Snakes in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to about 23 native snake species, of which only 3 are venomous. The great majority of snakes across the Keystone State are harmless and present no danger to people. From farm country to the deep forests of the northern tier, the snakes you are most likely to encounter are shy, non-venomous species that prefer to slip away rather than stand their ground.

Pennsylvania's snake diversity owes a lot to its Appalachian backbone. Long forested ridges, rocky outcrops, and hardwood forests give snakes the dens, basking spots, and prey they need, while river valleys, wetlands, and old fields broaden the mix. The state's range from warmer southeastern lowlands to cooler northern plateaus means species sort themselves across the landscape, with the richest snake life in the warmer, rockier south and center.

The 3 venomous species recorded in Pennsylvania are the Eastern Copperhead, the Timber Rattlesnake, and the Eastern Massasauga. The copperhead is the most widespread, favoring wooded hillsides and rocky slopes. The timber rattlesnake lives on remote forested ridges and is closely managed as a species of concern. The Eastern Massasauga is a small wetland rattlesnake clinging to a few isolated marshy sites in the west and is state-endangered. All three are uncommon and avoid people.

The snakes Pennsylvanians usually see are harmless: common garter snakes in gardens, the eastern ratsnake (black rat snake) in barns and woods, eastern milk snakes in fields and cellars, northern watersnakes along creeks and ponds (regularly mistaken for copperheads or cottonmouths), DeKay's brownsnake in towns, and ring-necked snakes under logs and rocks. Snakebites are very rare in Pennsylvania, and most happen when someone tries to handle or kill a snake. Never assume a wild snake is safe to handle. For any bite, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.