Snakes in Vermont

Vermont is home to about 11 native snake species, and only 1 of them is venomous. That means almost every snake you encounter in the Green Mountain State is harmless and no threat to people. Vermont's cool northern climate keeps snake numbers modest, and the species you are most likely to see are shy, non-venomous animals that quickly retreat from a person.

Vermont's snake diversity is shaped by its mountainous terrain and short warm season. Hardwood forests, rocky hillsides, the warmer Champlain Valley, river corridors, old fields, and wetlands all support different snakes. Because New England's cooler climate limits how long snakes can stay active, they cluster around sunny rock ledges, stone walls, and warm field edges, with the richest snake life in the lower, warmer western lowlands rather than the cold high country.

The single venomous species recorded in Vermont is the Timber Rattlesnake. It is protected, rare, and survives only at a couple of isolated rocky, forested ridge sites in the warmer southwestern corner of the state. It is highly secretive and avoids people, so encounters are exceptional. Anywhere else in Vermont, a rattlesnake sighting would be extraordinary, and the species should never be disturbed where it does occur.

Most snakes Vermonters see are harmless: common garter snakes in gardens and meadows, eastern milk snakes around stone walls and old foundations, northern watersnakes along ponds and streams (sometimes mistaken for the rattlesnake or a copperhead), DeKay's brownsnake in damp cover, ring-necked snakes under logs, and smooth green snakes in grass. Snakebites are very rare in Vermont and almost always come from handling a snake. Never assume a wild snake is safe to handle. If a bite occurs, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.