Snakes Indigenous to Ohio

Regions

• Certain types of snakes, such as the common water snake, northern ring-necked snake and the northern black racer and blue racer live all across Ohio, while other types of snakes live only in select areas, according to data collected since 1976. The northern red-bellied snake, eastern smooth earth snake and eastern fox snake have much smaller distributions. The region where a snake appears can aid in its identification in many circumstances.

Venomous Snakes

• Three varieties of venomous snakes are indigenous to Ohio. The eastern massauga and timber rattlesnake are venomous snakes that bear rattles on their tails, while the northern copperhead does not possess a rattle. These snakes have distinctly triangular heads, elliptical pupils and distinctive pits below and in front of the eyes. Copperheads are responsible for more venomous snake bites in the United States, but very few deaths result from copperhead bites.

Non-Venomous Snakes

• Garter snakes, king snakes, ribbon snakes and water snakes are some of the most common species in Ohio along with rat snakes, racers, queen snakes and milk snakes. These snakes range significantly in terms of size, from the 7-inch eastern smooth earth snake to the 72-inch eastern rat snake. Their coloration or markings range from the lime-colored green snake to the boldly-striped ribbon snakes. Non-venomous snakes have round pupils and rounded or oval heads and are lacking pits under their eyes.

Captive Indigenous Species

• Many of the same species that are indigenous to the Ohio wilderness are also commonly kept in captivity, including milk snakes, king snakes, rat snakes and garter snakes. Pet owners breed snakes, but not every species can be captured and kept as a pet without difficulties. The queen snake, for example, will only seldom eat in captivity, and so will not survive long in captivity.