Snakes in New York
New York has seventeen snake species, of which three, the timber rattlesnake, eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and northern copperhead, are venomous. Among the non-venomous snakes, the garter and water snakes are the most commonly encountered species here. While the garter snakes mostly dwell in marshes, fields, and woodlands, the water snakes occupy Waterbodies or wetlands.
The black rat snake reaching about 96 inches in length, found along rocky slopes and cliffs, is the state’s largest. The eastern worm snake, about 11 inches long, dwells in forested areas. Most snakes throughout the state have a rural habitat, and there are hardly any in New York City, barring the zoos.
| Groups | Venomous | Non-venomous |
|---|---|---|
| Rattlesnakes | Timber Rattlesnake Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake | – |
| Pit Vipers | Northern Copperhead | – |
| Garter Snakes | – | Eastern Garter Snake Ribbon Snake |
| Water Snakes | – | Common Water Snake |
| Kingsnakes | – | Eastern Milk Snake |
| Hognose Snakes | – | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake |
| Coluber | – | Northern Black Racer |
| Storeria | – | Northern Redbelly Snake DeKay’s Brownsnake |
| Pantherophis | – | Black Rat Snake |
| Regina | – | Queen Snake |
| Diadophis | – | Northern Ringneck Snake |
| Opheodrys | – | Smooth Green Snake |
| Carphophis | – | Eastern Worm Snake |
Snakes by Colors and Patterns
Black Snakes: Black Rat Snake, Northern Black Racer
Brown Snakes: DeKay’s Brownsnake, Northern Redbelly Snake
Snakes by Regions
Snakes in Northern (Upstate) New York: Northern Copperhead, Eastern Worm Snake
Snakes in Southern New York: Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Snakes in Central New York: Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
Snakes of Western New York: Common Watersnake, Common Garter Snake, DeKay’s Snake
Quick Information
Biggest Snake: Black Rat Snake
Smallest Snake: Eastern Wormsnake
Deadliest Snake: Timber Rattlesnake
