Massachusetts is home to 14 native snake species. The vast majority are non-venomous, pose no threat to humans, and play a quiet role in the local ecosystem. Understanding their characteristics and behavior is important for safety and supporting local wildlife conservation. Learning to identify the species you may encounter is the most effective way to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Common Non-Venomous Residents
The Eastern Garter Snake is the species most frequently encountered, easily recognized by three light-colored stripes running down its dark body. This adaptable snake is common in fields, forests, and suburban yards, feeding primarily on earthworms, amphibians, and small fish. It is generally docile but may release a foul-smelling musk if handled.
The Eastern Milk Snake is a slender reptile, typically two to three feet long. Its gray or tan body features reddish-brown blotches outlined in black. Often mistaken for the venomous Copperhead, the Milk Snake may rapidly vibrate its tail when alarmed, mimicking a rattlesnake sound.
Smaller, secretive residents include the DeKay’s Brownsnake and the Northern Ring-necked Snake. The Brownsnake is tiny, usually less than a foot long, with light brown coloration. Found frequently in gardens, it controls pests by eating slugs and earthworms.
The Northern Ring-necked Snake is small and slender, instantly identifiable by the bright yellow or orange band around its neck. The Eastern Hognose Snake is notable for its dramatic defensive display, flattening its head and neck like a cobra and playing dead if threatened.
Identifying the Venomous Species
Massachusetts has only two native venomous species, both extremely rare and localized. The Timber Rattlesnake is a large, heavy-bodied pit viper found primarily in remote, rocky, forested hillsides in the western counties. It is characterized by a broad, triangular head, heat-sensing pits, and a rattle segment. Coloration varies widely, from yellow with dark crossbands to nearly solid black, and it has rough, keeled scales.
The second venomous species is the Northern Copperhead, restricted to small populations in specific areas, such as parts of Norfolk and Hampden counties. Copperheads have a thick body and a triangular head. They are easily identified by distinct brown or reddish hourglass-shaped crossbands set against a lighter background.
Both snakes are reclusive and non-aggressive; bites are exceedingly rare, typically occurring only when the snake is stepped on or harassed. If encountered, maintain a distance of at least six feet and never attempt to touch or capture it. If a bite occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Habitats and Ecological Roles
Snakes occupy environments from woodlands and wetlands to suburban properties. As ectotherms, they rely on surroundings to regulate body temperature, drawing them to sun-exposed areas like rocky outcrops, stone walls, and pavement for basking. They also seek cover in wood piles, beneath sheds, or inside basements when seeking shelter or prey.
These reptiles play a beneficial role in maintaining the ecosystem’s natural balance. Their primary function is as predators, controlling populations of animals considered pests. Species like the Milk Snake and the Eastern Rat Snake consume large numbers of rodents, often targeting them in their nests, providing natural pest management.
Other common snakes, such as the Garter Snake and Brownsnake, specialize in eating invertebrates like slugs, snails, and insects. By preying on these smaller animals, snakes help regulate the flow of energy through the food chain. They serve as effective hunters and as a food source for birds of prey and other carnivores, indicating a healthy local environment.
State Protection Status and Safe Interactions
The majority of native snakes are protected under state law; it is illegal to harass, harm, or collect them. The two venomous species—the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead—are listed as Endangered under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. This protection also extends to non-venomous species like the Eastern Rat Snake and the Eastern Worm Snake due to declining populations.
Killing, collecting, or possessing protected species without a special permit can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines. Even for common species, limits exist on individual possession. These statutes aim to safeguard the state’s natural heritage and prevent population decline caused by habitat loss and human interference.
Residents can contribute to safe coexistence by making their properties less attractive to snakes. Measures include removing debris piles, such as firewood or leaf litter, which snakes use for shelter. Sealing cracks and crevices in foundations and basements prevents snakes from entering structures seeking rodents or warmth. If a protected snake is found on private property and poses a concern, contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police or the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program for guidance.