Snakes in Franklin County

• 
  Timber Rattlesnake

  Crotalus horridus

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.

Every snake recorded in Franklin County

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Eastern Ratsnake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

Harmless

Common Wormsnake

Carphophis amoenus

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Harmless

Western Ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Harmless

Gray Ratsnake

Pantherophis spiloides

Harmless

Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Harmless

Smooth Greensnake

Opheodrys vernalis

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Franklin County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Franklin County, Pennsylvania?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, including Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Franklin County, Pennsylvania?

10+ snake species have verified records in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, of which 2 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Franklin County, Pennsylvania?

The Common Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Franklin County, Pennsylvania?

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.

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