Snakes in Ohio: Discover Buckeye Serpents

Guess what’s on the menu today? That’s right, we’re diving into the slithering world of Ohio’s snakes. You might be surprised to learn that there are 27 species just waiting for you to discover right here in the Buckeye State.

From fascinating patterns to unique behaviors, these snakes offer a diverse snapshot into Ohio’s thriving ecosystem. So, strap yourself in as we explore the lengths of these amazing creatures.

Whether you’re a seasoned snake enthusiast or just curious about the wildlife in your backyard, let’s embark on this serpentine adventure together. I promise, it’ll be a hiss-terically good time!

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Color: Solid black with white chin Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and fast-moving
2	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
3	Butler’s Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri)	Size: Up to 27 inches (68.5 cm) Color: Black or brown with yellow or orange stripes Habitat: Grasslands, marshes, and meadows Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
4	Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta)	Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.37 meters) Color: Copper-red or orange on the belly, dark brown or black on the back Habitat: Wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and ponds Behaviour: Nocturnal and semi-aquatic
5	Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)	Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) Color: Coppery-brown with reddish-brown or dark hourglass-shaped bands Habitat: Forests, swamps, rocky terrain, and riverside habitats Behaviour: Solitary and primarily nocturnal
6	Eastern Fox Snake (Pantherophis gloydi)	Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) Color: Yellowish or light brown with dark blotches Habitat: Wetlands, meadows, and woodland edges Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
7	Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)	Size: Up to 2-4.5 feet (0.6-1.4 meters) Color: Brown, green or gray with three yellow stripes Habitat: Forests, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
8	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
9	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
10	Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)	Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) Color: Black or dark gray with pale gray, tan, or yellow Habitat: Forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban areas Behaviour: Semi-arboreal, diurnal or nocturnal depending on temperature
11	Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus)	Size: 18-34 inches (45-86 cm) Color: Black, greenish, or brown with three distinct light stripes Habitat: Wetlands, swamps, and marshes near water Behaviour: Active during the day, good swimmers, and skittish
12	Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus)	Size: Up to 11-14 inches (28-35.5 centimeters) Color: Pink-brown to gray-brown with a pinkish-yellow belly Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and grasslands with moist soil Behaviour: Burrowing, active at night, and secretive
13	Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii)	Size: Up to 24 inches (60 centimeters) Color: Gray or brown with red or orange belly and black spots Habitat: Wet meadows, prairies, marshes, and woodland edges Behaviour: Secretive, burrowing, and spends much of its time underground
14	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
15	Mexican Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita)	Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) Color: Solid black Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
16	Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi)	Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm) Color: Brown or grayish-brown with a lighter stripe down the back Habitat: Various habitats, including wetlands, forests, and suburban areas Behaviour: Primarily diurnal, hiding under objects during the day and foraging at night
17	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
18	Northern 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, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and marshes Behaviour: Nocturnal and semi-aquatic
19	Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster)	Size: 24-40 inches (61-102 cm) Color: Olive, brown, or gray with a yellow, orange, or red unmarked belly Habitat: Rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands Behaviour: Semi-aquatic, diurnal, and good swimmers
20	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
21	Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)	Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) Color: Olive, brown or gray with three stripes and cream or yellowish belly Habitat: Streams, creeks, and other aquatic environments Behaviour: Diurnal, and highly aquatic
22	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
23	Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus)	Size: 22-32 inches (56-81 cm) Color: Bright green with a lighter belly Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources Behaviour: Diurnal, arboreal, and good climbers
24	Short-headed Gartersnake (Thamnophis brachystoma)	Size: 20-24 inches (50-61 centimeters) Color: Light olive-green to yellow with black stripes Habitat: Fens, marshes, and wet meadows Behaviour: Ground-dwelling and diurnal
25	Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae)	Size: 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) Color: Brown or gray with a lighter belly Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and grasslands Behaviour: Nocturnal, secretive, and burrow-dwelling
26	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
27	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

27 Snakes You Can Find in Ohio

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

1. Black Racer

The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) is a non-venomous snake species of Ohio reaching up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length, featuring a solid black coloration and a striking white chin. It thrives in an array of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. As a diurnal and swift-moving snake, it feeds on rodents, lizards, frogs, and insects. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 12-30, and are currently designated as a species of least concern in terms of conservation status.

2. 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 Ohio. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 8-29. The conservation status of this species is currently classified as “Least Concern.”

3. Butler’s Gartersnake

The Butler’s Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 27 inches in length. Known for its black or brown coloration contrasted by yellow or orange stripes, this diurnal and terrestrial snake primarily inhabits grasslands, marshes, and meadows. Butler’s Gartersnake mainly feasts on earthworms, slugs, and small amphibians. Breeding season typically sees them laying egg clutches of 4-12. Currently, their conservation status is categorized as least concern.

4. Copperbelly Water Snake

Copperbelly Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) is a non-venomous reptile that grows up to 4.5 feet (1.37 meters) long. Sporting a distinctive copper-red or orange belly and dark brown or black back, this semi-aquatic, nocturnal snake inhabits wetland areas, such as marshes, swamps, and ponds. It primarily feeds on fish and amphibians. Copperbelly Water Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 10-30. Currently, their conservation status is considered threatened.

5. Copperhead

The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is a venomous snake up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) long, known for its coppery-brown coloring with reddish-brown or dark hourglass-shaped bands. Inhabiting forests, swamps, rocky terrain, and riverside habitats, these solitary and primarily nocturnal creatures prey on rodents, birds, frogs, and insects. Copperheads give live birth to 2-18 young in late summer or early fall. Though venomous, their venom is relatively mild compared to other venomous snakes. Their conservation status is of least concern.

6. Eastern Fox Snake

The Eastern Fox Snake (Pantherophis gloydi) is a non-venomous reptile, reaching up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length. It has a yellowish or light brown color, adorned with dark blotches. Commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and woodland edges, this nocturnal and terrestrial creature feeds primarily on rodents, birds, and eggs. During the reproduction process, Eastern Fox Snakes lay eggs in clutches of 8-27. Though marked as “least concern” in conservation status, their survival is vital to maintaining ecological balance.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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 Ohio, 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.

10. Eastern Rat Snake

The Eastern Rat Snake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is a large, non-venomous reptile that can reach 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. They have a black or dark gray color with patches of pale gray, tan, or yellow. Found in forests, meadows, wetlands, and urban areas, these semi-arboreal snakes have diurnal or nocturnal behavior depending on temperature. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, and bird eggs. Eastern Rat Snakes reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 5-27 and have a conservation status marked as “Least Concern.”

11. 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.

12. Eastern Worm Snake

The Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) is a small, non-venomous species, reaching lengths of 11-14 inches (28-35.5 centimeters). It possesses a pink-brown to gray-brown coloration with a distinctive pinkish-yellow belly. This elusive, nocturnal burrower inhabits forests, woodlands, and grasslands with moist soil. Its diet primarily consists of earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates. The Eastern Worm Snake lays egg clutches of 2-8 eggs, and its conservation status is currently listed as “Least Concern.”

13. Kirtland’s Snake

Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) is a non-venomous reptile that grows up to 24 inches in length. It has a gray or brown coloration with a red or orange belly adorned with black spots. This secretive, burrowing snake thrives in habitats such as wet meadows, prairies, marshes, and woodland edges. Primarily feeding on earthworms, slugs, and snails, Kirtland’s Snake is oviparous, laying clutches of 3-11 eggs during late spring or early summer. Currently, it holds a “near threatened” conservation status.

14. 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.”

15. Mexican Black Kingsnake

The Mexican Black Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula nigrita) is a non-venomous snake native to Northern Mexico, characterized by its solid black color and shiny scales. It can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length and thrives in a variety of habitats including deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas. As a nocturnal and terrestrial species, its diet consists of rodents, lizards, other snakes, and birds. The Mexican Black Kingsnake reproduces by laying clutches of 5-12 eggs and has a conservation status of least concern.

16. Northern Brown Snake

The Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) is a non-venomous reptile growing up to 20 inches (51 cm) in length, with a brown or grayish-brown coloration and a lighter stripe down its back. It can be found inhabiting wetlands, forests, and suburban areas across various regions. With primarily diurnal behavior, this snake hides during the day, foraging at night for earthworms, snails, and soft-bodied insects. Mating results in small clutches of 3-30 eggs. Its conservation status is currently listed as least concern.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. Plain-bellied Watersnake

The Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster) is a semi-aquatic, non-venomous snake measuring 24-40 inches (61-102 cm) in length. It features an olive, brown, or gray coloration with a distinct yellow, orange, or red unmarked belly. As adept swimmers, they inhabit rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, with diurnal behavior. Their diet primarily consists of fish, frogs, and other amphibians. These snakes are live-bearing, producing 5-29 offspring per litter. Currently, their conservation status is of least concern.

20. 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.

21. Queen Snake

The Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata) is a non-venomous reptile growing up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in length. Often sporting olive, brown, or gray coloration, this snake displays three distinctive stripes and a yellowish belly. It thrives in aquatic habitats such as streams and creeks, and is highly active during the day. Queen Snakes primarily feed on crayfish and other small aquatic invertebrates. They lay eggs in clutches of 4-14, and currently face no significant conservation threats.

22. 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 Ohio, 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.

23. Rough Green Snake

The Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) is a vibrant, non-venomous reptile that measures between 22-32 inches (56-81 cm) in length. Its dazzling bright green coloration is accentuated by a lighter belly, making it well-camouflaged in its preferred habitats of forests, grasslands, and areas near water sources. Known for their diurnal, arboreal behavior, these skillful climbers of Ohio primarily consume insects and spiders. Rough Green Snakes reproduce by laying clutches of 3-12 eggs, and their conservation status is currently classified as least concern.

24. Short-headed Gartersnake

The Short-headed Gartersnake (Thamnophis brachystoma) is a non-venomous reptile measuring 20-24 inches in length, with an olive-green to yellow coloration and distinct black stripes. Thriving in fens, marshes, and wet meadows, this diurnal and ground-dwelling snake primarily feeds on nutrient-rich slugs, insects, and earthworms. It reproduces by laying eggs, typically producing 4-15 per clutch. Despite facing habitat loss in some regions, the Short-headed Gartersnake’s conservation status remains of least concern.

25. Smooth Earth Snake

The Smooth Earth Snake (Virginia valeriae) is a small, non-venomous reptile measuring 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) in length. It has a brown or gray coloration, with a lighter belly, and inhabits forests, woodlands, and grasslands. This secretive, nocturnal snake is known for burrow-dwelling and primarily feasts on earthworms, slugs, and insects. The species is live-bearing, producing 3-10 offspring per litter. With a conservation status of “Least Concern,” the Smooth Earth Snake population remains relatively stable.

26. 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.’

27. 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.

Nearby States:

• Snakes in South Dakota
• Snakes in Wisconsin

Final Words

All the 27 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Ohio. 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 Ohio, 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 Snakes Found in Michigan Also Common in Ohio?

Many of the species of snakes in michigan, such as the Eastern Garter Snake and Northern Water Snake, are also found in Ohio. Both states share similar habitats, providing a suitable environment for these reptiles. However, some species may be more prevalent in one state than the other.

What Types of Snakes Can Be Found in Ohio and Indiana?

Ohio and Indiana are home to various types of snakes in indiana spotlight serpents. Some common species include the Eastern Garter Snake, Eastern Milk Snake, Northern Water Snake, and Eastern Massasauga. While some are harmless, others, such as the Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake, are venomous and should be approached with caution.

Resources:

• Common Watersnake | Ohio Department of Natural …
• Butler’s Gartersnake | Ohio Department of Natural Resources
• Rattlesnake venom: mild, medium and wicked hot
• Field School Community Partner, Jenny Richards, at Ohio …