Snakes in Maine: Cool Snakes, Cool State
Have you ever wondered about the slithering species native to Maine? Well, you’re in for a treat because there are 10 distinct species that can be found right here in our beautiful state!
Some of these serpentine creatures might surprise you with their unique features and fascinating behaviors. You might even stumble upon a few of these remarkable reptiles on your next outdoor adventure.
So, if you’re curious about the incredible snakes that call Maine home, stick around for a journey through their fascinating world. Get ready to meet some of the most impressive and cunning critters in our local ecosystem!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) |
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| 2 | Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) |
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| 3 | Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) |
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| 4 | Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) |
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| 5 | Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) |
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| 6 | Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) |
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| 7 | Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) |
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| 8 | Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) |
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| 9 | Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) |
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| 10 | Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus) |
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10 Snakes You Can Find in Maine
In the state of Maine, a fascinating array of serpents can be found slithering through its diverse landscapes. From venomous to harmless, each species has its unique story to tell. Below, we’ll explore the wonders of these often misunderstood creatures of Maine, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. Common Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis
- Common Name: Common garter snake
- Size: Up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Wet and moist habitats, including marshes, fields, and forests
- Color: Green or brown with three yellow stripes
- Habitat: Wet and moist habitats, including marshes, fields, and forests
- Maximum Size: Up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
- Diet: Frogs, fish, earthworms, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Gives birth to live young, 10-40 per litter
- Venom: Mildly venomous, harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Common Garter Snake
Common Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) non-aggressive and mildly venomous reptile with a green or brown body and three yellow stripes. Inhabiting wet and moist habitats like marshes, fields, and forests of Maine, these diurnal snakes hibernate during winter to escape the cold. Their diet consists of frogs, fish, earthworms, and small mammals. Uniquely, these snakes birth live young, producing 10-40 per litter. Although venomous, they pose no threat to humans and are currently listed as a species of least concern for conservation.
2. Dekay’s Brownsnake
- Scientific Name: Storeria dekayi
- Common Name: Dekay’s brown snake
- Size: 9-15 inches (23-38 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Color: Brown or gray with dark spots
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: 9-15 inches (23-38 cm)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, and other soft-bodied invertebrates
- Reproduction: Give birth to live young (ovoviviparous), 3-40 offspring
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Dekay’s Brownsnake
Dekay’s Brownsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Dekay’s Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi, commonly known as Dekay’s Brown Snake, is a small, non-venomous reptile, measuring 9-15 inches (23-38 cm) in length. Its brown or gray body features dark spots, and it inhabits forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas. Exhibiting terrestrial, nocturnal, and secretive behavior, its diet consists primarily of earthworms, slugs, and other soft-bodied invertebrates. A fascinating ovoviviparous species, Dekayís Brown Snake gives birth to live young, bearing 3-40 offspring. Its current conservation status is classified as least concern.
3. Eastern Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis
- Common Name: Eastern garter snake
- Size: Up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Color: Brown, green or gray with three yellow stripes
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters)
- Diet: Earthworms, amphibians, fish, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-40
- Venom: Mildly venomous but harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Garter Snake
Eastern Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Garter Snake
The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) is a commonly found snake species that can grow up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters) in length. It displays a brown, green, or gray coloration adorned with three yellow stripes. Inhabitants of forests, grasslands, wetlands and urban areas, these diurnal and terrestrial reptiles primarily feed on earthworms, amphibians, fish, and small mammals. Eastern Garter Snakes reproduce by laying 10-40 eggs per clutch, and although they are mildly venomous, their venom poses little risk to humans. They are currently classified under the least concern category in conservation status.
4. Eastern Milksnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum
- Common Name: Eastern milksnake
- Size: Up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas
- Color: Reddish-brown with y-shaped black-edged white bands
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, small birds, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-20
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Milksnake
Eastern Milksnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Milksnake
The Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is a non-venomous snake that grows up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) in length. It features a reddish-brown color adorned with Y-shaped black-edged white bands. Commonly found in forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas of Maine, this nocturnal and terrestrial snake primarily consumes rodents, small birds, and reptiles. Eastern Milksnakes reproduce by laying egg clutches of 3-20. Currently, their conservation status is listed as least concern.
5. Eastern Ribbon Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sauritus sauritus
- Common Name: Eastern ribbon snake
- Size: 18-34 inches (45-86 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water
- Color: Black, greenish, or brown with three distinct light stripes
- Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water
- Maximum Size: 18-34 inches (45-86 cm)
- Diet: Frogs, toads, small fish, and insects
- Reproduction: Lay 3-27 eggs, sometimes communal with other snakes
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Ribbon Snake
Eastern Ribbon Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Eastern Ribbon Snake
The Eastern Ribbon Snake, scientifically known as Thamnophis sauritus sauritus, is a non-venomous reptile measuring 18-34 inches (45-86 cm). It inhabits wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water and features a distinctive black, greenish, or brown color with three light stripes. Known for their daytime activity and skittish behavior, these snakes are excellent swimmers with a diet comprising frogs, toads, small fish, and insects. They reproduce by laying 3-27 eggs, sometimes communally with other snakes. Their conservation status is of least concern.
6. Northern Red-bellied Snake
- Scientific Name: Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata
- Common Name: Northern red-bellied snake
- Size: Up to 16 inches (40 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands
- Color: Gray or brown with a red or orange underside
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands
- Maximum Size: Up to 16 inches (40 centimeters)
- Diet: Slugs, snails, and earthworms
- Reproduction: Live-bearing, producing 5-20 offspring
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Red-bellied Snake
Northern Red-bellied Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Red-bellied Snake
The Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) is a small, non-venomous reptile native to the United States. Measuring up to 16 inches (40 centimeters) in length, this species is characterized by its gray or brown coloration with a distinctive red or orange underside. Inhabiting deciduous forests, meadows, and wetlands, the nocturnal, terrestrial creature feeds primarily on slugs, snails, and earthworms. It is live-bearing, giving birth to 5-20 offspring at a time. Currently, the Northern Red-bellied Snake is considered to be of least concern for conservation efforts.
7. Northern Ringneck Snake
- Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus edwardsii
- Common Name: Northern ringneck snake
- Size: 12-15 inches, rarely up to 24 inches
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands
- Color: Gray or black with a distinctive yellow or orange ring around the neck
- Habitat: Woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands
- Maximum Size: 12-15 inches, rarely up to 24 inches
- Diet: Small invertebrates, slugs, earthworms, and small amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-10
- Venom: Mildly venomous, but harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Ringneck Snake
Northern Ringneck Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Ringneck Snake
The Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) is a small, mildly venomous snake native to North America, measuring 12-15 inches in length, rarely reaching up to 24 inches. Its body color varies from gray to black and features a distinctive yellow or orange ring around its neck. The species inhabits woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands, exhibiting nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial behavior. Its diet consists of small invertebrates, slugs, earthworms, and small amphibians. These snakes reproduce by laying egg clutches of 3-10 and pose no threat to humans. Their conservation status is listed as least concern.
8. Northern Water Snake
- Scientific Name: Nerodia sipedon
- Common Name: Northern water snake
- Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
- Color: Brown or gray with dark bands or blotches
- Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes
- Maximum Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
- Diet: Fish, amphibians, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 10-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Water Snake
Northern Water Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Water Snake
The Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in length. It is characterized by its brown or gray color with dark bands or blotches. This nocturnal and semi-aquatic species can be found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes. Its diet consists of fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Northern Water Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-30, and currently have a conservation status of least concern.
9. Smooth Green Snake
- Scientific Name: Opheodrys vernalis
- Common Name: Smooth green snake
- Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
- Color: Bright green with a lighter belly
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands
- Maximum Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm)
- Diet: Insects and spiders
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Smooth Green Snake
Smooth Green Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Smooth Green Snake
The Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) measures 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) and is characterized by its vibrant green color and lighter belly. Commonly found in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, this diurnal and terrestrial reptile is an adept climber. Its diet mainly consists of insects and spiders. In terms of reproduction, they lay eggs in clutches of 3-12. Though non-venomous, these snakes should be admired from afar. Fortunately, their conservation status is currently listed as ‘Least Concern.’
10. Western Ribbonsnake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis proximus
- Common Name: Western ribbonsnake
- Size: 18-30 inches (46-76 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Semi-aquatic habitats, wetlands, marshes, and grasslands near water
- Color: Black or dark brown with three bright yellow or white stripes
- Habitat: Semi-aquatic habitats, wetlands, marshes, and grasslands near water
- Maximum Size: 18-30 inches (46-76 cm)
- Diet: Fish, frogs, and tadpoles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-26
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Ribbonsnake
Western Ribbonsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Ribbonsnake
The Western Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis proximus) is a slender reptile measuring 18-30 inches (46-76 cm) in length, characterized by its black or dark brown coloration adorned with three bright yellow or white stripes. Commonly found in semi-aquatic habitats such as wetlands, marshes, and grasslands near water, this diurnal creature is a swift swimmer, preying primarily on fish, frogs, and tadpoles. The non-venomous species reproduces by laying egg clutches of 3-26, and has a conservation status of ‘Least Concern’.
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Final Words
All the 10 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Maine. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats?
Not only did we get a chance to learn about some of the more common and well-known species, but we also delved into the lesser-known and often misunderstood ones.
So, the next time you’re out and about in Maine, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and let’s continue to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that makes our world so interesting!
