Snake Season In MD: Venomous Species, How To Spot Them

MARYLAND — As temperatures rise across Maryland in the coming months, residents of the state are likely to spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun while hiking, camping, or barbecuing with family and friends.

But as humans migrate outside to enjoy the summer months, many snakes will be doing the same.

Maryland is home to 27 species of snakes, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and basking in the sun is crucial to maintaining their body temperature and ensuring they survive and reproduce.

Most snake species like the watersnake, corn snake and garter snake are harmless and won't bother humans. However, there are two types of venomous snakes in Maryland that humans should be mindful of and be sure to admire from a distance.

These are the venomous snakes in Maryland and how to spot them:

Eastern Copperhead

The copperhead is a relatively uncommon species on the coastal plain but is fairly common in forested rock outcrops of central and western Maryland. Their cryptic coloration makes them very hard to discern, even when you are looking right at them.

A heavy-bodied snake, the copperhead usually has a tan to coppery-red head and hourglass pattern crossbands on its pinkish-tan to dark brown back. The crossbands are chestnut to dark brown. A triangular and flattened head with facial “pits” between each eye and nostril.

While copperheads tend to avoid humans, they will readily bite if provoked and bites are extremely painful.

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnakes are typically a western Maryland species — from Frederick to Garrett County — though historical records place these snakes east to the Susquehanna River.

The only snake in Maryland with a rattle, the timber rattlesnake has two color phases. Yellow-phase snakes have dark brown to black V-shaped chevrons over a yellow, gray or brown back. Chevrons may break up into large spots. Black-phase timber rattlesnakes will have a black head and black chevrons or blotches on a field of dark brown or black. It has a triangular and flattened head with facial “pits” between each eye and nostril.

Like the copperhead and other snakes, the timber rattlesnake would prefer to be left alone. However, they will readily bite if provoked and bites are extremely painful.

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If a venomous snake bites a person, there are several steps to follow, according to

• Call 911 or the Maryland Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
• Take the victim to the hospital immediately.
• Calm and reassure the victim, and keep the victim immobile with the bite positioned lower than the victim’s heart.
• Apply a light constricting band above the bite area. Be sure you can fit your finger between the band and the victim's skin. Do not release the band unless it becomes too tight from swelling.
• Do not try to draw out the venom. Do not use ice, cold packs or sprays. Don't use a tourniquet or give the victim any alcohol or drugs.
• Do not wait until symptoms develop to contact a doctor.

Learn more about Maryland snakes online.