Snakes in Minnesota: North Star Serpent Wonders

Ever wondered how many slithering species call Minnesota their home? You might be surprised to learn that there are 19 different species of snakes found in this beautiful state.

From the tiny, worm-like red-belly snake to the impressive bullsnake, Minnesota’s diverse habitats provide the perfect homes for these fascinating reptiles. Whether you’re an avid explorer, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply curious about our legless friends, this blog is for you!

Join us as we dive into the world of Minnesota’s snakes, taking a closer look at the unique, the rare, and the venomous! So, get ready to become a ‘ssssuper’ snake fan!

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii)	Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) Color: Blue or greenish-blue Habitat: Grassy or open habitats, including meadows, brushy areas, and woodland edges Behaviour: Diurnal and active
2	Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)	Size: Up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) Color: Green or brown with three yellow stripes Habitat: Wet and moist habitats, including marshes, fields, and forests Behaviour: Diurnal, active, hibernates in winter
3	Common Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon)	Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) Color: Brown or gray with dark bands or blotches Habitat: Aquatic habitats, including lakes, rivers, and ponds Behaviour: Nocturnal and semiaquatic
4	Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)	Size: 9-15 inches (23-38 cm) Color: Brown or gray with dark spots Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas Behaviour: Terrestrial, nocturnal, and secretive
5	Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos)	Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm) Color: Highly variable, typically brown or gray with dark blotches Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas Behaviour: Diurnal, known for playing dead when threatened
6	Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum)	Size: Up to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) Color: Reddish-brown with Y-shaped black-edged white bands Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
7	Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer)	Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) Color: Yellow, brown, or cream with dark spots Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas Behaviour: Diurnal and burrow-dwelling
8	Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum)	Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm) Color: Gray or tan with dark stripes Habitat: Grasslands, prairies, and urban areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and fossorial
9	Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)	Size: 18-30 inches (46-76 cm) Color: Gray or light brown with dark banding Habitat: Grasslands, marshes, and woodland areas Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial
10	Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)	Size: 12-15 inches, rarely up to 24 inches Color: Gray or black with a distinctive yellow or orange ring around the neck Habitat: Woodlands, rock outcrops, and grasslands Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial
11	Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix)	Size: 16-28 inches (41-71 cm) Color: Brown or gray with yellow or orange stripes Habitat: Grasslands, wetlands, and areas near water sources Behaviour: Diurnal, good swimmers, and semi-aquatic
12	Plains Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus)	Size: Up to 25 inches (63.5 cm) Color: Reddish-brown, tan, or gray with dark blotches Habitat: Grasslands, sandy or gravelly areas, floodplains Behaviour: Diurnal, burrowing, playing dead when threatened
13	Prairie Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi)	Size: 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) Color: Gray or olive with a yellow or orange ring around the neck Habitat: Prairies, grasslands, and woodlands Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and burrow-dwelling
14	Red Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum syspila)	Size: Up to 40 inches (1 meter) Color: Red or reddish-pink with black-bordered white bands Habitat: Forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky slopes Behaviour: Nocturnal and secretive
15	Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)	Size: 8-16 inches (20-41 cm) Color: Gray or brown with a red or orange belly Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and wetlands Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial
16	Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis)	Size: 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) Color: Bright green with a lighter belly Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands Behaviour: Diurnal, terrestrial, and good climbers
17	Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Color: Yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands Habitat: Forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides Behaviour: Solitary and ambush predator
18	Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti)	Size: 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) Color: Light brown to golden brown with dark brown to black blotches Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands Behaviour: Mainly nocturnal and good climbers
19	Western Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)	Size: Up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) Color: Gray or brown with dark blotches Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and semi-arboreal

19 Snakes You Can Find in Minnesota

In the state of Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.

1. Blue Racer

The Blue Racer (Coluber constrictor foxii), also known as the Eastern Racer, is a non-venomous snake found in grassy or open habitats, including meadows, brushy areas, and woodland edges. Measuring up to 5 feet (1.5 meters), it has a blue or greenish-blue coloration. Active during the day, the Blue Racer preys on rodents, birds, insects, and other small animals that are commonly found in Minnesota. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 8-29. The conservation status of this species is currently classified as “Least Concern.”

2. 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 Minnesota, 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.

3. Common Water Snake

The Common Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) is a non-venomous, nocturnal, semiaquatic reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in size. Their brown or gray body has dark bands or blotches as markings. Commonly found in aquatic habitats like lakes, rivers, and ponds, this snake’s diet consists of fish, frogs, and salamanders. It reproduces by giving birth to live young in litters containing 10-40 offspring. Although non-venomous, it can release foul-smelling musk in defense. Its conservation status is of least concern.

4. 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.

5. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a moderately-sized serpent, reaching lengths of 20-33 inches (51-84 cm). Its coloration is highly variable, typically exhibiting brown or gray hues with dark blotches. Inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas, this diurnal snake is known for playing dead when threatened. Its diet mainly consists of toads, along with other amphibians and small mammals. It reproduces by laying 4-60 eggs per clutch, has mild venom harmless to humans, and is classified as of “Least Concern” in conservation efforts.

6. 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 Minnesota, 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.

7. Gophersnake

The Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) is a non-venomous snake species measuring up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. They exhibit yellow, brown, or cream-colored scales with dark spots. Gophersnakes thrive in various habitats such as deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas. These diurnal, burrow-dwelling reptiles primarily feed on mammals, birds, eggs, and other reptiles. Gophersnakes reproduce through laying egg clutches, consisting of 2-24 eggs. Currently, they have a conservation status of least concern.

8. Lined Snake

The Lined Snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum) is a small, non-venomous species, growing up to 20 inches (51 cm). It has a gray or tan colored body with dark stripes, adapted to living in grasslands, prairies, and urban areas. Being nocturnal and fossorial, this reptile primarily feeds on earthworms, slugs, and soft-bodied insects. Lined Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 2-12. With a conservation status of least concern, they remain a thriving species.

9. Massasauga Rattlesnake

The Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) is a small venomous snake, growing up to 18-30 inches (46-76 cm) in length. Exhibiting gray or light brown coloring with dark banding, it thrives in habitats such as grasslands, marshes, and woodland areas. This nocturnal, secretive, and terrestrial snake predominantly feeds on small mammals, lizards, and amphibians. Its reproduction involves giving birth to live young in litters ranging from 5-20. With hemotoxic venom, the snake currently has a conservation status of “Least Concern.”

10. 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.

11. Plains Garter Snake

The Plains Garter Snake (Thamnophis radix) is a non-venomous reptile characterized by its brown or gray color with yellow or orange stripes. Typically measuring 16-28 inches (41-71 cm) in length, it thrives in grasslands, wetlands, and areas near water sources. These diurnal, semi-aquatic snakes are known for their swimming prowess. They feed primarily on earthworms, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. Mating results in live births, producing 6-80 offspring per litter. Currently, their conservation status is of least concern.

12. Plains Hog-nosed Snake

The Plains Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon nasicus) is a mildly venomous reptile, characterized by its reddish-brown, tan, or gray color with dark blotches. Found in grasslands, sandy or gravelly areas, and floodplains, this snake is a diurnal burrower that plays dead when threatened. Measuring up to 25 inches (63.5 cm) in length, this snake primarily feeds on toads, lizards, small mammals, and reptile eggs. Females lay eggs in clutches of 4-19. Although mildly venomous, Plains Hog-nosed Snakes pose no threat to humans, and their conservation status is listed as least concern.

13. Prairie Ringneck Snake

The Prairie Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi) is a small reptile measuring 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) in length, characterized by its gray or olive coloring and distinctive yellow or orange ring around its neck. These snakes are native to prairies, grasslands, and woodlands, leading a predominantly nocturnal, secretive, and burrow-dwelling lifestyle. Their diet consists of earthworms, slugs, small salamanders, and insects. They lay eggs in clutches of 3-10 and possess weak venom which poses no threat to humans. Currently, their conservation status is listed as “least concern.”

14. Red Milksnake

The Red Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum syspila) is a non-venomous snake that can grow up to 40 inches (1 meter) in length. They exhibit a striking red or reddish-pink color, adorned with black-bordered white bands. Commonly found in forests, grasslands, farmlands, and rocky slopes, these nocturnal and secretive creatures mainly consume rodents, lizards, and bird eggs. Reproduction involves laying eggs in clutches of 4-14. With a conservation status of “Least concern,” Red Milksnakes are not currently endangered.

15. Red-Bellied Snake

The Red-Bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata) is a small, non-venomous snake measuring 8-16 inches (20-41 cm) in length. They are gray or brown with a distinctive red or orange belly. Mostly found in forests, woodlands, and wetlands of Minnesota, these nocturnal and secretive creatures primarily feed on slugs, snails, and earthworms. As live-bearing reptiles, they produce 4-21 offspring in each litter. With a conservation status of “Least Concern,” this terrestrial snake presents no significant threat to humans.

16. 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.’

17. Timber Rattlesnake

The Timber Rattlesnake, scientifically known as Crotalus horridus, is a solitary, ambush predator that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. It comes in various colors, including yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands, and inhabits forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides. Its diet consists of rodents, birds, and small mammals. Unlike most snakes, the Timber Rattlesnake is viviparous, giving birth to 4-14 live young. It possesses hemotoxic venom, and its conservation status is currently listed as least concern.

18. Western Foxsnake

The Western Foxsnake (Pantherophis ramspotti) is a non-venomous snake species typically measuring 3 to 5 feet in length. Its coloration ranges from light brown to golden brown and is adorned with dark brown to black blotches. Commonly found in grasslands, woodlands, and farmlands, these snakes are mainly nocturnal and exhibit excellent climbing abilities. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. Western Foxsnakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10 to 20, and their conservation status is listed as Least Concern.

19. Western Rat Snake

The Western Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) is a non-venomous species found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Measuring up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) long, this diurnal, semi-arboreal reptile exhibits a gray or brown coloration with dark blotches. Its diet primarily consists of rodents, birds, and eggs, making it an essential part of natural rodent population control. Breeding occurs through egg-laying, with each clutch containing 5-20 eggs. Western Rat Snakes have a conservation status of “least concern.”

Nearby States:

• Snakes in Missouri
• Snakes in Nebraska

Final Words

All the 19 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Minnesota. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats? As we continue to learn about the snakes in Minnesota, it makes us curious about other snake species in different parts of the country. In particular, we’re interested in learning more about the Georgia snake species. Their habitat and behaviors may differ significantly from those of the Minnesota snakes, and understanding these differences can help us appreciate the diversity of these fascinating creatures.

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 Minnesota, 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!

Are Any of the Snakes Found in Rhode Island Also Found in Minnesota?

Both Rhode Island and Minnesota are home to various native snake species, but they differ due to climate and habitat. However, some common species like garter snakes can be found in both states. Interestingly, the biggest snake species in rhode island is the black rat snake, which is absent in Minnesota due to its colder winters.

What Types of Snakes Can Be Found in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, various types of snakes can be found, including the garter snake, eastern hognose snake, and the common water snake. While these snakes in michigan: great lakes are not venomous, it’s important to be cautious and respectful of their habitats when encountering them in the wild.

Resources:

• Take Away the Serpents from Us
• Commonly Confused Snakes in Central Florida – UF/IFAS Blogs
• Serpentine Imagery in Nineteenth-Century Prints
• A MULTISCALE INVESTIGATION OF SNAKE HABITAT …