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Snakes of Connecticut

How many snake species are native to Connecticut?
The answer is 14! Only 2 of the 14 native snake species are venomous -- the northern copperhead and timber rattlesnake.

Common Gartersnake
Common Ribbonsnake
Dekay's Brownsnake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Eastern Milksnake
Eastern Ratsnake
Eastern Wormsnake
Northern Black Racer
Northern Copperhead
Northern Watersnake
Northern Redbelly Snake
Northern Ring-necked Snake
Smooth Greensnake
Timber Rattlesnake

All about snakes

Snakes are fascinating!
They survive in some of the most extreme environments on Earth and occur in a variety of habitats everywhere around the world...

Snakes are reptiles
They are long and slender, covered with scales, and have no limbs.

Eastern Ratsnake

The eastern ratsnake is Connecticut's longest snake...

Snakes are ectothermic (cold-blooded)
Their body temperature changes with the temperature around them.

Snakes cannot blink their eyes
The eyes are covered with a clear protective membrane called a spectacle.

Snakes are carnivores
They eat other animals, such as mice, birds, fish, frogs, insects, and even other snakes.

Eastern Gartersnake

The eastern gartersnake is Connecticut's most widespread snake.

Threats to snakes

Habitat loss and fragmentation
Habitat loss and fragmentation are possibly the biggest threats...

Over-collection
Some snake species are heavily exploited for the pet and skin trade.

Human persecution
Human persecution of snakes is rampant...

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

The eastern hog-nosed snake is often confused with venomous species.

What you can do

Snakes should NEVER be killed!
If left alone, snakes pose no threat to people.

  • Never releasing a captive pet snake into the wild.
  • Never collecting a wild snake to keep as a pet.
  • Watching for snakes crossing roads.
  • Learning more about snakes and educating others.

Want to learn more about snakes?

Snakes in Connecticut – A Guide to Snake Identification

PARC logo What is PARC?
Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) is an inclusive partnership dedicated to the conservation of reptiles and amphibians and their habitats.

NEPARC logo What is NEPARC?
Northeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (NEPARC) is a regional working group of PARC.

Content last updated on August 15, 2022.