The northern copperhead and timber rattlesnake are 2 of the 3 venomous snake species native to Pennsylvania. The third is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, which occurs only in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Crawford, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango counties in Pennsylvania, as well as in states farther west.
Where are rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania?
Timber rattlesnakes inhabit the mountainous regions of Pennsylvania. They prefer upland forested areas where they forage for small mammals like mice and chipmunks. Talus slopes, rocky ledges and outcrops, and boulder fields with open, primarily southern-facing exposures, create conditions ideal for basking.
How common are rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania specifically, Timber Rattlesnakes can be found throughout almost the entire state. Currently, these snakes are in 50 out of 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties. The only area of the state where these snakes normally aren’t found is along the western border and counties in the southeastern part of the state.
What time of year are rattlesnakes most active in Pennsylvania?
Rattlesnake sightings are common during sum- mer from July to early September. This is the mating season for the timber rattlesnake. Males search for mates at this time and may travel up to several miles in search of receptive females. The young from this mating are born the fol- lowing summer in August/September.
Are there rattlesnakes in northeast Pennsylvania?
The three species of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania are the timber rattlesnake, eastern massasauga and copperhead.
How do I know if my yard has rattlesnakes?
Scan around the exterior perimeter of your home and your yard to find the Rattlesnake itself. If there is the presence of more than one Rattlesnake, then it’s likely that your yard is appealing to them with plenty of hiding spots and food sources, like rodents.
Are there rattlesnakes in the Poconos?
If you live in or own a cabin in the Poconos where rattlers may show up in any woodland setting, the possibility exists. Although rattlesnakes and/or copperheads are rare finds across the region covered by this newspaper, outdoor wanderers will encounter them from time to time.
What keeps rattlesnakes out of your yard?
Natural repellents including sulfur, clove and cinnamon oil, and vinegar may help repel snakes. Pour these substances around the perimeter of your property, any place you have noticed snake activity.
Is killing a rattlesnake illegal in PA?
Killing a native snake, even a venomous snake, is against the law in Pennsylvania, unless the reptile is putting you in immediate harm, a state Fish & Boat Commission spokesman said.
Where are you most likely to find a rattlesnake?
Rattlesnakes are found in almost every part of the continental United States, but they’re especially common in the Southwest. Mexico, Central America, and South America are also homes to rattlesnakes.
What counties in PA have Copperheads?
According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the northern copperhead – the species found in Pennsylvania – occurs everywhere in the state except the northern-tier counties.
How cold is too cold for rattlesnakes?
The coldest temperature a snake will survive in is 65° degrees Fahrenheit (18°C). Anything lower, and there is a good chance the snake will not survive. Read on to learn how snakes adapt to the cold.
What temperature kills rattlesnakes?
A rattlesnake will die when its body temperature gets too far above 110F (Klauber, pg 418-420). If you try and get the mail barefoot at 9am, you know how tough it is for them. This also means that at temperatures reaching 119F like it did yesterday, just being outside in the shade is lethal to most snakes.
Do water moccasins live in Pennsylvania?
Water Moccasins or Cottonmouths are not native to PA. They are found primarily in the southern states. Their range only goes as far north as southern Virginia. There are only three venomous snakes native to PA; the Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake, and Eastern Massasauga.
Where are massasauga rattlesnakes found in Pennsylvania?
Massasaugas require relatively open old field and wet meadow habitat with low lying areas of saturated soil and higher, drier ground nearby. In Pennsylvania, this combination of wet and dry habitat is found only in relict prairie terrain of certain western counties.
Are there rattlesnakes in Susquehanna Pennsylvania?
– A venomous snake native to Pennsylvania is spotted in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County. While some people are concerned about the rattlesnake sightings, wildlife officials say it’s really nothing to worry about. “They’re one of three venomous snakes we have in the state,” said Lt.
What smells keep rattlesnakes away?
What scents do snakes dislike? There are many scents snakes don’t like including smoke, cinnamon, cloves, onions, garlic, and lime. You can use oils or sprays containing these fragrances or grow plants featuring these scents.
What scares away rattlesnakes?
Movements and Vibrations
The best method to scare them is to make fast movements. A lot of times, just chasing the snake away works very well. Another thing to try is to stomp hard on the ground. The snake will not hear the noise, but it will get scared off by the vibrations the stomping makes.
How do I snake proof my backyard?
Haul off piles of leaves, weeds, brush, grass clippings, and unwanted vegetative material. Remove trash, clutter, junk and debris. Eliminating snake hiding places also removes rodent hideouts. Fill in any rodent holes or burrows in your yard with sod plugs or soil.
Where do Copperheads live in PA?
The Copperhead inhabits the lower two-thirds of Pennsylvania. Its range generally follows the southern limits of huge glaciers that eons ago scraped and ground their way into the northern hemisphere. Its range extends somewhat southwesterly through the Carolinas into Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and southern Illinois.
Does PA have a lot of snakes?
There are 21 species of snakes found in Pennsylvania and three of them — timber rattlesnakes, copperhead and the eastern massasauga — are venomous. The massasauga are only found in Venango, Butler and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania. They live in prairie type of wetlands that are found in these counties.