Ohio is home to a number of unique and fascinating snake species. From the Northern Copperhead to the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Ohio offers a wide variety of snakes to discover. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different species of snakes that inhabit the state and offer some tips for staying safe aound them.
The Northern Copperhead is one of Ohio’s three venomous snakes. It is a pit viper, meaning it has two heat-sensing pits located on either side of its head. Copperheads are typically found in wooded areas and rocky outcrops, and they can reach lengths of up to two feet. They feed primarily on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is another venomous species found in Ohio. It is smaller than the copperhead but often more aggressive if disturbed or threatened. These snakes prefer wetland habitats such as marshes or swamps and can grow up to three feet in length. They feed on small animals like mice, voles, frogs, lizards, and insects.
The Timber Rattlesnake is the third venomous snake found in Ohio and is closely related to the Massasauga rattlesnake. They prefer habitats such as rocky hillsides or forests but will also inhabit wetlands or open fields if necessary. Like other rattlesnakes, they can reach lengths up to four feet long and are an important part of the ecosystem as they help control populations of small rodents like mice and voles.
In addition to these venomous species, Ohio also has several nonvenomous snakes including the Eastern Gartersnake which is one of the most common types found across the state. Gartersnakes are marked with a pattern of three light stripes on a darker background and can be found in Warren, Clark, Champaign, Licking Wayne and Wyandot counties among others. Other nonvenomous species include Butler’s Gartersnake (found mainly in western parts of the state), Plains Gartersnake (found mainly in central parts) and Short-headed Gartersnakes (found mainly along rivers).
It’s important to remember that all wild animals should be treated with respect when encountered outdoors; this includes snakes! If you find yourself face-to-face with one of these creatures take some time to observe from a safe distance before moving on your way! If you are unsure whether or not a snake you see is venomous it’s best not to approach it; instead call your local animal control agency for assistance if needed!
Venomous Snakes Found in Ohio
Ohio is home to three species of venomous snakes: the Northern Copperhead, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and the Timber Rattlesnake. The Northern Copperhead is a medium-sized snake, typically ranging from 24-36 inches in length. They are generally brown or reddish in color, with darker hourglass or saddle-shaped crossbands along thir back. They are found throughout most of Ohio and can be found in fields, forests, rocky hillsides and near water sources. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is a small to medium-sized snake measuring 18-30 inches long. It is dark gray or brown in color with large dark blotches along its back and sides; it also has a distinctive rattle near its tail. These rattlesnakes are generally found in wet areas such as marshes, swamps and bogs but can also be found on dry land like fields and woodlands. Lastly, the Timber Rattlesnake is a large snake reaching up to 48 inches in length; it has a distinct diamond pattern along its back that may be yellowish or tan in coloration. It is typically found in wooded areas near rocky outcroppings and can sometimes be seen sunning itself on rocks during the day. All three species of venomous snakes should be treated with respect and caution; if you encounter one of these snakes it’s best to leave it alone and let it go on its way.
Source: ohiohistorycentral.org
Common Types of Snakes Found in Ohio
Ohio is home to five species of gartersnakes, the most common of which is the Eastern gartersnake. These snakes are marked with a pattern of three light stripes on a darker background, and can be found across the state in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The other species of gartersnakes found in Ohio include the Eastern ribbonsnake, a more aquatic type of gartersnake, and the short-headed gartersnake.
Types of Non-Venomous Snakes Found in Ohio
In Ohio, thre are three types of non-venomous snakes: butlers garter snakes, plains garter snakes and regular eastern garter snakes. All of these species are harmless and rely on their musk for defense when they’re scared. Butlers garter snakes are generally darker in color and have three light stripes running along their length. Plains garter snakes have a more slender body shape than the other two species and have patterns along their back that look like checkered squares. Finally, regular eastern garter snakes have dark blotches that run along the sides of their bodies and tend to be the most common type found in Ohio. All three species can be found throughout the state in a variety of habitats such as meadows, woodlands, wetlands and even gardens.
Identifying Venomous Snakes in Ohio
When trying to determine whether a snake found in Ohio is venomous, it is important to look for certain characteristics. The head should be distinctly triangular when viewed from above, the pupils should be elliptical shaped, and thee should be pits as well as nostrils located near the mouth of the snake. Additionally, the underside of its tail should have undivided scales and it should lack any kind of facial markings such as stripes or bands. While not all venomous snakes in Ohio possess these characteristics, they are commonly found among them and can help you make an educated guess about whether a particular snake is dangerous or not. It is recommended that if you come across a snake in Ohio that appears to be venomous, you should keep your distance and contact wildlife officials for assistance.
The Risk of Being Bitten by a Garter Snake
A garter snake bite is not generally considered dangerous, as most species of garter snakes are non-venomous. However, it is possible for a garter snake to bite if it feels threatened or agitated. If you are bitten by a garter snake, the bite may cause minor swelling or itching. It is important to clean the wound thorougly to prevent infection and seek medical attention if needed.
Where Do Snakes Go During the Winter in Ohio?
In Ohio, snakes typically go into hibernation for the winter months. To do this, they look for a den or hibernaculum that is located below the frost line. This can include burrows dug out by other animals, holes in the ground, and even basements of buildings. The den sould be a sheltered space that provides warmth and protection from any potential predators. During their hibernation period, snakes will remain dormant until warmer weather arrives.
Are Water Snakes in Ohio Poisonous?
No, water snakes in Ohio are not poisonous. The three venomous snake species found in Ohio are the Northern Copperhead, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and Timber Rattlesnake. None of these venomous snakes are considered water snakes, as they prefer to live in dry habitats such as wooded areas and rocky hillsides. Water snakes instead prefer wet habitats like rivers and streams, and none of them contain any venom that could be dangerous to humans.
Source: a-z-animals.com
States With the Highest Snake Populations
The United States has an incredible variety of snake species, and the states with the most snakes on the east coast are Florida and Georgia. Florida has a whopping 46 native snake species, making it the state with the most snakes in Eastern America. Georgia follows close behind with 36 native species. Other states on the East Coast such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey all have between 18 and 25 native snake species. With its large population of snakes and varied habitats, Florida is undoubtedly one of the best states to explore if you’re interested in finding snakes in teir natural environment.
Are King Snakes Found in Ohio?
Yes, Black Kingsnakes are found in a few counties in the south-central part of Ohio. They inhabit dry, rocky hillsides and prairies, open woods, and stream valleys, as well as the bottomlands of the Ohio and Scioto Rivers. These snakes are at the northern limit of their range in Ohio, so you may not find them elsewhere in the state.
The Smell Given Off by Copperheads
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) notes that copperhead snakes can give off a musky odor that is produced by glands at the base of their tail. This smell has been described as somewhat similar to cucumbers and can be mixed with feces. This odor is often used as a defense mechanism to ward off potential predators or as a warning sign when a snake feels threatened.
Types of All-Black Snakes Found in Ohio
The black rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta) is the only species of snake in Ohio that is completely black. These large snakes can reach lengths of up to eight feet, averaging 42 – 72 inches. They have a faint gray or brown checkerboard pattern and white between their scales. Native to most parts of Ohio, these snakes are often found near wooded areas, streams, and abandoned buildings, where they feed on small rodents and birds.
Source: cleveland19.com
Are Blue Racer Snakes Found in Ohio?
Yes, blue racer snakes can be found in Ohio. They have been spotted in western, northern, and central parts of the state. Blue racer snakes are also native to other areas throughot North America such as southwestern Ontario, Michigan, Southeast Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ohio is home to a variety of different snakes, both venomous and non-venomous. The three most common venomous snakes in Ohio are the Northern Copperhead, Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, and Timber Rattlesnake. Additionally, there are five species of gartersnakes found in Ohio, with the Eastern gartersnake being the most commonly seen. While these snakes may seem intimidating at first glance, it’s important to remember that they are an important part of their local ecosystems and should be respected and handled with care.
