Ohio is home to a diverse range of snake species, each with unique characteristics and adaptations. From non-venomous constrictors to aquatic hunters, snakes in Ohio play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance by controlling rodent and insect populations. These reptiles can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, farmlands, and even suburban areas. While some species are commonly encountered, others are secretive and rarely seen.
Among the many snakes in Ohio, some stand out due to their striking coloration, size, or specialized diets. For example, the Eastern Foxsnake is known for its resemblance to venomous species, while the Queensnake relies almost entirely on crayfish for sustenance. Arboreal species like the Rough Greensnake prefer climbing trees, whereas burrowing snakes such as the Eastern Worm Snake spend most of their lives underground. The variety in appearance and behavior makes Ohio’s snake population particularly fascinating to study and observe.
Despite common fears and misconceptions, most snakes in Ohio are harmless to humans. Only a few venomous species, such as the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, pose any potential threat, and they typically avoid human interaction. Learning to identify these reptiles can help people appreciate their role in the ecosystem while avoiding unnecessary fear. This guide provides an in-depth look at 34 snake species found in Ohio, including pictures and key identification features to help you recognize them in the wild.
Different Types of Snakes in Ohio
Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is one of the most widespread non-venomous snakes in North America, including Ohio. Recognizable by its slender body and longitudinal stripes running from head to tail, this snake varies in color from green to brown, with yellow or white markings. It is highly adaptable, thriving in forests, grasslands, wetlands, and even suburban areas.
Despite being non-venomous, the Common Garter Snake produces a mildly toxic saliva that helps subdue prey like amphibians, fish, and earthworms. This snake is an important predator in its ecosystem, controlling insect and rodent populations. However, it also faces many threats from predators, including hawks, foxes, and even venomous snakes like the Timber Rattlesnake. When threatened, it may release a foul-smelling musk or flatten its body to appear larger as a defensive strategy.
Lake Erie Watersnake
The Lake Erie Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon insularum) is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous snake endemic to the islands and shorelines of Lake Erie. It has a robust, medium-length body that reaches up to 28 inches in adulthood. Its coloration varies from gray to brown, helping it blend in with the rocky shorelines where it resides. This snake rarely strays far from the water, preferring to stay within a few hundred yards of the lake.
Unlike other watersnakes, the Lake Erie Watersnake has adapted to dietary shifts due to changes in its environment. While it once fed on native fish and amphibians, its primary diet now consists of the invasive round goby, a fish species that has disrupted Lake Erie’s ecosystem. Conservation efforts have helped this snake recover from population declines caused by past human persecution, as it was once mistakenly thought to be venomous. Today, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its aquatic habitat.
Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon) is a non-venomous aquatic snake commonly found in Ohio’s lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Its dark, patterned body resembles that of venomous species, leading to frequent misidentifications and unnecessary killings. This species can be highly defensive, often biting when threatened, which further contributes to the false belief that it is venomous. As it ages, its coloration darkens, sometimes making older individuals appear almost completely black.
Unlike some water snakes that are active mainly during the day, the Northern Water Snake is both diurnal and nocturnal, adjusting its hunting strategy based on available prey. During daylight hours, it primarily feeds on amphibians like frogs, while at night, it swims through shallow waters in search of fish. Despite its aggressive defense mechanisms, it faces predation from larger birds, mammals, and even other snakes. When cornered, it may bite multiple times as a last resort, unlike the Common Garter Snake, which first tries to intimidate threats with body movements.
Dekay’s Brownsnake
Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) is a small, secretive species often found near bodies of water, forests, and suburban areas. Growing to just 12 inches in length, it is one of Ohio’s smallest snake species. Its body is light to dark brown, sometimes with faint streaks or spots, allowing it to blend into leaf litter and soil. This camouflage helps it avoid predators such as birds and larger reptiles.
Despite its small size, Dekay’s Brownsnake plays an important role in controlling populations of invertebrates like slugs and snails. Unlike most snakes, it gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Females can produce up to 10 offspring in late summer, often seeking out sheltered areas such as rotting logs or dense vegetation to give birth. Though non-venomous and harmless to humans, these snakes rarely bite even when handled, relying instead on their cryptic coloration to avoid detection.
Eastern Copperhead
The Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake native to the eastern and central United States, including parts of Ohio. It is known for its distinct copper-colored head and patterned body, which ranges from light brown to reddish hues. Adults typically grow between 20 to 37 inches in length, with a stout and muscular build. The intricate hourglass-shaped markings along its back provide excellent camouflage among leaf litter, helping it remain undetected by both predators and prey.
This species is an ambush predator, relying on its cryptic coloration to remain hidden while waiting for unsuspecting prey. It primarily feeds on small mammals, amphibians, and insects, striking quickly with its potent venom. Despite its venomous nature, the Eastern Copperhead is not aggressive and will often freeze or rely on camouflage rather than attacking. During the colder months, it hibernates in rock crevices and abandoned burrows to survive harsh winter conditions.
Massasauga
The Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) is one of Ohio’s three venomous snake species, playing a crucial role as a predator in its ecosystem. This relatively small rattlesnake grows up to 30 inches and is characterized by its gray or brown body covered in dark blotches. Unlike larger rattlesnakes, the Massasauga has a short, thick body and a distinct rattle at the end of its tail, which it uses as a warning signal when threatened.
A skilled hunter, the Massasauga starts its life feeding on small invertebrates like frogs and insects before transitioning to larger prey such as rodents. Its venom is highly potent, though bites to humans are rare due to its reclusive nature. Unfortunately, habitat loss and human fear have led to a decline in its population, making it a species of concern in many areas. The most stable populations today are found in neighboring Michigan, where conservation efforts help preserve this unique rattlesnake.
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is one of the largest venomous snakes in Ohio, reaching lengths of up to 60 inches. This species is easily identified by its thick body, dark crossbands, and distinctive rattle. Unlike ambush hunters like the Eastern Copperhead, the Timber Rattlesnake actively tracks and pursues its prey using its highly developed sense of smell and heat-sensing pits. It preys on small mammals, birds, and even other snakes, including venomous species like the Eastern Copperhead.
Despite its dangerous reputation, this rattlesnake is generally shy and prefers to avoid humans. While its venom is strong enough to be fatal, bites are uncommon as the species rarely injects a full dose. Timber Rattlesnakes inhabit forests, rocky outcrops, and hillsides, where they spend the winter in communal dens. Due to habitat destruction and direct persecution, their numbers have declined significantly in many parts of their range.
Gray Ratsnake
The Gray Ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides) is one of Ohio’s largest non-venomous snakes, reaching lengths of up to six feet. It is predominantly black as an adult, though juveniles have a brown or gray body with dark blotches. This species thrives in woodlands and farmlands, where it is often found climbing trees, barns, and rocky ledges. Its excellent climbing ability helps it evade predators and access nests to feed on bird eggs and small mammals.
A powerful constrictor, the Gray Ratsnake primarily preys on rodents, suffocating them before consumption. This makes it highly beneficial to farmers, as it helps control rat and mouse populations. Though it is generally docile, when threatened, it may vibrate its tail against dry leaves to mimic a rattlesnake, a common defense tactic among non-venomous snakes. Despite being harmless to humans, it is often mistaken for venomous species and killed out of fear.
Eastern Milksnake
The Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is a strikingly patterned species found throughout Ohio and extending into Canada. It is easily identified by its reddish-brown blotches bordered in black, set against a white, gray, or tan background. These colors and markings often cause it to be mistaken for venomous copperheads, though it is completely harmless.
This small constrictor feeds primarily on rodents, making it another beneficial species for farmers. It is usually docile but will adopt defensive behaviors when threatened, including hissing and rapidly shaking its tail to resemble a rattlesnake. Eastern Milksnakes are highly secretive and prefer to stay hidden under rocks, logs, or leaf litter. Due to their elusive nature, they are rarely encountered, but when disturbed, they prefer to flee rather than bite.
Ring-necked Snake
The Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a small, nocturnal species often found in Ohio’s woodlands, grasslands, and rocky hillsides. It gets its name from the bright ring around its neck, which contrasts with its otherwise dull-colored dorsal body. The top of the snake is usually olive-green, gray, or black, while its underside is brightly colored in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
When threatened, the Ring-necked Snake uses its vivid belly as a warning display, flipping onto its back to startle predators. This behavior makes it appear more dangerous than it actually is, as it is completely harmless to humans. It feeds primarily on soft-bodied prey, particularly earthworms, salamanders, and small amphibians. Its mild venom is effective against its invertebrate prey but poses no risk to humans or larger animals. Despite its secretive nature, this species is relatively common and plays an important role in Ohio’s ecosystem.
Queensnake
The Queensnake (Regina septemvittata) is a semi-aquatic species commonly found in Ohio’s clean streams and rivers. It has an olive-green to brown dorsal color, with yellowish stripes running along its body, making it well-camouflaged in its natural habitat. Unlike many other snakes, Queensnakes have a specialized diet, feeding almost exclusively on freshly molted crayfish, which have softer shells and are easier to digest. This dietary preference ties the species to clean, well-oxygenated waters where crayfish thrive.
With the rise of invasive Rusty Crayfish in Ohio, the Queensnake’s diet has shifted to primarily consuming this non-native species. This snake is harmless to humans and rarely bites when handled. Instead, it relies on its elusive nature and aquatic escape abilities to avoid predators. Found mostly in central and western Ohio, the Queensnake plays an important role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Eastern Foxsnake
The Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus) is a non-venomous species commonly found in farmlands, grasslands, and near wetlands in Ohio. It has a distinctive yellow or brown body with dark blotches and an orange or copper-colored head. Some individuals exhibit a gray-and-black coloration in their juvenile stage, eventually turning darker with age.
Unlike constrictors, Eastern Foxsnakes swallow their prey whole, primarily feeding on rodents and small mammals. Larger individuals are even capable of consuming rabbits. When threatened, this snake mimics rattlesnakes by vibrating its tail against dry leaves and releasing a musky odor that resembles the scent of a fox, which is how it got its name. Despite being harmless, its resemblance to venomous species often leads to unnecessary killings by humans.
Black Racer
The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a highly active and fast-moving snake found throughout Ohio. It has a sleek, jet-black body with smooth scales and a striking white underbelly. Unlike many other snake species that rely on scent to track prey, Black Racers have exceptional vision, allowing them to spot and chase down their targets with precision.
This snake is commonly found in open fields, grasslands, and forests, where it actively hunts small mammals, birds, insects, and even other snakes. It is diurnal and one of the most frequently seen snakes in Ohio due to its constant movement. When approached, Black Racers prefer to flee rather than fight, but if cornered, they will strike repeatedly and may even coil defensively. Despite their aggressive behavior, they are completely harmless to humans.
Blue Racer
The Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii) is one of Ohio’s most striking snake species, known for its bluish-gray coloration along its sides, contrasted by a pale underbelly. Some individuals have faint blue hues, while others display a darker, almost black dorsal color. Like the Black Racer, this species is incredibly active and prefers open habitats such as prairies, fields, and forest edges.
A skilled hunter, the Blue Racer primarily preys on rodents, birds, and insects. Juveniles feed mostly on small invertebrates but are also vulnerable to predators such as hawks. Unlike many snakes that rely on ambush tactics, Blue Racers actively patrol their territory, searching for prey. Their speed and agility make them difficult to catch, and they often escape threats by darting into thick vegetation.
Red-bellied Snake
The Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) is a small and secretive species found in Ohio’s forests, grasslands, and wetlands. It has a gray to brown dorsal color, but its most distinctive feature is its bright red, orange, or pinkish underbelly. This ventral coloration serves as a warning display, which the snake may show when threatened by flipping onto its back.
A burrowing species, the Red-bellied Snake is often found hiding under logs, leaf litter, and in abandoned ant mounds, which provide shelter and a suitable environment for egg-laying. Females lay up to nine eggs in late summer, and the juveniles hatch fully independent. Unlike larger snakes, this species primarily feeds on slugs, snails, and other soft-bodied invertebrates, making it an important part of Ohio’s ecosystem by helping control pest populations.
Eastern Ribbon Snake
The Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) is a slender, fast-moving species found near lakes, ponds, and marshes across Ohio. Growing between 22 and 30 inches in length, this snake has a thin body with distinct longitudinal stripes running along its dark-colored dorsum. These stripes help it blend into its surroundings, particularly in dense vegetation.
Primarily feeding on amphibians and small fish, the Eastern Ribbon Snake is a semi-aquatic species that often hunts along the water’s edge. It has strong swimming abilities, allowing it to escape predators by quickly diving into the water. This snake also shows burrowing tendencies, frequently using abandoned ant mounds for shelter or hibernation.
During winter, the Eastern Ribbon Snake brumates underground in secluded locations such as rodent burrows or rock crevices. Despite its timid nature, it may release a foul-smelling musk when threatened, deterring predators.
Northern Ribbon Snake
Closely related to the Eastern Ribbon Snake, the Northern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis) is another non-venomous species commonly found in Ohio. While it shares a similar striped pattern, it is generally shorter, with most individuals measuring between 20 and 26 inches.
This species prefers wetland habitats, including marshes, swamps, and the edges of ponds, where it feeds primarily on small fish and salamanders. Its slender build and quick movements make it an elusive predator. It is also known for its exceptional ability to navigate dense vegetation without making noise, making it difficult for predators to detect.
In Ohio, the Northern Ribbon Snake is still relatively common, but in other states, its population has declined due to habitat destruction. Like its eastern counterpart, this species hibernates in underground burrows during the colder months.
Eastern Hognose Snake
The Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is one of Ohio’s most fascinating snake species due to its dramatic defensive behaviors and slightly venomous saliva. While its saliva is not harmful to humans, it helps the snake subdue toads, its primary food source.
This species has an upturned snout, which it uses for digging in sandy or loose soil, often uncovering buried prey. It is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetland edges. Eastern Hognose Snakes are known for their unique defensive tactics. When threatened, they may flatten their heads, hiss loudly, and even strike in a bluff display. If these warnings fail, they resort to playing dead, rolling onto their backs with their mouths open.
Despite its intimidating behavior, the Eastern Hognose Snake is completely harmless to humans and does not pose any danger.
Rough Greensnake
The Rough Greensnake (Opheodrys aestivus) is Ohio’s most common tree-dwelling snake, known for its bright green coloration that provides excellent camouflage among leaves and branches. It has a slender body and smooth movements, making it well-adapted to an arboreal lifestyle.
This species is diurnal, spending most of the day hunting for insects and spiders. Unlike many other snakes, Rough Greensnakes rarely bite, relying on their agility and ability to disappear into foliage to escape predators. When threatened, they freeze in place, blending into their environment rather than attempting to flee.
Rough Greensnakes have an extended breeding season, mating in both spring and fall. Females lay eggs in hidden locations such as rotting logs or leaf litter, with hatchlings emerging fully independent.
Eastern Worm Snake
The Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus) is one of Ohio’s most secretive snakes due to its fossorial (burrowing) lifestyle. It spends most of its life underground, only emerging on rainy days or during the breeding season.
This small, non-venomous snake has a smooth, brown body that resembles an earthworm, providing it with excellent camouflage in loose soil. Rare color variations include black or reddish hues. Eastern Worm Snakes primarily feed on soft-bodied invertebrates, such as earthworms and larvae.
Breeding occurs in early summer, with females laying eggs in secluded locations beneath rocks, logs, or leaf litter. Since this snake is rarely seen, it is often mistaken for a juvenile snake of another species. Despite its small size and elusive nature, the Eastern Worm Snake plays an important role in soil aeration and pest control within its ecosystem.
Smooth Greensnake
The Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis) closely resembles the Rough Greensnake but differs in its smoother, glossy scales and ground-dwelling habits. Unlike its arboreal relative, this species is rarely seen climbing trees, instead preferring low vegetation, grassy meadows, and wetlands.
Commonly found around marshes, ponds, and woodland areas near water sources, Smooth Greensnakes rely on their vibrant green coloration to blend into their environment. They primarily feed on insects and small invertebrates, including crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.
During colder months, these snakes overwinter in underground shelters. They often share abandoned ant mounds or rodent burrows with other snake species, such as Butler’s Garter Snake. However, choosing the wrong burrow can be dangerous, as venomous snakes may also inhabit these spaces.
Butler’s Garter Snake
Butler’s Garter Snake (Thamnophis butleri) is a small, slender species identified by its striking dorsal stripes. It features a bright central stripe running down its back, usually in shades of cream or yellow, with darker lateral stripes on either side.
This species is secretive and burrowing by nature, preferring to stay hidden in grassy fields, wet meadows, and areas near streams or marshes. Butler’s Garter Snakes are commonly found overwintering in underground burrows, often alongside Smooth Greensnakes and other small, non-venomous species.
Reaching a maximum length of about 20 inches, Butler’s Garter Snake has a diet consisting mainly of soft-bodied invertebrates, including earthworms and slugs. Its feeding habits make it an important species for controlling invertebrate populations in its habitat.
Kirtland’s Snake
Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii), sometimes referred to as “The Little Red Snake,” is a rare and secretive species found primarily in Ohio and the surrounding Great Lakes region. This species is semi-aquatic, commonly inhabiting wetlands, moist grasslands, and woodlands near bodies of water.
With a reddish-brown body and dark blotches along its back, Kirtland’s Snake blends well into its environment. It preys on amphibians, including frogs and salamanders, which are abundant in its wetland habitat.
When threatened, Kirtland’s Snake exhibits unique defensive behaviors. It may become rigid and motionless, pretending to be dead, or coil its body into a tight spiral to protect its head and reduce its exposed surface area. These tactics help it evade predators such as birds and larger snakes.
Short-headed Garter Snake
The Short-headed Garter Snake (Thamnophis brachystoma) is a small, slender species often mistaken for worms due to its size and reduced head proportions. Like other garter snakes, it features multiple bright stripes along its body, which help it blend into its surroundings.
This species is uniquely associated with oil fields and the surrounding environment, where it thrives due to the presence of its primary food source—earthworms. While it can consume other soft-bodied prey such as leeches, these feeding habits are primarily observed in captivity. In the wild, it almost exclusively feeds on worms.
A highly fossorial species, the Short-headed Garter Snake spends much of its life hidden underground. It emerges primarily during rainy days when the soil is moist and food sources become more accessible. In some regions of Ohio, locals refer to this species as the “Short Mouthed Snake” due to its distinctive small head and feeding behavior.
Plain-bellied Water Snake
The Plain-bellied Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster) is a semi-aquatic species historically widespread in Ohio’s wetlands. However, due to habitat destruction and water pollution, this species is now listed as threatened in the state.
These snakes primarily inhabit lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Their diet consists mainly of crayfish, which require clean, unpolluted water to thrive. Unlike some aquatic snakes that specialize in a single type of prey, the Plain-bellied Water Snake also feeds on fish, frogs, and salamanders, using ambush techniques to capture its prey.
Most adult individuals are almost entirely black dorsally, making them difficult to spot in the water. They typically remain submerged, waiting for unsuspecting prey to approach before striking. Juveniles, however, have dark bands along their backs, making them more visible in their environment.
Black Kingsnake
The Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis nigra), also known as the Mole Snake, is a large, robust species known for its glossy black scales with small white or off-white speckles. The ventral side is typically a contrasting pale color, often white or cream.
Growing between 40 and 50 inches on average, with some individuals exceeding 70 inches, the Black Kingsnake is a formidable predator. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in various habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and even abandoned farmlands.
This species is a powerful constrictor, feeding on a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, reptiles, and even other snakes. It is known for its ability to hunt venomous species such as Copperheads and Rattlesnakes, making it a valuable part of the ecosystem.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the Black Kingsnake is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans. When confronted, it may vibrate its tail or release a musky odor as a defensive response.
Smooth Earthsnake
The Smooth Earthsnake (Virginia valeriae) is one of Ohio’s smallest and most elusive snake species. Rarely seen due to its burrowing lifestyle, this species spends most of its life hidden beneath leaf litter, logs, and loose soil.
Measuring between 7 and 10 inches in length, Smooth Earthsnakes have a simple, unmarked brown or gray body that helps them blend into their surroundings. They primarily feed on soft-bodied invertebrates such as earthworms, slugs, and insect larvae.
Though small, Smooth Earthsnakes possess an effective defense mechanism—they release a foul-smelling fecal substance to deter predators. In rare cases, they may attempt to bite, but their tiny teeth are too weak to pierce human skin.
Because of their secretive nature, encounters with this species are rare. Most sightings occur after heavy rains, when these snakes may surface temporarily before returning underground.
Plains Garter Snake
The Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) is a slender, medium-sized snake easily recognized by its distinctive coloration. It features an orange central stripe running down its back, flanked by yellow or white lateral stripes against a dark gray to black base color. Its ventral side is typically white, helping to distinguish it from other garter snake species.
This species thrives in moist habitats, including ponds, lakes, and streams, particularly in the northern regions of Ohio. Historically, it was a common sight on farmland, where it played a role in controlling pest populations. However, agricultural expansion and the use of pesticides have significantly reduced its numbers in these areas.
Once abundant in suburban and semi-urban landscapes, the Plains Garter Snake is now facing population declines due to industrialization and habitat destruction. Despite these challenges, it remains a resilient species, capable of adapting to changing environments as long as suitable food and shelter are available.
