Pennsylvania is home to 3 types of venomous snakes. Here’s how to spot them. In summer it’s not uncommon to find a snake or two curled up under your porch or around your woodpile. But there’s no need to call in the cavalry, nearly all of Pennsylvania’s 21 species of snakes are harmless.
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.
How common are venomous snakes in Pennsylvania?
The three venomous species of snakes in Pennsylvania are the Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake and Eastern Massasauga. Reports of venomous snakebites in Pennsylvania are rare. Bites usually occur while a person is trying to catch or carelessly handle one of these snakes.
What counties in PA have rattlesnakes?
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.
What is the most common snake in PA?
The Northern Black Racer, or Coluber constrictor constrictor, is one of the biggest and also most most common species of snake in Pennsylvania. They only live about 10 years, but they can grow up to 36 to 60 inches (76.2 cm to 152.4 cm) in length.
What US state has the most snakes?
Texas wins with 68 species of snake!
- Wild, wonderful West Virginia has many species, and only two are venomous.
- Of the state’s species, 14 are classified as rare, threatened, or endangered.
- The state has 10 non-venomous species, which include milk and smooth green snakes.
How do you keep snakes away from PA?
How to keep snakes away
- Reduce rodent populations. Clean up pet food, sweep under and eliminate bird feeders, and store bird seed and other food sources in sealed containers.
- Limit basking areas. Remove rocks, shrubs, boards, and debris.
- Mow your lawn often.
- Limit watering your lawn.
- Install a perch pole.
How can you keep snakes away?
How to Keep Snakes Away from Your House
- Replace grass or mulch with gravel. Snakes can’t move or hide easily on gravel and other hard surfaces.
- Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water.
- Keep pet food inside.
- Trim bushes and trees.
- Reconsider water features.
- Install snake-proof fencing.
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.
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.
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 do snakes go in the winter in Pennsylvania?
When cold weather hits, snakes must find shelter from the temperatures by burrowing in holes or caves, under logs or rocks, in tree stumps, or by making their way into basements, crawlspaces, garages, barns, sheds, wood piles, and even car engines.
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.
Are there alot of 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.
Are there snakes in Philadelphia?
They can be found in most of our neighborhoods. There are South Philly brown snakes, North Philly Brown snakes, Great Northeast brown snakes, Mount Airy Brown snakes, Germantown brown snakes, West Philly brown snakes. They even pop up in Center City gardens.
What snakes swim in water in Pennsylvania?
The northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) deserves its aggressive reputation. They have been reported to approach anglers on land or in boats. Water snakes will defend their resting areas, and while hunting food, they do not shy away from people.
What two states have no snakes?
That makes Alaska one of two states to be snake-free, the other being Hawaii. As an island, Hawaii is more representative of why most countries without snakes have gotten so lucky: They’re geographically isolated. Not all islands are devoid of snakes, of course.
What three states have no snakes?
Snake species
At least one species of venomous snake is found in every state except Hawaii, Maine, Rhode Island, and Alaska. It has been estimated that 7,000–8,000 people per year receive venomous snake bites in the United States, and about five of those people die.
What state has least amount of snakes?
The best American state for snake-o-phobes is Alaska, home to no poisonous serpents. In fact, no snakes of any kind have been documented as permanent homesteaders. Close also-rans are Hawaii and Maine, with respectively one and one possible venomous snake species.
What draws snakes to your yard?
Too much landscape water may attract prey species such as worms, slugs and frogs, which in turn may attract snakes seeking a meal. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed and away from your home and garage, and keep branches off the ground.
What smells will keep snakes away?
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.