Ohio is home to a variety of snake species. While many people might have concerns about encountering snakes, the vast majority are harmless and pose no threat to humans. Understanding the types of snakes present and how to identify them can help foster a safer coexistence. This knowledge is especially helpful for distinguishing the few venomous species from the many non-venomous ones found across the Buckeye State.
Ohio’s Diverse Snake Population
Ohio boasts a considerable snake population, encompassing approximately 33 different species, with 25 of these being native to the state. These snakes inhabit a wide array of environments, from wetlands and forests to prairies and even suburban areas. The state’s diverse habitats, including grasslands, marshes, and rocky hillsides, provide suitable homes for numerous snake species.
Most of Ohio’s snakes are non-venomous and commonly encountered. Examples include the Eastern Garter Snake, known for its three longitudinal stripes, and the Northern Watersnake, frequently found near bodies of water. The Gray Rat Snake is widespread and can reach significant lengths, often observed climbing trees. Other common non-venomous species are the Eastern Milksnake and Dekay’s Brownsnake.
Identifying Ohio’s Venomous Snakes
Ohio is home to three venomous snake species, though only two are relatively widespread: the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead. A third, the Timber Rattlesnake, is exceedingly rare in the state. Accurate identification of these species is important for safety.
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is a stout-bodied rattlesnake, typically 20 to 30 inches long. Its coloration varies from gray to brownish-gray, often with rounded, dark blotches along its back and sides. It has a triangular head with vertical pupils and a small rattle at the end of its tail. Some individuals can be entirely black, except for their chin and throat. This species prefers wet habitats like bogs, swamps, and wet prairies, particularly in glaciated western and northern Ohio.
The Northern Copperhead has a stocky body that can appear copper, orange, or pinkish, with distinctive dark chestnut-colored bands often described as hourglass or “Hershey’s Kiss” shaped. Like the Massasauga, Copperheads have a triangular head and vertical pupils. Unlike rattlesnakes, they do not have a rattle, though they may vibrate their tail when threatened. Young Copperheads are notable for their bright yellow-tipped tails. Northern Copperheads are found predominantly in southern and eastern Ohio, favoring rocky and wooded hillsides.
Living Safely Alongside Snakes
Encounters with snakes in Ohio are possible, and knowing how to react ensures safety for both humans and the reptiles. If you encounter a snake, observe it from a distance and avoid attempting to handle or provoke it. Most snakes will try to escape when approached, and bites typically occur when a snake feels threatened or is accidentally stepped on. Even non-venomous snakes can bite, though their bites are generally not dangerous.
You can make your residential area less appealing to snakes by implementing a few simple measures. Removing piles of debris such as rocks, brush, or old boards eliminates potential hiding spots for snakes and their prey. Keeping grass mowed and maintaining a tidy landscape also reduces attractive cover. Controlling populations of rodents and insects in and around your home can further deter snakes, as these are primary food sources for many species. In the rare event of a venomous snake bite, seeking immediate medical attention is essential.
Conserving Ohio’s Snake Species
Snakes play a role in Ohio’s ecosystems by helping to control populations of rodents and insects. This natural pest control benefits agricultural areas and contributes to environmental balance. Recognizing their ecological contributions is part of broader conservation efforts across the state.
Many snake species in Ohio, including the venomous ones, face conservation challenges. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, for instance, has been listed as state endangered since 1996 and federally threatened since 2016 due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Extensive farming and the draining of wetlands have significantly reduced their numbers. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources monitors snake populations and implements conservation strategies to protect these species and their habitats. These efforts include annual surveys and habitat management to ensure the long-term survival of Ohio’s native snakes.