Species of Snakes in Maine

Eastern Milk Snake

• Also known as Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum, the eastern milk snake is a subspecies of the milk snake, a kingsnake species. These snakes are the only kingsnake species in Maine. Eastern milk snakes are often confused with the venomous coral snake due to their scale patterns. However, the coral snake is not native to Maine and the milk snake's scale pattern is red-black-white or yellow; coral snakes have a red-yellow-black pattern. The eastern milk snake eats others snakes as a part of its die and reaches lengths of 2 to 3 feet.

Garter Snakes

• Maine is home to four garter snakes: eastern garter snake, eastern ribbon snake, northern ribbon snake and the maritime garter snake. Two of these snakes -- eastern and maritime garter snakes -- are subspecies of the common garter snake, one of the most frequently seen snakes in the United States. All garter snakes have lines running from head to tail on the dorsal area of their body. The eastern and northern ribbon snakes have Special Concern status in Maine, meaning their populations are depleting, but not at an alarming rate. Ribbon snakes are usually thinner than common garter snakes.

Ringneck Snake

• One subspecies of ringneck snakes, the northern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsi), is native to Maine. This snake is found throughout Maine and its native range extends northward into Canada. The predominant physical feature of ringneck snakes is the bright ring around the snake's neck; the rest of the snake's neck has a dark gray or black color. In Maine, northern ringneck snakes dwell in forests and grassland habitats; these snakes often live at the edge of forests.

Black Racer

• Black racers (Coluber constrictor) are the only snake endangered in Maine. Black racers are found in the southern tip of the state; some counties with black racer sightings are Oxford, Cumberland and York. These snakes live in deciduous forests and grassland. The primary reasons for this snake's extirpation in Maine are habitat loss, road construction and habitat fragmentation, which means black racer populations are separated from each other. Black racers grow up to 6 feet in length.