Snakes in Michigan
Michigan has one venomous snake species, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, inhabiting the Lower Peninsula area. However, the Upper Peninsula region is devoid of any venomous snakes. Initially, they were even found in the Great Lakes area, though now their population is rare because of habitat loss and human disturbance.
The gray rat snake, Michigan’s largest, measuring 42-72 inches, mainly dwells in the Lower Peninsular’s southern half.
| Groups | Venomous | Non-Venomous |
|---|---|---|
| Rattlesnakes | Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake | – |
| Garter Snakes | Northern Ribbon Snake Butler’s Garter Snake Eastern Garter Snake | |
| Water Snakes | – | Common Watersnake Copperbelly Water Snake |
| King Snakes | – | Eastern Milk Snake |
| Hognose Snakes | – | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake |
| Storeria | – | DeKay’s Brown Snake Northern Redbelly Snake |
| Opheodrys | – | Smooth Green Snake |
| Regina | – | Queen Snake |
| Diadophis | – | Northern Ringneck Snake |
| Pantherophis | – | Eastern Fox Snake Western Fox Snake Black Rat Snake Gray Rat Snake |
| Coluber | – | Blue Racer |
| Clonophis | – | Kirtland’s Snake |
Snakes by Colors and Patterns
Black Snakes: Black Rat Snake, Butler’s Garter Snake, Northern Ribbon Snake
Blue Snakes: Blue Racer
Brown Snakes: DeKay’s Brownsnake, Eastern Garter Snake, Butler’s Garter Snake, Northern Ribbon Snake
Snakes by Regions
Snakes in Northern Michigan: Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Blue Racer
Snakes in Southern Michigan: Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Black Rat Snake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Kirtland’s Snake
Quick Information
Biggest Snakes: Gray Rat Snake
Smallest Snakes: DeKay’s Brown Snake
