Hobbies And Interests
Large Nonvenomous Snakes
Pennsylvania does not have many large snake species. There are only four that grow to over 4 feet in length. The largest is the eastern rat snake, which grows to between 3 to 8.5 feet in length. It is a common snake statewide. The next largest is the northern racer, which reaches almost 5 feet in length and tends to black to dark bluish in color. The northern water snake is also a common species in the state, and grows to over 4.5 feet. The colorful red and white milk snake is a little shorter, at just under 4 feet.
Medium Nonvenomous Snakes
Several of the species native to Pennsylvania grow to between 2 and 4 feet in length, including the eastern and northern ribbon snakes that grow to just under 3 feet. The hog-nosed snake mimics rattlesnakes, but is generally harmless and grows to just under 3 feet as well. The eastern garter is a common species in the state and grows just over 2 feet. The less common short-headed garter is similar in length.
Small Nonvenomous Snakes
Most of Pennsylvania's snakes are small, generally growing to less than 2 feet long. The smallest is the eastern worm snake that rarely breaks 10 inches. It is a slender, dull brown-colored snake. The northern brown, eastern smooth earth, and mountain earth snakes all reach just over 1 foot in length, on average. The northern ringsnake is slightly longer, at around 15 inches, and is dark in color with a yellowish ring around its neck. The redbelly, smooth green and the queen snakes all grow close to 2 feet in length.
Endangered Nonvenomous Snakes
Several of Pennsylvania's nonvenomous species are rare, but only two are actually on the endangered species list. Kirtland's snake grows to just under 2 feet long and has a slender body that is grayish in color. Its underside is a bright orange to red color. The other endangered species is the rough green snake. It grows to around 20 inches in length and is light green all over.