Kinds of Snakes That Live in Michigan

Black Rat Snake and Blue Racer

• The black rat snake is Michigan's largest snake, measuring 3.5 to 8 feet long. The snake is large, shiny and black with a white throat and chin.

  Like the black rat snake, the blue racer is large, measuring 4 to 6 feet. It is gray or blue with a white throat and chin.

Brown Snake and Butler's Garter Snake

• The brown snake measures 8 to 14 inches. The small creature has two rows of tiny, black spots that border a lighter stripe down the middle back area.

  The butler's garter snake is another small specimen that is rarely larger than 20 inches. The snake is greyish black with a yellow stripe down the center of its back and belly and at each side.

Common Garter Snake and Copper-Bellied Water Snake

• The common, or eastern, garter snake measures 2 to 4 feet and is striped with gray, brown and green, with three yellow stripes down the back. Black spots between the stripes are common.

  The copper-bellied water snake is another large reptile that inhabits Michigan, measuring 4 to 5 feet long. The snake is dark brown or black on the back with a reddish or orange belly and chin.

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and Eastern Milk Snake

• The eastern Massasauga rattlesnake is a small member of the rattlesnake family, reaching 29 inches. The dominant color of the snake can vary from light green gray to dark brown, though it often features yellow blotches.

  The eastern milk snake measures 20 to 35 inches. It has a grayish brown color with red, brown or black markings on its sides and back.

Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake and Fox Snake

• The eastern-hog nosed snake is one of the smaller reptiles in Michigan, measuring between 20 and 40 inches. The snake has heavy dark spots and yellow, orange or brown blotches.

  Fox snakes are 3 to 5 feet long and are yellow or light brown with black or dark brown blotches along its back and sides. Its head is often red or orange and the belly is yellow.

Kirtland's Snake and Northern Ribbon Snake

• The kirtland's snake measures 12 to 18 inches. It has a reddish brown color with four rows of black blotches and a pink belly.

  The northern ribbon snake is usually between 18 and 38 inches. The snake has a white or yellow belly and a black head.

Northern Water Snake and Queen Snake

• The northern water snake is considered a medium-sized snake at 2 to 4 feet long. This snake is endangered and is light brown or gray with dark bands.

  Queen snakes are between 15 and 36 inches. They are slender with gray or brown coloring and white or yellow stripes on both sides of the body.

Red-Bellied Snake and Ring-Necked Snake

• The red-bellied snake grows to between 8 and 12 inches. It is has a dark red belly and a rusty grey or brown back.

  The ring-necked snake measures between 10 and 24 inches. It has a bright yellow belly and a bluish grey back and head.

Smooth Green Snake

• The smooth green snake is small, measuring 12 to 20 inches. Like its name suggests, the snake is green. Its belly is much lighter than its top, but the entire snake is bright and shiny.