Snakes in Rhode Island: Big Serpent Surprises
Ever wonder which slithery serpents call the smallest state in the U.S. their home? Rhode Island may be tiny, but it boasts a surprising variety of snakes.
In fact, this little slice of New England is home to 12 different species of snakes. From the vibrant Northern Redbelly to the elusive Eastern Hog-Nosed, there’s a fascinating array of reptiles waiting to be discovered here.
So read on to uncover the secrets of these captivating creatures! You might just be inspired to embark on a snake-spotting adventure in Rhode Island’s diverse habitat.
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Allegheny Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) |
|  |
| 2 | Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) |
|  |
| 3 | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) |
|  |
| 4 | Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) |
|  |
| 5 | Eastern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus sauritus) |
|  |
| 6 | Eastern Worm Snake (Carphophis amoenus amoenus) |
|  |
| 7 | Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) |
|  |
| 8 | Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi) |
|  |
| 9 | Northern Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata) |
|  |
| 10 | Northern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) |
|  |
| 11 | Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) |
|  |
| 12 | Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) |
|  |
12 Snakes You Can Find in Rhode Island
In the state of Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. Allegheny Ratsnake
- Scientific Name: Pantherophis alleghaniensis
- Common Name: Allegheny ratsnake
- Size: Up to 8.5 feet (2.6 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, fields, and farmlands
- Color: Black, brown, or gray with dark blotches
- Habitat: Forests, fields, and farmlands
- Maximum Size: Up to 8.5 feet (2.6 meters)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, and eggs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 5-27
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Allegheny Ratsnake
Allegheny Ratsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Allegheny Ratsnake
The Allegheny Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 8.5 feet (2.6 meters) in length. This species that dwell in Rhode Island is found in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and gray, with dark blotches. They inhabit forests, fields, and farmlands, exhibiting primarily nocturnal and terrestrial behavior. Their diet consists of small mammals, birds, and eggs. In reproduction, they lay egg clutches varying from 5-27. Their conservation status is classified as least concern, meaning they are not currently at risk.
2. 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.
3. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
- Scientific Name: Heterodon platirhinos
- Common Name: Eastern hog-nosed snake
- Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas
- Color: Highly variable, typically brown or gray with dark blotches
- Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and sandy areas
- Maximum Size: 20-33 inches (51-84 cm)
- Diet: Mostly toads, but also other amphibians and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lay eggs, 4-60 per clutch
- Venom: Mild venom, harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown 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.
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 Rhode Island, 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. Eastern Worm Snake
- Scientific Name: Carphophis amoenus amoenus
- Common Name: Eastern worm snake
- Size: Up to 11-14 inches (28-35.5 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and grasslands with moist soil
- Color: Pink-brown to gray-brown with a pinkish-yellow belly
- Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and grasslands with moist soil
- Maximum Size: Up to 11-14 inches (28-35.5 centimeters)
- Diet: Earthworms and other soft-bodied invertebrates
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 2-8
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Eastern Worm Snake
Eastern Worm Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown 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.”
7. Northern Black Racer
- Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor constrictor
- Common Name: Northern black racer
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas
- Color: Uniform black with a white or gray chin
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, amphibians, insects, and other small animals
- Reproduction: Lays eggs in clutches of 10-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Black Racer
Northern Black Racer Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northern Black Racer
The Northern Black Racer (Coluber constrictor constrictor) is a non-venomous snake species that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) in length. They exhibit a uniform black color with a white or gray chin. These fast-moving, diurnal reptiles inhabit forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas. Their diet primarily consists of rodents, birds, amphibians, insects, and other small animals. Northern Black Racers reproduce by laying clutches of 10-30 eggs. Currently, their conservation status is classified as least concern.
8. Northern Brown Snake
- Scientific Name: Storeria dekayi
- Common Name: Northern brown snake
- Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Various habitats, including wetlands, forests, and suburban areas
- Color: Brown or grayish-brown with a lighter stripe down the back
- Habitat: Various habitats, including wetlands, forests, and suburban areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
- Diet: Earthworms, snails, and soft-bodied insects
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in small clutches of 3-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northern Brown Snake
Northern Brown Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.’
Nearby States:
Final Words
All the 12 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island, 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 in Rhode Island as Common and Surprising as Snakes in Hawaii?
Yes, snakes in Rhode Island are not as common and surprising as snakes in hawaii island. Rhode Island is not known for having a significant snake population, while Hawaii island has a variety of native and introduced snake species. The presence of snakes in Hawaii island is indeed more notable.
