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

MINNESOTA — As temperatures rise across Minnesota in the coming months, residents of the Land of 10,000 Lakes 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.

The good news is that the majority of Minnesota snakes are harmless. Of the 17 snake species in the state, only two are venomous: the Timber Rattlesnake and the Eastern Massasauga, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Both are found only in the southeastern counties and are rarely encountered. The snake that most often appears in homes and yards is the common garter snake, which is harmless.

Most snake species like the watersnake, rat snake and garter snake are harmless and won't bother humans. But these are the venomous snakes in Minnesota and how to spot them:

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnakes can be abundant in certain areas, but their numbers are low overall.

Like other snakes, the timber rattlesnake would prefer to be left alone. It is not an aggressive creature. The timber rattler is prone to lie quietly or crawl away to safety if given the chance. Its defensive strike does not always include a release of venom as venom primarily is used to disable prey.

Timber rattlesnakes reach an adult size of 36 to 54 inches and are found in two different color phases — black and the less common yellow phase. Each phase is permanent. The coloration does not change from one phase to the other on any individual snake.

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

The eastern Massasauga belongs to the pygmy rattlesnake family and is found only in a few counties in eastern Minnesota. This endangered species is found in wetland areas and is sometimes called the "swamp rattler."

The Massasauga does not grow much larger than 20 to 30 inches. It is brownish gray to almost black on its back and sides with a row of rounded, dark-brown or black blotches running down the middle of the back. Usually, three rows of smaller and lighter blotches or spots stretch along each side.

Learn more about snakes in Minnesota at the DNR website.