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Snakes Common to Virginia

Snakes belong to the Squamata class of reptiles. Their bodies are covered in scales, which they shed periodically, and they are cold-blooded, which means that the environment dictates their body temperature. Snakes practice "behavioral thermoregulation" and change their movements and position to regulate heat. This is why they can often be found basking in the sun or hiding in the dark, depending on the weather. There are 30 different species of snake in Virginia, of which three are venomous.

Distribution
- According to the Virginia Herpetological Society, only about 10 species of snakes are found in all areas of Virginia. The others roam very restricted areas with the majority of snakes being found mainly on the south eastern coastal plain. Of the three species of snake in Virginia that are classified as venomous, the copperhead is found in wooded areas statewide, the timber rattlesnake lives in the western mountains and south east wetlands, and the cottonmouth inhabits only the southeastern plain.
Size
- The eastern, or black rat, snake is the longest snake in Virginia and can grow up to 8 feet in length. The southeastern crowned snake is the smallest at between 8 and 10 inches long. The record for a copperhead in Virginia is 4 feet 5 inches, for a cottonmouth the record is 5 feet and timber rattlesnakes have been found that are over 6 feet long.
Senses
- Snakes have no inner ear chamber or ear drum, so they cannot hear like humans. But because a large area of their body is in contact with surfaces they use vibrations to sense the approach of danger or prey. Snakes used their forked tongues to collect air samples, which are then stored in mouth cavities called "Jacobsen's organ." The receptors in these cavities can decode the scents in the air. Virginia's venomous snakes also possess "loreal pits" located in front of their eyes. These are heat seeking sensors that help detect prey.
Environmental Value
- Despite having a poor reputation, snakes generally do not pose any threat to humans. Most are important for the environment. Larger snakes, such as Virginia natives the corn snake or rat snake, help manage the rodent population that might otherwise cause problems for farmers. Snakes are also a food resource for other wildlife such as raccoons and birds of prey and provide an important link in the food chain. The Virginia Herpetological Society is actively working and funding projects to conserve the commonwealth's snake population (see Resources).

Animals & Science