in shared underground dens below the frost line to wait out winters that can run many months.

The snakes here are common harmless kinds, led by garter snakes, which are the most cold-tolerant snakes in the Americas and the reason any snakes reach this far north at all. You may also encounter other small, harmless species such as redbelly snakes and ringneck snakes in suitable habitat. There are no rattlesnakes or other venomous snakes in Nunavut. Even so, a wild snake is still a wild animal, so observe it, give it space, and never pick it up or handle it. If a bite ever happens and you have any concern, do not wait. Call your local emergency services, or in the US contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.