Discover 9 Brown Snakes in Pennsylvania

Spanning 46,055 square miles, Pennsylvania has a vast array of environments that are best for animals of all shapes and sizes. Snakes in specific regularly occupy the state — both on the land and in the water. There are 21 types in Pennsylvania, consisting of 3 that are poisonous. Though some — such as the red-bellied snake or the milksnake — are brilliantly colored, others are brown so that they can mix in with their environment. Let’s have a look at the brown snakes in Pennsylvania and discover where they live and which ones threaten.

1. Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)

First up is the queen snake, which is a types of unique issue within Pennsylvania. They are semi-aquatic and reside in and around streams, rivers, ponds, and ponds. However, they take place in 2 different populations in the eastern and western areas of the state. Queen snakes are 14 to 23 inches long and have a brown body with 4 dark stripes on their stubborn belly. They likewise have 3 stripes on their back, however these are more noticeable on juveniles than on grownups. Queen snakes victim generally on crayfish and have actually adjusted to reach in between rocks for their victim, as they have thicker scales beneath their chin and on the top of their head to safeguard them.

2. Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

One of the most harmful brown snakes in Pennsylvania is the lumber rattlesnake, which has long fangs and a high venom yield. Timber rattlesnakes are 3 to 5 feet long and have dark brown bodies and a series of darker brown — in some cases black — crossbands. However, there is likewise a “black phase,” which includes black cross bands over an almost black ground color. Timber rattlesnakes live statewide in forests and on rocky hillsides. Pregnant women in specific favor rocky outcrops where they can indulge in the sun. These are frequently called “basking knolls.”

3. Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus)

The worm snake is a little, non-venomous snake which normally reaches 7 to 13 inches long. Worm snakes have slim brown bodies with smooth dorsal scales and a pinkish colored stubborn belly. They just take place in the southeastern corner of the state in forests and forests. However, they are seldom seen, as they are mainly burrowers and spend much of their time beneath rocks or buried in the leaf litter. Worm snakes are not harmful, however they do produce a foul-smelling musk. As they are so little, they prey generally on earthworms and have a great deal of predators.

4. Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

The eastern copperhead is another poisonous snake that happens in Pennsylvania, although they normally just occupy the lower 2 thirds of the state. Copperheads are normally 20 to 36 inches long and have tan to pinkish brown bodies with a series of reddish-brown markings in the shape of an hourglass. Copperheads reside in a range of environments — consisting of forests, fields, and rocky hillsides. They victimize a variety of animals, however rodents, lizards, and other snakes comprise most of their diet plan. Although they are pit vipers their venom is among the weakest types and, as such, they are not as harmful as a few of the other poisonous snakes.

5. Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)

An especially little brown snake in Pennsylvania is Dekay’s brownsnake which is just 9 to 13 inches long. Dekay’s brownsnakes are light brown and have a lighter stripe along their back with black areas on either side of it. They are normally nighttime and victimize soft-bodied animals such as worms and slugs. Dekay’s brownsnakes are versatile animals and reside in a range of environments, consisting of meadows, forests, and wetlands. They are not harmful, and it is uncommon to even see them as they choose to stay in safety beneath rocks and logs.

6. Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)

The northern water snake, or typical water snake, is a big marine snake which regularly populates long-term water sources throughout the state. Northern water snakes can reach 56 inches long and have heavy, dark brown bodies with dark brown to black crossband markings on them. The northern water snake is frequently misidentified as the poisonous cottonmouth in states where they share the exact same variety. Northern water snakes are not poisonous, however they are extremely aggressive and will regularly bite if they are interrupted. They have a moderate anti-coagulant in their saliva which avoids blood from clotting. So, if you are bitten by among these snakes, the injury will bleed a lot.

7. Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)

The 3rd poisonous snake in Pennsylvania is the massasauga rattlesnake which lives just in the northwest area of the state. Massasaugas are 24 to 30 inches long and are a grey to tan ground color. They likewise have a row of big areas along their back and 3 rows of smaller sized areas on either side. Massasaugas occupy swamps, wetlands, and other low-lying locations with badly drained pipes soil. Massasaugas victimize a variety of little mammals, birds, lizards, and amphibians. They have cytotoxic venom, which can trigger comprehensive damage and scarring to tissue although it is reasonably weak.

8. Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae)

Another little snake is the smooth earth snake, which obtains lengths of in between just 7 and 10 inches. Smooth earth snakes are reddish brown with a number of little black dots on their head. They likewise have smooth dorsal scales. Smooth earth snakes reside in forests and forests however spend much of their time concealed away beneath logs, rocks, and leaf litter. They are likewise relatively uncommon in Pennsylvania and just reside in spread places throughout the state. Smooth earth snakes are not harmful and consume just little animals such as slugs, worms, and pests. Due to their little size, they are frequently victimized by other animals — consisting of birds, foxes, and other snakes.

9. Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

One of the most typical snakes in Pennsylvania is the typical garter snake, which resides in practically any environment. This consists of fields, forests, swamps, and city locations, although they are not generally far from water. They are normally 20 to 28 inches long and can be green, black, or brown. They likewise have a yellow or cream stubborn belly and a number of yellow-colored stripes along their body with rows of red or black areas in between them. Common garter snakes are not genuinely poisonous, however they have a moderate venom-like compound in their saliva that they utilize to cripple their victim. However, the only results that this has on human beings is a moderate itching or burning experience and localized swelling. Common garter snakes have a diverse diet plan and victimize a variety of mammals, birds, snakes, fish, and amphibians.

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