Snakes in Ontario

Ontario has just one venomous species, eastern massasauga, found along Georgian Bay’s eastern part and the Bruce Peninsula. The other venomous species, copperhead, the copperhead isn’t found in Ontario.

Of the non-venomous snakes, the garter species, commonly called garden snakes since they frequent yards and gardens, occur more commonly in Ontario’s southern parts. The corn snake, however, isn’t a native of Canada, perhaps because of their inability to survive the cold climate.

Snakes by Colors and Patterns

Black Snakes: Black Ratsnake, Eastern Rat Snake, Gray Rat Snake

Brown Snakes: DeKay’s Brownsnake, Common Garter Snake, Northern Water Snake

Green Snakes: Smooth Greensnake

Snakes by Regions

Snakes in Northern Ontario: Common Garter Snake, Red-sided Garter Snake

Snakes in Southern Ontario: Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Butler’s Gartersnake, Ribbon Snake (Eastern Ribbonsnake), Eastern Milksnake, DeKay’s Brownsnake

Snakes in Western Ontario: Smooth Greensnake

Quick Information

Biggest/Largest Snake: Gray Rat Snake

Smallest Snake: Red-bellied Snake