Snakes in Ohio
Ohio has three venomous snake species; the most venomous timber rattlesnake occupies the state’s southeastern part. The eastern massasauga inhabits 28 counties of Ohio, mainly concentrated in the northeastern and northwestern parts. The copperhead snake, the other venomous snake, dwells in southeastern Ohio’s rocky and woody habitats. The biggest snake is the black rat snake, 42 -84 inches long. The state’s smallest snake, the northern redbelly, measures around 8-11 inches.
| Groups | Venomous | Non-venomous |
|---|---|---|
| Rattlesnakes | Timber Rattlesnake Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake | – |
| Pit Vipers | Eastern Copperhead | – |
| Water Snakes | – | Plain-bellied Watersnake |
| Garter Snakes | – | Eastern Garter Snake Plains Garter Snake Butler’s Garter Snake Ribbon Snake |
| Kingsnakes | – | Eastern Milk Snake Black Kingsnake |
| Hognose Snakes | – | Eastern Hognose Snake |
| Carphophis | – | Eastern Wormsnake Midwestern Wormsnake |
| Storeria | – | Northern Red Belly Snake DeKay’s Brown Snake |
| Clonophis | – | Kirtland’s Snake |
| Opheodrys | – | Rough Green Snake Smooth Green Snake |
| Pantherophis | – | Black Rat Snake Gray Rat Snake Eastern Fox Snake |
| Virginia | – | Eastern Smooth Earth Snake |
| Coluber | – | Eastern Racer Blue Racer |
| Diadophis | – | Ring-necked Snake |
| Regina | – | Queen Snake |
Snakes by Colors and Patterns
Black Snakes: Black Kingsnake, Black Rat Snake, Butler’s Garter Snake
Brown Snakes: DeKay’s Brown Snake, Eastern Garter Snake, Eastern Hognose Snake
Striped Snakes: Eastern Garter Snake,Plains Garter Snake,Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Snakes by Regions
Snakes in Northern Ohio: Plain-bellied Watersnake, Eastern Milk Snake, Rough Green Snake
Snakes in Southern Ohio: Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Black Kingsnake, Eastern Copperhead, Eastern Milksnake
Snakes in Central Ohio: Eastern Milksnake
Quick Information
Biggest Snakes: Black Rat Snake
Smallest Snakes: Northern Redbelly Snake
Most Dangerous Snake: Timber Rattlesnake
