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How to Identify Nonvenomous Snakes in Pennsylvania

According to the Pennsylvania Fish &Boat Commission, 18 nonvenomous snake varieties are considered native to Pennsylvania. Snakes are carnivorous reptile vertebrates that are poikilothermic, which means that they regulate their body temperature and function according to the temperature of their surroundings. The nonvenomous snake breeds that live in Pennsylvania have poikilothermic adaptations appropriate for the specific climate zone in Pennsylvania. There are several clearly visible physical characteristics that you can look for to differentiate between venomous and nonvenomous snakes in Pennsylvania.

Instructions

- 1
  Look for an indentation or pit on both sides of the head between the eye and nostril. If you do not see this pit mark, the snake is nonvenomous. Only venomous snakes have this heat sensing pit.
- 2
  Look at the eyes of the snake. If the pupils are round like human eyes the snake is nonvenomous. Venomous snakes have elliptical and vertical pupils that resemble a cat's pupil.
- 3
  Look at the underside of the tail if possible. Nonvenomous snakes in Pennsylvania have a double row of scales on the underside of the tail. Venomous snakes have either a single row of scales on the underside of the tail or a rattle at the end of the tail.

Animals & Science