New Hampshire is home to various wildlife, including snakes. While snake encounters are not common, venomous snakes do exist in the state. These animals are typically shy and prefer to avoid human interaction, making encounters rare.
Identifying New Hampshire’s Venomous Snakes
New Hampshire’s primary venomous snake is the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). This species is large, typically measuring between 36 to 60 inches, and possesses a heavy body with ridged or keeled scales. Its head has a distinct triangular shape, and it features heat-sensing pits located between its nostrils and eyes, along with elliptical pupils.
Timber Rattlesnakes are identified by the blunt rattle at the end of their tail, which they often shake as a warning when disturbed. Their coloration can vary, ranging from yellowish-brown to gray or black, usually marked with dark cross-bands along their back. Some individuals may display a rust-colored stripe down their back. The Timber Rattlesnake is classified as state endangered and critically imperiled in New Hampshire, underscoring its rarity and protected status. The Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), while found in some neighboring states, is generally not present in New Hampshire.
Habitats and Distribution
The Timber Rattlesnake has a very limited geographical range within New Hampshire. Historically, these snakes were found from the Massachusetts border up to the White Mountains. Currently, only one known population remains, making sightings exceedingly rare.
These snakes prefer specific environments, often inhabiting mountainous regions with rocky ledges and outcroppings that receive ample sunlight. During warmer months, their summer habitats expand to include brushy, forested areas and wooded hillsides. For hibernation from November until May, Timber Rattlesnakes seek deep rock crevices, often using the same communal dens for generations.
Safety and Prevention
Minimizing the risk of a snake encounter involves simple precautions outdoors. Wearing sturdy, closed-toe footwear and long pants can provide a layer of protection, particularly in wooded or rocky areas. It is advisable to stay on marked trails and avoid stepping over logs or rocks without first checking the other side, as a snake might be resting there. Additionally, refrain from reaching into dense brush, crevices, or under rocks and logs where a snake could be concealed.
If a venomous snake is encountered, remain calm and give it plenty of space. Do not attempt to approach, handle, or provoke the snake in any way, as they are typically docile and will only strike if threatened. Moving slowly away from the snake allows it to retreat without feeling cornered. It is also important to avoid trying to catch or trap the snake.
In the event of a snakebite, immediate medical attention is necessary; call 911 or your local emergency number. While waiting for help, keep the bitten individual calm and still, and remove any jewelry or tight clothing from the affected limb before swelling begins. The bite area should be gently cleaned with soap and water, then loosely covered with a clean, dry bandage. Avoid applying ice, cold packs, or a tourniquet, and never attempt to cut the wound or suck out the venom. Do not consume alcohol or caffeine, or take pain-relieving medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as these can worsen the situation.