What does a black snake in Pennsylvania look like?

Often referred to as a “black rat snake,” this snake is the largest species of snake found in Pennsylvania. Adult eastern rat snakes are black or dull brown with dark blotches. The skin between its scales may be bluish white, yellow or orange. They have a white chin and throat.

Does Pennsylvania have any poisonous snakes?

The three species of venomous snakes in Pennsylvania are the timber rattlesnake, eastern massasauga and copperhead. Reports of venomous snakebites are rare in Pennsylvania.

How many different kinds of snakes are in Pennsylvania?

21 species
There are 21 species of snakes found in Pennsylvania and three of them — timber rattlesnakes, copperhead and the eastern massasauga — are venomous. The massasauga are only found in Venango, Butler and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania.

What does a Pennsylvania copperhead snake look like?

“Medium-sized, heavy bodied species. The background is pinkish brown, light tan to greyish brown with wide brown to reddish brown bands that become darker towards the margin. The bands are saddle shaped (hourglass) that are broader along the sides and become narrower across the dorsum.

What does a Pennsylvania garter snake look like?

Common medium sized striped snake with highly variable coloration. The yellowish stripes are usually well defined, though the middorsal stripe may be absent in some populations. The belly is plain whitish or cream colored with two rows of black spots.. The head is grey, olive, tan, brown, black or a reddish coloration.

Where are copperheads in PA?

The Copperhead inhabits the lower two-thirds of Pennsylvania. Its range generally follows the southern limits of huge glaciers that eons ago scraped and ground their way into the northern hemisphere. Its range extends somewhat southwesterly through the Carolinas into Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and southern Illinois.

Are Copperheads in PA?

One of only three venomous snakes common to Pennsylvania, the Copperhead is a close cousin of the Cottonmouth or Water Moccasin found in more southerly aquatic environments. Reflecting its preferred habitat, the Copperhead sometimes is referred to as the “upland” or “highland” moccasin.

Where are Copperheads found in PA?

Copperheads, a close relative of the cottonmouth or water moccasin, are one of three venomous snakes found in Pennsylvania and can be found everywhere except the northern third of the state, according to the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.