Snakes in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has about 11 native snake species, and none of them are venomous. There are no venomous snakes in the Ocean State, so every snake you encounter here is harmless to people. The state is small and its cooler New England climate keeps snake numbers modest, but the species that live here are calm, shy animals that pose no danger and prefer to slip away from anyone who comes near.

Rhode Island's snake diversity reflects its mix of habitats packed into a small area: hardwood forests, old fields, stone walls, freshwater wetlands, river corridors, and coastal marshes along Narragansett Bay. The cooler northern climate of New England limits overall snake activity, so the animals concentrate around sunny basking spots such as rock outcrops, stone walls, and warm field edges where they can soak up heat during the short warm season.

Because Rhode Island has no venomous species, the snakes people meet are all harmless. Common ones include the common garter snake in gardens and parks, the eastern milk snake around stone walls and basements, the northern watersnake along ponds and streams (often mistaken for a copperhead or cottonmouth even though neither lives here), DeKay's brownsnake in damp leaf litter and city lots, the ring-necked snake under logs and rocks, and the eastern ratsnake in wooded areas. None can seriously harm a person, and all prefer to flee. Snakebites are extremely rare here and would only happen from handling. Never assume a wild snake is safe to handle, and if a bite occurs, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.