Ontario
Snakes in Lake Erie
11 species have been documented here, 1 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Lake Erie
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Eastern MassasaugaSistrurus catenatusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Every snake recorded in Lake Erie
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Eastern Foxsnake
Pantherophis vulpinus
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Common Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis saurita
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Eastern Massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus
Venomous
Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
Harmless
Short-headed Garter Snake
Thamnophis brachystoma
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Lake Erie: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Lake Erie, Ontario?
- Yes. 1 venomous snake species has verified records in Lake Erie, Ontario, including Eastern Massasauga. Most snakes in Lake Erie, Ontario, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Lake Erie, Ontario?
- 11 snake species have verified records in Lake Erie, Ontario, of which 1 is venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Lake Erie, Ontario?
- The Common Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Lake Erie, Ontario, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Lake Erie, Ontario?
- 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.