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

PENNSYLVANIA — As temperatures rise across Pennsylvania in the coming months, residents of the Keystone 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.

Pennsylvania is home to 21 species of snakes, according to the state Fish and Boat Commission, and basking in the sun is crucial to maintaining their body temperature and ensuring they survive and reproduce.

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

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

Northern Copperhead

The northern copperhead is Pennsylvania’s most common venomous snake. Found in all but the northernmost counties, it prefers abandoned foundations, rock walls, and rocky hillsides. They may also be found at den sites with timber rattlesnakes.

The copperhead is a quiet creature and usually does its best to avoid trouble. If threatened, and it feels the need to protect itself, the copperhead is capable of striking out.

The copperhead reaches an average adult size of 24 to 36 inches and is a stout-bodied snake, sometimes heavier than most harmless snakes of similar length. The body color is copper or hazel-brown and sometimes accented with a tinge of pink or orange. Bold chestnut or reddish-brown crossbands are narrowest across the midline of the back and wider at the sides.

Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnakes are the largest venomous snakes of Pennsylvania and inhabit the mountainous regions of the Commonwealth. They can be abundant in certain areas, but their numbers are low overall.

Like the copperhead and 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 western Pennsylvania. 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.

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If a venomous snake bites a person, there are several steps to follow, according to staff at the Penn State Poison Center.

• Calm and reassure the victim, and keep the victim immobile.
• Call 911 or the Penn State Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
• Apply a light constricting band above the bite area. Do not release the band unless it becomes too tight from swelling.
• Take the victim to the hospital immediately.
• 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.

Learn more about Pennsylvania snakes online.