Snakes in Lancaster County

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  Timber Rattlesnake

  Crotalus horridus

  ▲ Venomous

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

Every snake recorded in Lancaster County

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Eastern Ratsnake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

Harmless

DeKay's Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Queensnake

Regina septemvittata

Harmless

Rough Greensnake

Opheodrys aestivus

Harmless

Common Wormsnake

Carphophis amoenus

Harmless

Western Ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Harmless

Gray Ratsnake

Pantherophis spiloides

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Lancaster County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?

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

How many snake species live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Lancaster 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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