I am David, a snake enthusiast living in Columbus, OH. The head is gray or brown with bands running down the sides of the face. educate you about the beautiful snakes of Cincinnati, and to help you identify the most common snakes of Cincinnati, as well as the venomous snakes of Cincinnati that you should learn to recognize and avoid. shy and elusive. They love sandy loose soil where they can dig themselves down and be hidden from view. It averages only 8 inches long and is never more than a foot long. The patterns across the bodies of copperheads are hourglass-shaped, with the thinnest portion of the shape sitting across their spine. Its a bit of a scam, since these snakes are harmless. Timber rattlesnakes are among the most populous rattlesnakes in the northeastern United States and compete with prairie rattlesnakes for the most northerly venomous snake. 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. Remember the following: Please treat the snakes of Toledo with respect! This species has a tail that has adapted to form a rattle. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? They release toxic venoms and their bite can have serious negative effects. They are quite beautiful snakes and come in five different subspecies. You just need to know where to find them - they can often be Does this mean that theyre the only three snakes you could find in the water across the state? Ohio has over 25 species of snakes, three of which are venomous. Some Ohio snake species are more common outside of the city limits, in different parts of Hamilton County OH, but many types of snakes are indeed common in the more urban parts of Cincinnati. It has a long well-defined tail, a long head no wider than its body, and round pupils. Worldwide, this family contains around 249 genera, and around two-thirds of the worlds snakes. These snakes also tend to wrap themselves in tightly rolled coils with the tail sticking out in an upward position. This is rarely a good idea. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake: The eastern hog-nosed snake is usually gray or yellow-brown in color. In Ohio, the copper-bellied water snake is very rare. Additionally, the copper-bellied watersnake, plains gartersnake and smooth greensnake. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. click here for my complete list of ALL snake species in Columbus. If a venomous snake bites you, you need to know exactly what to do. The snakes base color is almost always black but it can be dark gray also. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. Their bodies are generally gray, although some have a light yellow or pink undertone to them. However, the pit viper is a somewhat different creature, and youre more likely to get bitten by one. They can catch and eat these animals with ease. It is identified as a medium-sized rattlesnake with a gray or brown body. Many of them can be divided into one of a few main groups: Most of the other snakes in the region are individual representatives of their genera: All of these species fit into two main families, specifically the families Colubridae and Viperidae. It is the most encountered venomous snake in the state of Ohio and is most active April through October. The spotted turtle, a state threatened species, was observed here in 2008. Additionally, we will cover a common misconception about snakes and their poison. Lets get started and discover all the poisonous snakes in Ohio; a complete list! Welcome to clevelandsnakes.com! This snake is small and slender and averages about 2.5 feet in . In addition, some snakes live close to the borders and have limited distribution across the state. It lives almost exclusively in deciduous forests, though it may wander when food is scarce. Their bodies are tan with dark brown, hourglass-shaped crossbands that fade to a lighter brown in the center of the bands. shy and elusive. The last known fatality from a snake bite in Ohio was in 1947. There are three species of garter snake in Ohio: the Eastern garter, Easter plains garter, and the Butlers garter snake. The only known colony of Copper Bellied Water snakes is in Williams County, which is on the border with Indiana and Michigan. Before you get your hopes too high, however, let us be the first to tell you that there are venomous snakes. 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. The snakes have a pattern thats most often confused with water mocassins (cottonmouths), yet theyre not poisonous. Youll often see these snakes near barns and abandoned fields, where mice are plentiful. They go by a few names, including timber rattlesnakes, canebrake rattlesnakes, or banded rattlesnakes. We will go into each venomous snake and where to find them in Ohio Eastern Copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix) Eastern Massasauga ( Sistrurus catenatus) Timber Rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus) Shop Amazon for snake safety gear. Dekays brown snake is a common inhabitant of forested regions in the US. There's. Hognose snakes have a lot of variety in their coloring depending on what their habitat is like. If you want more detail, However, most other snakes prefer a specific habitat type. The fact is, many snakes can be strong swimmers, but some snakes do specialize in hunting in the water. 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. Its head is quite short and slightly glossy with round pupils. But the Eastern Fox snake is not venomous. They are also, at times, located in wooded suburbs. Identification: Northern copperheads are thick snakes that can grow up to three feet long. The snakes have an average length of three to four feet. Their bodies are copper-colored, often with reddish or brownish undertones. It has a unique coloration and pattern which features bold bands of color (typically in tan) in various shades of brown and black. For example: While coloration and patterning vary significantly, even within a single species, they can still be useful identification characteristics. Thanks to the unique shape of the nose this snake has you will always be able to identify it. By virtue of their large size, timber rattlesnakes are the most dangerous snakes in northeastern America. But it does have potent venom. It gets its name from a single ring around its neck. Even if a venomous snake does bite you it may not use venom because of the effort involved in creating more venom. Like mostpit vipers, theEastern copperheadsvenom is hemotoxic. it has a long well-defined tail, a short head, and round pupils. It makes dinner out of frogs, minnows, mice, slugs, earthworms, toads, and frogs. Ohio's nonvenomous snakes do not. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. Up in the hills, you are more likely to venomous Timber Rattlesnakes. There are 25 different snakes in Ohio, of these, there are 3 venomous snakes. Primarily the Hognose snake is found in northwest Ohio and the hills of southern Ohio. After a poisonous snake has bitten someone, they will attempt to kill it to take it in to be identified. They are described as one of the most dangerous snakes in Ohio. These snakes average between 3-4 feet long. 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. Pit vipers have wide heads, unlike most of the other snakes native to Ohio. Always wear sturdy shoes when you go walking, hiking, or jogging. They get their name from their ability to move at incredible speeds when frightened. Timber rattlesnakes in Ohio are very rare and are only sometimes seen in the southeastern part of the state. This guide is meant to help They have a stripe down their back that ranges from pinkish, orange, brown, or black, with dark brown to black chevron, patterned bands on their back and sides. A woman was bitten by a timber rattlesnake and died the next day. In captivity, breeders have produced multiple milk snake morphs with significantly different patterns. Timber rattlers, for. They have stout brown to gray bodies. There are two types of rattlesnakes in Ohio: the massasauga and the timber rattlesnake. When in a park, forest, or other wild area keep your pets on leashes and your children near you at all times. North American racers, or blue racers, are one of the longest snakes on the continent. You just need to know where to find them - they can often be Adults can grow to around 39 to 45 inches in length, with the largest specimen found in Alabama measuring 62.5 inches. Otherwise, get started on your way to the doctor. complete list of ALL snake species in Toledo. They can come in various shades of brown or tan, and they often have a stripe with dots alongside their spine. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. They range from Ohio, up into New York, to the Mississippi River. The Queen snake is a relatively unremarkable species that travels freely wherever food is abundant. Sometimes known as the canebrake or branded rattlesnake, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is one of the most northerly distributed venomous snakes. Timber rattlesnake: Timber rattlesnakes are regarded as one of the most dangerous snakes in the US. Distribution: Eastern massasaugas can be found across northern Ohio and are present in 28 counties. Why? Its potentially a good way to get bit again. These types of snakes can be found in Ohio, southern Michigan, and northern Indiana, and are possibly found in the areas around those locations. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. These snakes only live where freshwater is abundant, and will only stray from them in times of drought. Snakes in this family all share certain characteristics, namely: The Crotalinae, or pit vipers, also have heat-sensing pits and sometimes rattles. Kingsnakes are popular pets thanks to their easy-going nature and willingness to accept rodent prey. This guide is meant to help I am David, a snake enthusiast living in Akron, OH. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake ( Sistrurus catenatus) is a venomous species named after a combination of two words from the language of the Chippewa tribe of Native Americans. The queen snake is known as the crayfish snake in certain areas since it feeds almost exclusively on crayfish. Each of these snakes is harmless to humans and can be found across much of the state. You just need to know where to find them - they can often be 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. Chinese Granite; Imported Granite; Chinese Marble; Imported Marble; China Slate & Sandstone; Quartz stone Several other rat snakes occur in the region, but Ill discuss those later on. Some of the most common non-venomous snakes that youll find in Ohio are: The smooth earth snake is typically only found in southern Ohio in areas like the Shawnee and Pike state forests. One of the characteristic traits of this species is that it has highly variable patterning. This identification guide takes a closer look at snakes in Ohio and will share basic information that can help you identify all 27 species. They are found in Cleveland, Ohio, as well as many other locations in the country. The massasauga is one of two rattlesnakes that are native to Ohio. Some Ohio snake species are more common outside of the city limits, in different parts of Montgomery County OH, but many types of snakes are indeed common in the more urban parts of Dayton. It has a sharply-forked tongue and round pupils. Many people think these snakes are cottonmouths (although they dont even live in the state) or copperheads. Many people don't know that Columbus is in fact full of snakes! Snakes you saw earlier on the list such as the eastern fox snake and gray rat snake are quite adept in water environments. For example, timber rattlesnakes prefer wooded mountainsides, while water snakes only live near freshwater. Many people don't know that Cincinnati is in fact full of snakes! It has a beautiful combination of colors that are coppery or bronze-like, hence the name. Some Ohio snake species are more common outside of the city limits, in different parts of Franklin County OH, but many types of snakes are indeed common in the more urban parts of Columbus. But it's one of the few venomous snakes residing in the Buckeye State. Among snakes in general, you may notice the following pupil shapes: In Ohio, youll only encounter round and slit-shaped pupils. You should never try to catch, kill, or otherwise molest a snake that you find. Most of the venomous species in the US, and all those in Ohio, are vipers. Its a common species with no preferred habitat type. These animals often visit well-watered gardens where they feed on small rodents and birds. The color of its neck and belly serves as a warning for potential predators. The water snakes are another group of specialized predators that feed almost entirely on fish and aquatic amphibians which is why they always live near water. ), 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. In Ontario, Canada, there are two cases of people dying from a poorly treated bite because the specific antivenom is not easily acquired. Neutral colors that blend well with leaf litter or stony backgrounds, A tail thats adapted to form a rattle (only in timber rattlesnakes and the Massasauga), Wide heads with heat-sensitive pits between the eyes and nostrils (they look triangular when seen from above), Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta Copper-bellied Water snake, Agkistrodon contortrix Eastern Copperhead, Lampropeltis triangulum Eastern Milk snake, Pantherophis vulpinus Eastern Fox Snake, Storeria occipitomaculata Northern Red-bellied Snake, Diadophis punctatus Northern Ring-necked Snake, Heterodon platirhinos Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Long hollow fangs that operate on a hinge, Most have large eyes with slit-shaped pupils. 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? We will go into each venomous snake and where to find them in Ohio. A northern copperhead wont attack unless it feels cornered or threatened. Because theyre as eager to get away from you as you are to get away from them. The endangered species has been spotted in 22 Ohio counties. They also tend to have black or dark brown splotches around their bodies. Home; About Us. Kirtlands snake is a small, but striking, species with a pronounced reddish-brown stripe down its belly. It has a well-rounded head with round pupils, and it also has a well-defined tail. Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. Take note of the habitat where you see a snake, as it can help to identify the snake. The cytotoxic venom contains digestive enzymes that disrupt blood flow and prevent blood from clotting. The body is robust as with most constrictors and the head is no wider than the body. The Eastern hog-nosed snake has a broad, flattened head thats absolutely distinctive. At one point, it was considered the longest snake in North America. Removing a Snake. It also has heat-sensing pits between the eyes and the nostrils. These few overachievers grow to the limit of possibility for their species. Theyll often even climb to eat eggs from birds nests high up in trees. As such, they're found throughout the Appalachian region up to the Great Lakes. They go by a few names, including the swamp rattler and black snapper. These snakes rarely bite unless highly agitated, and their small fangs have trouble delivering venom to large animals like humans. complete list of ALL snake species in Cincinnati. You will find Eastern Fox snakes along the southwestern shore of Lake Erie and to the west of Sandusky in Ohio. Eastern Copperhead Eastern Copperhead Lets take a look at three of the most common and harmless snakes you could encounter. You will find theEastern Copperheadin southern and eastern Ohio. Lets take a closer look at some of the species in question. This guide is meant to help A long, stout-bodied snake with the musculature which is characteristic of constrictors. shy and elusive. It looks much like a corn snake except that the colors are muted. The smooth green snake doesnt have such strongly keeled scales, giving it a smoother appearance. So it makes sense that geographically Ohio has several distinct regions that range from high hills to valleys and canyons with some pretty impressive natural caves. Distribution: The northern copperhead can be found in the southern and eastern counties of Ohio. The black king snakes and their relatives, the Eastern milk snakes, are harmless species that are fairly common throughout their range. Three of the species in the state are endangered and protected by either federal or state law, specifically: Ohio has three venomous snake species, namely: The rest of their approximately 25 species are non-venomous. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The snake has a large head and large eyes with slit-shaped pupils. The adultEastern Copperheadcan grow to the length of 20 37 inches, including the tail. The upper surface is dark brown with light brown or gray stripes. The ring-necked snake will take other prey when the opportunity arises, but it feeds almost exclusively on mollusks like slugs and snails. The snakes underside is banded with brown and cream stripes. Likewise, garter snakes generally feed on small rodents and amphibians. The copper-bellied water snake has a black upper side with a copper-colored underside. Its not common and is classed as a threatened or endangered species in parts of its range. The first is the common water snake, a citizen of large parts of the United States. Northern red-bellied snake populations and garter snake populations both sometimes produce melanistic snakes. CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - There are three snake speciesidentified in Ohio that are capable of producing a venomous bite; a fact that few Ohioans may not have known. While the brown snake is relatively neutral in color, the red-bellied snake has a bright red or orange underside which it uses to frighten predators. The timber rattlesnake is an endangered species in Ohio and is only known to have habitats in the southern portion of the state. Colby is a freelance writer from Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. These are the Eastern timber rattlesnake, northern copperhead, and the massasauga rattlesnake. We generally regard snakes as poisonous, even though we arent swallowing or breathing in their toxins. There are nearly 2,000 different species! Panic theres no reason to, and it wont help you, Call for help, if the snake poses a danger to anyone or is in danger, Leave the snake alone, unless you want to take photos or observe from a safe distance, If the snake has bitten you, someone else, or someones pet, If the snake is in danger or poses a threat to others (i.e. Much of the fear related to snakes are the result of misunderstandings. 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. Reasons to Hire A Professional When So if you see one of these snakes in an outbuilding, or a garage, or when youre walking in the woods dont be alarmed. The bite from a copperhead is capable of producing severe illness, and in some cases, death. Copperhead snakes are only found in the hills of southeast Ohio. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. Discover the Largest Anaconda Ever (A 33 Foot Monster? The venomous snakes in Ohio are: This snake is on the small side for venomous snakes. There's a whole world to learn about and Colby is content to spend his life learning as much as he can about it! click here for my complete list of ALL snake species in Toledo. While water snakes in Ohio arent venomous, they still should not be handled. However, the gray rat snake is very helpful to humans. Some actually look entirely black in color. You just need to know where to find them - they can often be 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. A bite to a human is rare. The larvae of these insects are firm favorites among worm snakes. Reptile Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. However, Ohio has a larger complement than most states. As with other pit vipers, it has a large head and large eyes with vertical, slit-shaped pupils. Its also known as a great place for foragers to break out their field guides and work on Like the rest of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho is teeming with many types of wild edible berries. Lets take a closer look at some of the diets which Ohio snakes adhere to: While many other species are open to eating a greater variety, their limited size means that most species only feed on a few groups of animals. you find a rattlesnake on a pathway in the park), Try to treat the snakebite with home remedies, Exert themselves physically it will accelerate the spread of the venom, Panic it makes your heart beat faster, spreading the venom through your body more quickly, Try to suck the venom from the wound at best, it will do nothing, at worst, youll poison yourself, Contact a loved one or friend who lives nearby (if possible), Apply pressure to the wound to keep the poison from spreading, Splint the affected limb and wrap it tightly, keeping it below the level of the heart, Poison Control Centers national hotline: 1-800-222-1222. Some of the snakes are very dark and almost completely black. Lets dive into some of the most important snakes to know in Ohio, along with pictures so you can better identify them. Several of the turtles here have a special conservation status in Ohio. If you see a well-camouflaged snake, wrapped into a tight coil, and not trying to slither away, theres a good chance its a pit viper. Contents [ hide ] Welcome to cincinnatisnakes.com! Please treat the snakes of Columbus with respect! Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! However, the black rat snake hails from further west in the country and its range only partially covers Ohio. The eastern massasauga (endangered in Ohio) and the northern copperhead have been identified nearby. Typically, snakes in this family are harmless, and none of the species in Ohio are venomous. shy and elusive. However, there have been reports of them growing up to 7 feet long. Although they are rarely seen, they are one of the native Ohio venomous snakes. Northern copperheads have the greatest range of all the subspecies, and they are also one of the most misidentified snakes. 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. Usually, snake bites are the result of someone harassing a snake, or accidentally stepping on one. These snakes are marvelous climbers and have been found in trees at heights of more than 80 feet. Its scales are slightly keeled so it has a relatively smooth look but with well-defined scales. Thats because this snake thrives on rodents of all kinds. They can often be found basking on rocks (see picture above) next to bodies of water. They are actually encountering the harmless Northern water snake. It prefers to live near water sources and is semi-aquatic by nature. This particular snake is one of the smallest types of snakes found not just in Ohio, but the United States. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. There are around 25 species of snakes in Ohio, with several more making guest appearances. Most of the fear people have towards snakes is rooted in misconception. Still, they are dangerous and have highly toxic venom. These animals mainly feed on frogs and toads and often reside near water sources.