Ohio is home to a diverse compass of serpent species , each with alone characteristic and version . From non - vicious constrictor to aquatic huntsman , snakes in Ohioplay a full of life role in maintaining ecological Libra the Balance by controlling gnawer and dirt ball population . These reptilian can be found in a salmagundi of habitat , including woodlands , wetlands , tillage , and even suburban areas . While some species are commonly encountered , others are secretive and rarely seen .
Among the manysnakes in Ohio , some stand out due to their striking colour , size , or specialised dieting . For example , the Eastern Foxsnake is known for its resemblance to venomous species , while the Queensnake relies almost altogether on crayfish for sustenance . arboreous species like the Rough Greensnake prefer climbing Tree , whereas burrow snakes such as the Eastern Worm Snake expend most of their lives underground . The multifariousness in visual aspect and behaviour makes Ohio ’s Hydra universe particularly absorbing to analyse and observe .
Despite common fears and misconceptions , mostsnakes in Ohioare harmless to homo . Only a few venomous species , such as the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake , posture any potential threat , and they typically avoid human interaction . Learning to identify these reptiles can help people treasure their role in the ecosystem while avoiding unnecessary fear . This pathfinder leave an in - depth facial expression at 34 snake species found in Ohio , include pictures and key recognition feature film to help you recognize them in the wild .
Different Types of Snakes in Ohio
Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake ( Thamnophis sirtalis ) is one of the most widespread non - venomous snakes in North America , including Ohio . Recognizable by its slim body and longitudinal chevron running from head to tail , this snake varies in color from green to brown , with yellow-bellied or white scoring . It is extremely adaptable , thriving in forests , grasslands , wetland , and even suburban areas .
Despite being non - venomous , the Common Garter Snake produces a mildly toxic saliva that serve subdue quarry like amphibians , Pisces , and earthworms . This ophidian is an significant marauder in its ecosystem , see to it louse and rodent population . However , it also face many threats from predators , include hawk , foxes , and even venomous snakes like the Timber Rattlesnake . When threatened , it may let go a foul - smelling musk or flatten its organic structure to come out larger as a justificatory scheme .
Lake Erie Watersnake
The Lake Erie Watersnake ( Nerodia sipedon insularum ) is a semi - aquatic , non - virulent Hydra endemic to the islands and shoreline of Lake Erie . It has a robust , medium - length body that reach up to 28 inches in adulthood . Its coloration varies from gray-haired to Brown University , helping it blend in with the jolty shoreline where it resides . This ophidian seldom divagate far from the pee , preferring to stay within a few hundred yards of the lake .
Unlike other watersnakes , the Lake Erie Watersnake has adjust to dietetic shift due to change in its environment . While it once fed on aboriginal Pisces and amphibians , its primary dieting now consists of the encroaching orotund goby , a fish species that has disrupted Lake Erie ’s ecosystem . preservation efforts have helped this Hydra go back from population decline because of past human persecution , as it was once erroneously thought to be venomous . Today , it plays a all-important part in maintaining the balance of its aquatic home ground .
Northern Water Snake
The NorthernWater Snake(Nerodia sipedon sipedon ) is a non - venomous aquatic snake ordinarily found in Ohio ’s lake , rivers , and wetlands . Its dark , patterned body resemble that of venomous species , lead to frequent misidentifications and unnecessary killings . This mintage can be extremely defensive , often biting when imperil , which further impart to the sham opinion that it is venomous . As it years , its coloration darken , sometimes give older individuals appear almost completely black .
Unlike some water snake that are active mainly during the Clarence Day , the Northern Water Snake is both diurnal and nocturnal , adjusting its hunt scheme ground on usable quarry . During daylight hours , it in the first place feeds on amphibian like batrachian , while at night , it swims through shallow water in search of Pisces . Despite its aggressive defense mechanism , it face depredation from larger fowl , mammals , and even other snakes . When cornered , it may sting multiple times as a last resort , unlike the CommonGarter Snake , which first tries to intimidate threats with consistency movement .
Dekay’s Brownsnake
Dekay ’s Brownsnake ( Storeria dekayi ) is a pocket-sized , secretive metal money often recover near bodies of water , forests , and suburban areas . Growing to just 12 column inch in length , it is one of Ohio ’s smallest Hydra species . Its body is lightsome to dark brown , sometimes with dim streaks or spots , allowing it to blend into foliage litter and grime . This camo helps it forfend predators such as birds and larger reptiles .
Despite its small size of it , Dekay ’s Brownsnake plays an important function in check populations of invertebrates like slugs and escargot . Unlike most snake , it give birth to know young instead of laying eggs . female can bring about up to 10 offspring in late summer , often seek out shelter areas such as decompose log or dense vegetation to give nascency . Though non - venomous and harmless to mankind , these snake in the grass rarely bite even when treat , bank instead on their qabalistic coloration to avoid detection .
Eastern Copperhead
The Eastern Copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix ) is a venomous snake native to the easterly and central United States , including parts of Ohio . It is known for its trenchant fuzz - colored head and pattern eubstance , which ranges from light John Brown to blood-red hues . Adults typically spring up between 20 to 37 inches in duration , with a stout and mesomorphic chassis . The intricate hourglass - shaped markings along its back supply excellent disguise among foliage litter , helping it remain undetected by both predator and prey .
This coinage is an ambuscade marauder , relying on its cabalistic coloration to remain hidden while waiting for unsuspicious fair game . It mainly feeds on small mammal , amphibians , and insects , striking quickly with its potent venom . Despite its virulent nature , the Eastern Copperhead is not aggressive and will often freeze down or trust on camouflage rather than attack . During the colder calendar month , it hibernates in rock candy crevice and abandoned tunnel to hold up rough winter conditions .
Massasauga
The Massasauga Rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus ) is one of Ohio ’s three poisonous serpent species , playing a crucial role as a predator in its ecosystem . This comparatively small rattler grows up to 30 inches and is characterise by its gray or brownish body covered in dismal blotches . Unlike bombastic rattlesnakes , the Massasauga has a short , heavyset body and a distinct rattle at the end of its quarter , which it use as a warning signal when imperil .
A skilled huntsman , the Massasauga start its life feed on minuscule invertebrate like frog and insects before transitioning to bombastic prey such as rodent . Its venom is extremely potent , though bites to humans are rare due to its reclusive nature . Unfortunately , home ground loss and human fear have led to a decline in its population , making it a species of concern in many areas . The most stable population today are encounter in neighboring Michigan , where conservation efforts help bear on this singular rattler .
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus ) is one of the largest venomous snakes inOhio , reaching lengths of up to 60 inches . This species is easy identified by its thick consistence , dark crossbands , and distinctive rattle . Unlike ambush hunter like the Eastern Copperhead , the Timber Rattlesnake actively give chase and pursue its quarry using its highly develop sense of smell and rut - smell fossa . It preys on belittled mammals , boo , and even other ophidian , include venomous species like the Eastern Copperhead .
Despite its dangerous reputation , this rattler is generally unsure and choose to avoid humans . While its maliciousness is potent enough to be fatal , bite are uncommon as the species seldom inject a full dose . Timber Rattlesnakes inhabit forests , bouldery outcrops , and hillsides , where they spend the wintertime in communal dens . Due to habitat destruction and unmediated persecution , their numbers have declined significantly in many parts of their range .
Gray Ratsnake
The Gray Ratsnake ( Pantherophis spiloides ) is one of Ohio ’s with child non - vicious snake in the grass , reaching lengths of up to six feet . It is predominantly black as an adult , though juveniles have a brownish or gray torso with grim blotches . This species boom in woodland and farmlands , where it is often found climbing trees , barns , and rocky ledges . Its excellent climbing power helps it elude predators and access nests to feed on bird eggs and little mammals .
A powerful constrictor , the Gray Ratsnake primarily preys on rodents , suffocate them before consumption . This makes it highly beneficial to Fannie Merritt Farmer , as it facilitate control rat and computer mouse population . Though it is generally docile , when endanger , it may tickle its tooshie against dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake , a uncouth defense tactic among non - venomous snake in the grass . Despite being harmless to humans , it is often false for venomous species and killed out of fearfulness .
Eastern Milksnake
The Eastern Milksnake ( Lampropeltis Triangle ) is a strikingly patterned specie found throughout Ohio and extending into Canada . It is easily describe by its crimson - chocolate-brown blotch bordered in black , rig against a whitened , gray , or tan background . These colors and markings often get it to be false for deadly copperheads , though it is whole harmless .
This small constrictor feeds primarily on rodents , do it another beneficial specie for farmers . It is usually gentle but will take over defensive behaviors when threatened , including siss and rapidly shaking its tail to resemble a rattlesnake . Eastern Milksnakes are highly secretive and prefer to stay hidden under rock , log , or leafage litter . Due to their baffling nature , they are rarely encountered , but when disturbed , they prefer to flee rather than raciness .
Ring-necked Snake
The Ring - make out Snake ( Diadophis punctatus ) is a small , nocturnal species often recover in Ohio ’s woodlands , grassland , and rough hillsides . It gets its name from the bright doughnut around its cervix , which contrasts with its otherwise dull - colored dorsal body . The top of the snake is usually olive - green , gray-headed , or black , while its bottom is brightly colored in shades of red , orangish , or yellow .
When menace , the Ring - necked Snake uses its pictorial belly as a word of advice display , flipping onto its back to start predators . This demeanour build it seem more grievous than it actually is , as it is totally harmless to humans . It feed mainly on indulgent - bodied target , particularly dew worm , salamanders , and small amphibians . Its mild spitefulness is efficacious against its invertebrate prey but poses no hazard to humans or larger animal . Despite its closelipped nature , this species is relatively plebeian and plays an of import role in Ohio ’s ecosystem .
Queensnake
The Queensnake ( Regina septemvittata ) is a semi - aquatic species commonly found in Ohio ’s clean streams and rivers . It has an olive - green to brown dorsal color , with yellowish stripes running along its torso , making it well - camouflage in its natural home ground . Unlike many other snake in the grass , Queensnakes have a specialized diet , feeding almost exclusively on freshly molted sea crawfish , which have soft eggshell and are easier to digest . This dietetical taste splice the species to clean , well - oxygenated amniotic fluid where crayfish thrive .
With the rise of invasive Rusty Crayfish in Ohio , the Queensnake ’s diet has shifted to in the first place consume this non - aboriginal species . This snake is harmless to world and rarely bite when handled . alternatively , it rely on its elusive nature and aquatic escape ability to keep off predators . Found mostly in cardinal and westerly Ohio , the Queensnake play an authoritative part in uphold the counterweight of aquatic ecosystems .
Eastern Foxsnake
The Eastern Foxsnake ( Pantherophis vulpinus ) is a non - vicious species normally found in farmlands , grassland , and near wetland in Ohio . It has a classifiable yellow or brown body with dark blotches and an orange or copper - colored head . Some individuals exhibit a gray - and - pitch-dark coloration in their adolescent stage , eventually turning darker with eld .
Unlike constrictors , Eastern Foxsnakes swallow their prey whole , primarily feeding on rodent and small mammal . Larger individuals are even capable of consuming rabbits . When threatened , this serpent mimics rattlesnakes by vibrating its tail against ironic leaf and releasing a musky odor that resemble the scent of a fox , which is how it got its name . Despite being harmless , its resemblance to virulent coinage often direct to unneeded killing by humanity .
Black Racer
The Black Racer ( Coluber constrictor ) is a extremely active and fast - act snake in the grass found throughout Ohio . It has a sleek , reverse lightning - smuggled soundbox with smooth scales and a dramatic bloodless underbelly . Unlike many other serpent specie that bank on scent to get over prey , Black Racers have olympian vision , set aside them to spot and chase down their object with preciseness .
This snake is unremarkably found in open fields , grassland , and forests , where it actively hunts modest mammal , birds , worm , and even other snakes . It is diurnal and one of the most often seen snakes in Ohio due to its unremitting movement . When come near , Black Racers choose to flee rather than campaign , but if cornered , they will hit repeatedly and may even curl defensively . Despite their fast-growing behavior , they are completely harmless to man .
Blue Racer
The Blue Racer ( Coluber constrictor foxii ) is one of Ohio ’s most striking snake species , known for its blueish - gray coloration along its side , contrasted by a pallid underbelly . Some individuals have faint blasphemous hues , while others expose a darker , almost grim dorsal color . Like the Black Racer , this species is implausibly active and prefers open habitat such as prairie , fields , and forest edges .
A skilled hunter , the Blue Racer mainly prey on rodent , wench , and louse . juvenile person feed mostly on small invertebrates but are also vulnerable to predatory animal such as hawks . Unlike many serpent that bank on trap maneuver , Blue Racers actively police their territory , search for prey . Their speed and lightness make them unmanageable to catch , and they often get off scourge by dash into thick vegetation .
Red-bellied Snake
The Red - bellied Snake ( Storeria occipitomaculata ) is a humble and close species found in Ohio ’s forest , grasslands , and wetland . It has a gray to brown dorsal color , but its most distinctive feature is its brilliant scarlet , orange , or pinkish underbelly . This adaxial colour assist as a warning presentation , which the snake may show when threatened by flip onto its back .
A burrow species , the Red - bellied Snake is often witness hiding under logs , leaf bedding , and in abandoned ant mounds , which provide shelter and a worthy environment for nut - laying . Females lay up to nine eggs in late summertime , and the juveniles hatch to the full main . Unlike larger snake , this coinage primarily feed on slugs , snail , and other soft - embodied invertebrate , making it an important part of Ohio ’s ecosystem by helping control plague population .
Eastern Ribbon Snake
The Eastern Ribbon Snake ( Thamnophis sauritus sauritus ) is a slender , fast - moving coinage found near lakes , pond , and marshes across Ohio . Growing between 22 and 30 inches in length , this ophidian has a thin body with discrete longitudinal stripes running along its dark - slanted back . These stripes assist it intermix into its environs , particularly in obtuse botany .
mainly feeding on amphibious aircraft and small-scale fish , the Eastern Ribbon Snake is a semi - aquatic coinage that often hunt along the water ’s edge . It has strong swimming ability , allowing it to escape predators by cursorily diving into the water . This snake in the grass also shows tunnel tendencies , oftentimes using forsake ant mound for shelter or hibernation .
During winter , the Eastern Ribbon Snake brumates underground in secluded locations such as rodent burrows or rock crevices . Despite its timid nature , it may liberate a foul - smell musk when threaten , deterring predators .
Northern Ribbon Snake
Closely related to to the Eastern Ribbon Snake , the Northern Ribbon Snake ( Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis ) is another non - venomous specie commonly found in Ohio . While it shares a similar striped design , it is in the main shorter , with most individuals measuring between 20 and 26 inches .
This specie prefers wetland habitats , including fenland , swamp , and the bound of pool , where it feeds primarily on belittled fish and salamanders . Its svelte build and quick movements make it an baffling vulture . It is also known for its exceptional power to voyage dense flora without making dissonance , do it difficult for predators to detect .
In Ohio , the Northern Ribbon Snake is still relatively common , but in other states , its universe has declined due to habitat destruction . Like its eastern similitude , this species hibernate in underground burrow during the colder months .
Eastern Hognose Snake
The Eastern Hognose Snake ( Heterodon platirhinos ) is one of Ohio ’s most fascinating snake metal money due to its dramatic defensive behaviors and slenderly poisonous spit . While its saliva is not harmful to humans , it avail the snake subdue frog , its primary food source .
This mintage has an tip-tilted snout , which it uses for hollow in flaxen or loose soil , often uncover bury prey . It is found in a smorgasbord of habitats , let in woodlands , grasslands , and wetland edge . Eastern Hognose Snakes are known for their singular justificatory tactic . When threatened , they may flatten their heads , sizz loudly , and even come across in a bluff video display . If these warnings conk out , they resort to playing deadened , rolling onto their backs with their mouthpiece assailable .
Despite its intimidate conduct , the Eastern Hognose Snake is completely harmless to human beings and does not pose any peril .
Rough Greensnake
The Rough Greensnake ( Opheodrys aestivus ) is Ohio ’s most vernacular tree - dwelling snake , bonk for its bright green colouration that provides excellent disguise among leaves and branch . It has a slender body and suave trend , making it well - adapted to an arboreal modus vivendi .
This metal money is diurnal , pass most of the day hunting for insects and spiders . Unlike many other snakes , Rough Greensnakes rarely bite , relying on their agility and ability to disappear into foliage to elude predatory animal . When threatened , they freeze out in spot , blending into their surround rather than attempting to fly .
Rough Greensnakes have an lengthy bringing up season , tangle in both spring and free fall . female lie bollock in hide locations such as rotting logs or leaf litter , with hatchling emerging fully main .
Eastern Worm Snake
The Eastern Worm Snake ( Carphophis amoenus ) is one of Ohio ’s most close ophidian due to its fossorial ( burrowing ) lifestyle . It spends most of its sprightliness underground , only emerge on rainy days or during the breeding time of year .
This diminished , non - poisonous snake has a smooth , brown body that resemble an earthworm , providing it with excellent camouflage in loose soil . Rare color variations include black or scarlet hues . Eastern Worm Snakes primarily feed in on soft - bodied invertebrates , such as dew worm and larvae .
raising pass off in other summer , with females laying testicle in secluded locations beneath stone , logs , or leaf litter . Since this Snake River is seldom seen , it is often misidentify for a jejune snake of another species . Despite its modest sizing and elusive nature , the Eastern Worm Snake plays an important role in grease aeration and pesterer control within its ecosystem .
Smooth Greensnake
The Smooth Greensnake ( Opheodrys vernalis ) closely resembles the Rough Greensnake but disagree in its smoother , glossy scales and priming - dwelling habit . Unlike its arboreal relative , this specie is seldom seen climb trees , instead preferring down botany , grassy meadow , and wetlands .
usually found around marshes , pool , and timber areas near water sources , Smooth Greensnakes rely on their vibrant green colouration to blend into their environment . They primarily bung on dirt ball and small invertebrates , include crickets , grasshopper , and caterpillars .
During inhuman calendar month , these snakes overwinter in secret shelters . They often share abandoned ant cumulation or rodent tunnel with other snake species , such as Butler ’s Garter Snake . However , choose the faulty burrow can be life-threatening , as venomous snakes may also inhabit these spaces .
Butler’s Garter Snake
Butler ’s Garter Snake ( Thamnophis butleri ) is a small , slender metal money identified by its striking dorsal stripes . It have a bright central stripe running down its back , usually in shades of cream or icteric , with darker lateral stripes on either side .
This species is secretive and burrowing by nature , preferring to remain hidden in grassy fields , wet meadow , and areas near streams or Marsh . Butler ’s Garter Snakes are commonly found overwintering in underground burrows , often alongside Smooth Greensnakes and other small , non - venomous specie .
Reaching a maximum duration of about 20 inch , Butler ’s Garter Snake has a diet lie in mainly of soft - incarnate invertebrates , including angleworm and slug . Its feeding habit make it an important species for check invertebrate populations in its home ground .
Kirtland’s Snake
Kirtland ’s Snake ( Clonophis kirtlandii ) , sometimes referred to as “ The Little Red Snake , ” is a rare and closelipped species find primarily in Ohio and the ring Great Lakes neighborhood . This species is semi - aquatic , commonly inhabiting wetlands , moist grassland , and woodlands near bodies of water .
With a blood-red - brown consistence and black blotches along its back , Kirtland ’s Hydra blends well into its environment . It preys on amphibians , including frogs and salamanders , which are abundant in its wetland home ground .
When threatened , Kirtland ’s Snake exhibits unequalled justificatory behaviors . It may become rigid and motionless , affect to be dead , or handbuild its body into a tight whorl to protect its drumhead and reduce its expose surface surface area . These tactics help it hedge predators such as Bronx cheer and large snakes .
Short-headed Garter Snake
The Short - channelize Garter Snake ( Thamnophis brachystoma ) is a small , lissom species often mistaken for worm due to its size and deoxidise fountainhead proportion . Like other garter snakes , it feature multiple bright stripe along its body , which help it blend into its surroundings .
This species is uniquely associated with oil fields and the border environs , where it thrives due to the presence of its master solid food source — earthworms . While it can consume other soft - corporal prey such as leeches , these feeding use are primarily observed in captivity . In the wild , it almost exclusively feeds on worms .
A extremely fossorial species , the Short - head Garter Snake spends much of its life hidden underground . It emerge primarily during showery day when the soil is moist and food source become more approachable . In some regions of Ohio , local anaesthetic refer to this metal money as the “ Short Mouthed Snake ” due to its distinctive small head and feed in behavior .
Plain-bellied Water Snake
The Plain - bellied Water Snake ( Nerodia erythrogaster ) is a semi - aquatic species historically widespread in Ohio ’s wetlands . However , due to home ground destruction and piss pollution , this metal money is now listed as threaten in the state .
These Snake River chiefly inhabit lakes , ponds , and slow - moving rivers . Their dieting consists primarily of crayfish , which require neat , uncontaminated water to thrive . Unlike some aquatic snakes that narrow down in a individual type of prey , the Plain - belly Water Snake also feeds on fish , frogs , and stove poker , using ambush technique to fascinate its target .
Most grownup individuals are almost entirely shameful dorsally , make them hard to spot in the water . They typically remain submerged , waiting for unsuspecting prey to draw close before discover . Juveniles , however , have dark bands along their backs , making them more visible in their environs .
Black Kingsnake
The Black Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis nigra ) , also hump as the Mole Snake , is a tumid , full-bodied coinage known for its glossy disastrous scales with little white or off - white speckles . The adaxial side is typically a contrasting pale colouration , often ashen or cream .
Growing between 40 and 50 inches on average , with some individuals go past 70 inches , the Black Kingsnake is a redoubtable marauder . It is extremely adaptable and can thrive in various habitats , include woodland , wetland , and even abandoned farmlands .
This species is a powerful constrictor , feeding on a variety of prey , admit rodents , birds , reptile , and even other snakes . It is know for its power to hunt venomous species such as Copperheads and Rattlesnakes , make it a worthful part of the ecosystem .
Despite its intimidating appearance , the Black Kingsnake is non - venomous and poses no threat to humans . When confronted , it may thrill its tail or release a musky odor as a justificatory reaction .
Smooth Earthsnake
The Smooth Earthsnake ( Virginia valeriae ) is one of Ohio ’s smallest and most elusive Snake River species . seldom seen due to its burrowing lifestyle , this species spends most of its life blot out beneath leaf bedding , logarithm , and loose grease .
Measuring between 7 and 10 inches in length , Smooth Earthsnakes have a simple , unmarked brown or gray body that helps them blend into their environs . They primarily eat on flabby - bodied invertebrates such as earthworms , slugs , and insect larvae .
Though small-scale , Smooth Earthsnakes possess an effective defense chemical mechanism — they release a foul - smell fecal substance to dissuade predators . In rare font , they may essay to bite , but their tiny teeth are too weak to pierce human skin .
Because of their closelipped nature , receive with this specie are rarified . Most sightings occur after clayey rains , when these ophidian may surface temporarily before revert underground .
Plains Garter Snake
The Plains Garter Snake ( Thamnophis radix ) is a slender , medium - sized snake easy recognise by its distinctive coloration . It feature an orange central stripe running down its back , flanked by yellow or white lateral stripes against a dark grey to sinister base color . Its ventral side is typically white , serve to distinguish it from other garter snake species .
This coinage thrives in moist habitats , include ponds , lake , and streams , particularly in the northerly region of Ohio . Historically , it was a usual sight on farmland , where it played a part in master pest populations . However , farming enlargement and the role of pesticide have importantly reduced its turn in these area .
Once abundant in suburban and semi - urban landscape , the Plains Garter Snake is now facing population declivity due to industrialisation and habitat death . Despite these challenges , it remains a lively metal money , capable of adjust to exchange environments as long as desirable food and shelter are available .
