The United States has about 30 species of venomous snakes, which include 23 species of rattlesnakes, three species of coral snakes, two species of cottonmouth, and two species of copperhead.At least one species of venomous snake is found in every state except Hawaii, Maine, Rhode Island, and Alaska. In Ohio, the copper-bellied water snake is very rare. Rat snakes get their name because small rodents are their dominant food source. complete list of ALL snake species in Cleveland, A Comprehensive Guide on Diet and Hunting Behavior of Snakes. Because theyre as eager to get away from you as you are to get away from them. Timber rattlesnake: Timber rattlesnakes are regarded as one of the most dangerous snakes in the US. This guide is meant to help Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? You just need to know where to find them - they can often be Ive created a list of useful resources that can help you deal with the snakes in your area. There are two types of water snakes in Ohio. Thats where smooth earth snakes prefer to hide. Different Ohio snakes have different head shapes and pupil shapes. This species is endemic to the Central United States. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Common Snake Species in Akron Eastern water snake: This is a harmless snake that can grow to a maximum length of 53 inches. The key to taking advantage of these delicious berries is to learn everything you can about properly Tingling sensation in the area of the bite. Remember the following: Copyright 2004 - 2021 - columbussnakes.com. The queen snake is known as the crayfish snake in certain areas since it feeds almost exclusively on crayfish. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The Eastern worm snakes truly look like overgrown earthworms. If you are near Lake Erie or some of the states bigger rivers youll probably see aquatic snakes. There are only three venomous, or poisonous, snakes in Ohio. Its distinctive, flattened head and neck make it stand out. Does this mean that theyre the only three snakes you could find in the water across the state? educate you about the beautiful snakes of Columbus, and to help you identify the most common snakes of Columbus, as well as the venomous snakes of Columbus that you should learn to recognize and avoid. However, the gray rat snake is very helpful to humans. complete list of ALL snake species in Toledo. Many people don't know that Cincinnati is in fact full of snakes! They can catch and eat these animals with ease. They are actually encountering the harmless Northern water snake. For example, timber rattlesnakes prefer wooded mountainsides, while water snakes only live near freshwater. The snake has a solid dull black color that makes it look frightening. Two of the state's venomous snakes, the Eastern massasauga and timber rattlesnake, are endangered species. Snakes dont want to eat you, or pursue you they consider humans to be predators. Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! However, it tends to be more particular about its habitat type. Northern red-bellied snake populations and garter snake populations both sometimes produce melanistic snakes. This type of garter snake is the most common in Ohio, though it's one of five types of garter snakes in the state. Its a close relative of the water moccasin, and people sometimes confuse the two. click here for my complete list of ALL snake species in Cleveland. Venomous snakes exist but are uncommon in Akron, Ohio Snakes eat rats and mice and are a valuable part of the Ohio ecosystem Never kill a snake - if you leave a snake alone, it will leave you alone. While their range is limited to a small portion of the state, they can grow quite large, sometimes reaching five feet in length. It prefers to feed on crayfish, which led to its other names of crayfish snake or crawdad snake. They are likely found in forested swamplands, marshy grasslands, lake edges, dry prairie, and woodlands. The dangerous rattlesnake is most commonly seen in marshes and wetlands. Hognose snakes have a lot of variety in their coloring depending on what their habitat is like. These types of snakes are located in the south, central region, and northwest of Ohio. Pantherophis vulpinus Eastern Fox snake, Coluber constrictor North American Racer, Storeria occipitomaculata Red-bellied Snake. These snakes can be found near almost every body of water in the state. Nor will the snakes in Southern Ohio be the same as those in Northwest Ohio. Many people think that snakes are undiscerning predators that will as happily eat a human as anything else. Finding a rat snake in Ohio is simple enough. Common watersnakes are brown or black and have brown banding that runs down their bodies. Fun Fact: There are no poisonous snakes in Ohio. It also has heat-sensing pits located between the eyes and the nostrils. If youre interested in other identification guides, check out our: You can also check out our other articles on snakes we have vital guides that you can learn from! click here for my complete list of ALL snake species in Dayton. If you want more detail, It has been estimated that 7,000-8,000 people per year receive venomous snake . While a number of snakes can reach similar sizes, theyre generally considered the largest species of snake in Ohio. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. So if you see one of these snakes in an outbuilding, or a garage, or when youre walking in the woods dont be alarmed. Chinese Granite; Imported Granite; Chinese Marble; Imported Marble; China Slate & Sandstone; Quartz stone You may run across the eastern massasauga in 28 different Ohio counties, but its becoming increasingly rare. Part of the reason for that is that Copper Bellied Water snakes are mostly aquatic and live only in shallow wetlands where they can find frogs and other food sources. The ring-necked snake will take other prey when the opportunity arises, but it feeds almost exclusively on mollusks like slugs and snails. While its broad head might be similar to that of the pit vipers, its far too flat to truly resemble them. Please treat the snakes of Cleveland with respect! click here for my complete list of ALL snake species in Cincinnati. Watch an Indigo Snake Consume a Python Whole, Discover the Snake-Infested Volcanic Island Known as The Biggest Rattlesnake Nest in the World. Every year people claim to see the dangerous water moccasin, also known as cottonmouth, in Ohio's waters. It has very large eyes which lack horns but have vertical, slit-shaped pupils. Most of the fear people have towards snakes is rooted in misconception. Because they blend in so well and dont try to get away from you, its easy to step on them by accident. These snakes have exceptionally long tails. When they are threatened and bound to strike, they shake their tails and make the rattling sound. Additionally, the copper-bellied watersnake, plains gartersnake and smooth greensnake. Also consider, that severed snakeheads can still bite and envenomate and often do. These animals often visit well-watered gardens where they feed on small rodents and birds. Please treat the snakes of Cincinnati with respect! A long, stout-bodied snake with the musculature which is characteristic of constrictors. If something kills you when you bite it, it's poisonous. The snakes base color is almost always black but it can be dark gray also. Here are pictures of all three of Ohio's venomous snakes that clearly depict the vertical pupil. Likewise, garter snakes generally feed on small rodents and amphibians. If you see black snakes in Ohio, you wont go looking at the garter snakes or green snakes, but the black rat snakes are likely candidates. These snakes also tend to wrap themselves in tightly rolled coils with the tail sticking out in an upward position. The snakes have a pattern thats most often confused with water mocassins (cottonmouths), yet theyre not poisonous. Some Ohio snake species are more common outside of the city limits, in different parts of Lucas County OH, but many types of snakes are indeed common in the more urban parts of Toledo. Lets take a closer look at some of the species in question. In captivity, breeders have produced multiple milk snake morphs with significantly different patterns. This species has a tail that has adapted to form a rattle. The snake has a broad head with two distinct light-colored bands down the side of the face. This snake is small and slender and averages about 2.5 feet in . Timber rattlesnakes are among the most populous rattlesnakes in the northeastern United States and compete with prairie rattlesnakes for the most northerly venomous snake. ), Snake Quiz - 52,909 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake. This is why its essential to stick to well-worn paths, wear sturdy shoes, and pay careful attention to where youre walking. A northern copperhead wont attack unless it feels cornered or threatened. Thanks to the unique shape of the nose this snake has you will always be able to identify it. Its more likely to eat the mice that may become a pest in your home. Primarily the Hognose snake is found in northwest Ohio and the hills of southern Ohio. Perhaps as a result, snakes have a long and honored history in the area. The fact that theyre all pit vipers makes it even easier. It was formerly lumped with 3 other similar-looking ratsnake species that were collectively called the "Black Ratsnake", Elaphe obsoleta. Watch where you step! Distribution: The timber rattlesnake is only found in the southern regions of the state (usually south of Ross County). However, the pit viper is a somewhat different creature, and youre more likely to get bitten by one. Remember the following: Please treat the snakes of Akron with respect! Common Snake Species in Akron Eastern water snake: This is a harmless snake that can grow to a maximum length of 53 inches. The Northern red-bellied snake is a close relative of the Dekays brown snake. Of the approximately 27 snake species in the state, only three are venomous. While the copper-bellied snake is limited to just a small population in Ohio, northern water snakes are abundant across the state. Even the pit vipers, that have venom strong enough to take down a bison, prefer small animals like rats and mice. The snakes neck and chin are also white. These animals have excessive pigmentation which makes them black. The bite from a copperhead is capable of producing severe illness, and in some cases, death. When he isn't distracted by his backyard birdfeeder, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone around him about what he's recently learned. Its a common species with no preferred habitat type. It gets its name from a single ring around its neck. This guide is meant to help There are 25 different snakes in Ohio, of these, there are 3 venomous snakes. It has a robust body that ends suddenly at a sharply pointed tail. Complicating things even further is the fact that most of the species are almost identical as adults. Among other things, this identification guide will share: Ill also share Ohio snakes in pictures, and some of my favorite resources for dealing with snakes in this state. The background color for the species is dark gray or brown with black or dark brown bands throughout the body. You might also want to check out this slideshow of snakes native to Ohio. The black kingsnake is a glossy black color. It has an unusual diet compared to the snakes most people are familiar with and feeds mainly on slugs and snails. For example, there are several different types of garter snakes that live in Ohio. Nothing could be further from the truth, and many snakes have a very specific diet from which they rarely stray. It lives almost exclusively in deciduous forests, though it may wander when food is scarce. There's a whole world to learn about and Colby is content to spend his life learning as much as he can about it! King Cobra vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Cottonmouth vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Discover the Largest Anaconda Ever (A 33, Discover the Monster Snake 5X Bigger than, The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today, confused with water mocassins (cottonmouths), Discover the biggest massasauga ever recorded, Discover the largest eastern indigo snake ever recorded. The eastern fox snake might give you a scare if you just look quickly. The Eastern fox snake is a species of rat snake that takes the place of the corn snake in Ohio. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. If you do come across a copperhead snake give it a lot of space. The areas with the highest concentrations of eastern massasauga snakes are Cedar Bog, Killdeer Plains, and Mosquito Creek. You may also sometimes hear this one called a "swamp rattler" in some areas. It also has grasslands that run along the central region to sandy beaches and marshes along the shores of Lake Erie. Garter snakes have elongated heads that are the same width as their bodies. Copperhead snakes are only found in the hills of southeast Ohio. While water snakes in Ohio arent venomous, they still should not be handled. Vertical pupil vs round pupil - All of Ohio's venomous snakes have vertical, cat-like, pupils. The head is gray or brown with bands running down the sides of the face. The eastern garter snake is a common snake often referred to as the garden snake. The eastern massasauga (endangered in Ohio) and the northern copperhead have been identified nearby. And the snake has a bright orange-red or red belly which is where the name comes from. This identification guide takes a closer look at snakes in Ohio and will share basic information that can help you identify all 27 species. Timber rattlesnakes in Ohio are very rare and are only sometimes seen in the southeastern part of the state. Have some feedback for us? Venomous Snake Species in Cleveland. You just need to know where to find them - they can often be Kirtlands snake is a small, but striking, species with a pronounced reddish-brown stripe down its belly. They include the timber rattlesnake, the massasauga, and the copperhead. It might seem like there are a lot of different kinds of snakes in Ohio but some of them are just different subspecies of the same species of snake. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. The color of its neck and belly serves as a warning for potential predators. They are described as one of the most dangerous snakes in Ohio. Keep your eyes open and pay attention to where youre stepping when you enter a potential snake habitat. Many people don't know that Toledo is in fact full of snakes! It has two prominent eyes with round pupils and an average-length head thats no wider than its body. Its scales are slightly keeled so it has a relatively smooth look but with well-defined scales. Whether youre in Idaho or India, several essential characteristics can help you identify snakes. Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! Nonvenomous gray rat snakes can reach significant lengths, sometimes up to six feet in length, with some reports of individuals that even reach 8 feet in length! For example: While coloration and patterning vary significantly, even within a single species, they can still be useful identification characteristics. Vipers rely on camouflage to protect them from your attention. The species is typically non-aggressive, but will take defense when it is threatened. If you want more detail, Their snout slopes down and back, making the top of the head extends further forward than the mouth. But the Eastern Fox snake is not venomous. Company Information; FAQ; Stone Materials. Remember, a dead snake can still bite you. Like mostpit vipers, theEastern copperheadsvenom is hemotoxic. Thank you for reading! Distribution: The northern copperhead can be found in the southern and eastern counties of Ohio. It is one of only two rattlesnake species native to Ohio. As long as the prey is plentiful, and conditions are easy, this snake is happy to live there. Some Ohio snake species are more common outside of the city limits, in different parts of Cuyahoga County OH, but many types of snakes are indeed common in the more urban parts of Cleveland. Some Ohio snake species are more common outside of the city limits, in different parts of Summit County OH, but many types of snakes are indeed common in the more urban parts of Akron. Source, Avoiding Snake Bite and Snake Bite Survival. Venomous Snake Species in Cincinnati Massasauga rattlesnake: The massasauga rattlesnake is a small and secretive venomous snake. Poisonous snakes are grouped in a category known as pit vipers. Their hourglass patterns are usually darker brown and repeat from below their heads to their tails. By knowing both the average and maximum length of the species, you can quickly tell whether any snake you find is possibly that type. It is identified as a medium-sized rattlesnake with a gray or brown body. After a poisonous snake has bitten someone, they will attempt to kill it to take it in to be identified. Most of the snake species you see in your garden or around your home are harmless species like Eastern ribbon snakes. There are many watersnake species in Ohio, but the most commonly mistaken one is the common watersnake. Thats enough to give enough a startle! educate you about the beautiful snakes of Akron, and to help you identify the most common snakes of Akron, as well as the venomous snakes of Akron that you should learn to recognize and avoid. Since snakes cant chew, they must catch prey that they can swallow whole. It has a sharply-forked tongue and round pupils. The rough and smooth green snakes are very similar, except for their scales. The Eastern milk snakes are striking animals that are entirely harmless. Its head is no wider than its body and its pupils are circular. However, there have been reports of them growing up to 7 feet long. All these snakes share most of the following characteristics: Fun Fact: There are no poisonous snakes in Ohio. Venom, on the other hand, is a toxin that is injected into your body. This guide is meant to help The most common black snake in Ohio is likely the gray rat snake, which is sometimes known as the black snake. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. As such, they're found throughout the Appalachian region up to the Great Lakes. They also like to burrow, so youll only see them near soft, moist soils. Leave a comment below now, Quickly Identifying Venomous Snake Species, Eastern Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum, Eastern Fox Snake Pantherophis vulpinus, North American Racer Coluber constrictor, Northern Red-Bellied Snake Storeria occipitomaculata, Northern Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix, Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake Heterodon platirhinos, Related Articles to Ohio Snakes Identification Guide, Snakes in Arkansas: An Experts Guide on Each Species, Central Bearded Dragon Care Guide (Diet, Housing, & Well-Being), The Ultimate Bearded Dragon Care Guide for Beginners, Small Pet Turtles: 6 Tiny Babies to Melt Your Heart, Ball Python Care Sheet: First-Time Owners Guide (Updated), Leopard Gecko Care Sheet: New Owners Guide, Ball Python Morphs With Pictures: The 50 MOST Popular, How to identify venomous snakes native to Ohio. Youll often see these snakes near barns and abandoned fields, where mice are plentiful. Before we get into our list, its important to clear up a common misconception regarding snakes and their danger. In many specimens, the blotches take the form of well-defined bands of color. The Buckeye State boasts five different species. These snakes only live where freshwater is abundant, and will only stray from them in times of drought. Color should only be a guiding characteristic, and never a conclusive one. The gray rat snake can easily climb trees so you might see one on the ground hidden among the brush or grass or you could look up and see one hanging in a tree above you. Eastern timber rattlesnakes are easily the most dangerous snakes in Ohio. It can be up to 7 feet long, but they are usually between 4-6 feet long. The scales are keeled which gives the snake a rough appearance. Northern Copperhead photo courtesy of Wikipedia Commons This four minute video features naturalist Jenny Richards of Shawnee State Park describing Ohio's three species of venomous snakes. According to iNaturalist, the following ten species are the most common snakes in Ohio: In the following sections, well take a closer look at each of them, share some basic information, and tell you which characteristics are unique to each species. Its difficult to identify a baby garter snake in Ohio they can look quite similar at a young age. There are two well-known poisonous ones in our woods where caution is advised, though. educate you about the beautiful snakes of Cleveland, and to help you identify the most common snakes of Cleveland, as well as the venomous snakes of Cleveland that you should learn to recognize and avoid. Pit vipers have wide heads, unlike most of the other snakes native to Ohio. The only known colony of Copper Bellied Water snakes is in Williams County, which is on the border with Indiana and Michigan. If you are bitten by either of these snakes, you must seek urgent medical attention to receive the appropriate antivenom and cleaning of the wound to . As its name suggests, the gray rat snake feeds primarily on rodents. You can also try the Free Snake Relocation Directory on Facebook if youd like to get someone whos passionate about snakes. As with other pit vipers, it has a large head and large eyes with vertical, slit-shaped pupils. Their pattern can be stripes or splotches and are significantly darker than their base color. The timber rattlesnake is the most venomous, closely followed by both the northern copperhead and eastern massasauga rattlesnake. So, as a rule, snakes arent poisonous, but some species are venomous. Snake bites are rarely fatal only around five of the 7,000 snake bites in the US every year are fatal. The Eastern hog-nosed snake has a broad, flattened head thats absolutely distinctive. These are the Eastern timber rattlesnake, northern copperhead, and the massasauga rattlesnake. If you want more detail, It looks much like a corn snake except that the colors are muted. Remember the following: Copyright 2004 - 2021 - clevelandsnakes.com. Otherwise, get started on your way to the doctor. I am David, a snake enthusiast living in Cincinnati, OH. However, the average length for the species is 45 inches. However, Ohio has a larger complement than most states. I am David, a snake enthusiast living in Columbus, OH. This family includes many well-known snakes like: Scientists often debate the characteristics of this family, resulting in a mishmash of different snakes and characteristics being incorporated into one family. The eastern massasauga is the most widespread venomous snake in Ohio when it comes to historical range. Even though the timber rattlesnake is the most venomous of all the snakes in Ohio, it doesnt often attack people. Each year as we get closer to summer, people all over the country begin Googling the same thing. Most snakes of a species never outgrow the average size. Please treat the snakes of Columbus with respect! The snakes in Northeast Ohio wont be the same as those in Central Ohio. Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) also known as the American viper, are a formidable predator. Its a very small snake that averages about three feet long. There are around 25 species of snakes in Ohio, with several more making guest appearances. Smooth earth snakes have a gray or dark brown base color that helps them hide in the soil and at the base of trees in the forest. Contents [ hide ] iNaturalist is an excellent resource for learning more about the snake species in your area, and the other wildlife. In the rough green snake, the scales are keeled giving it an almost rasp-like appearance. Most snakes are beneficial in helping to control destructive insects and rodents. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? For example, the Eastern ribbon snakes have long vertebral stripes that youll never see in the water snakes or green snakes. Contents [ hide ] Thats because this snake thrives on rodents of all kinds. Remember the following: Please treat the snakes of Dayton with respect! It averages only 8 inches long and is never more than a foot long.