Snakes in Vermont: Green Mountain Standouts
Well, snake enthusiasts, if you’re looking to spot some slithering serpents in the Green Mountain State, you’re in luck! Vermont is home to a surprising number of snake species – 9 to be exact.
While some people might cringe at the thought of these cold-blooded creatures, it’s hard not to be intrigued by the diversity of snakes found right here in Vermont.
So buckle up, it’s time for a little herpetological exploration. Let’s get to know the captivating snakes you can find while exploring Vermont’s great outdoors!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) |
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| 2 | Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) |
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| 3 | Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) |
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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 | Maritime Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis pallidula) |
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| 7 | Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) |
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| 8 | Smooth Green Snake (Opheodrys vernalis) |
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| 9 | Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) |
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9 Snakes You Can Find in Vermont
In the state of Vermont, 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 Vermont, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. 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.
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 Vermont, 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. Maritime Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis pallidula
- Common Name: Maritime garter snake
- Size: Up to 1 m (3.3 ft)
- Natural Habitat: Coastal areas, marshland, grasslands, woodlands, and urban environments
- Color: Dark green or brown with a yellowish stripe running along the sides and back
- Habitat: Coastal areas, marshland, grasslands, woodlands, and urban environments
- Maximum Size: Up to 1 m (3.3 ft)
- Diet: Fish, amphibians, earthworms, small mammals, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young
- Venom: Mildly venomous, not dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Not evaluated, but believed to be moderately common in its range
Adult Maritime Garter Snake
Baby Maritime Garter Snake
Adult Maritime Garter Snake
The Maritime Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis pallidula) is a captivating serpent found in coastal areas and diverse habitats like marshlands, grasslands, and woodlands. Sporting a sleek, dark green or brown body with vibrant yellowish stripes, this diurnal explorer is a skilled swimmer and active hunter. Munching on fish, amphibians, and more, this mildly venomous snake is not a threat to humans but quite the charmer. Ovoviviparous by nature, it gives birth to live young, making its life cycle all the more fascinating.
7. 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.
8. 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.’
9. Timber Rattlesnake
- Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus
- Common Name: Timber rattlesnake
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides
- Color: Yellow, brown, gray, or black with dark bands
- Habitat: Forests, mixed woodlands, and rocky hillsides
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Viviparous, giving birth to 4-14 live young
- Venom: Hemotoxic venom
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Timber Rattlesnake
Timber Rattlesnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown 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.
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Final Words
All the 9 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Vermont. 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 Vermont, 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 There Any Snake Species Found in Both Vermont and North Carolina?
Vermont and North Carolina have different climates, leading to distinct snake populations in each state. However, some species like the Eastern Rat Snake are native to both regions. Among the snakes commonly found in north carolina, certain species can inhabit cooler areas, making them adaptable to Vermont’s environment as well.
What are the Most Common Snake Species in Vermont?
In Vermont, the most common snake species include the garter snake, milk snake, and red-bellied snake. While these snakes in south carolina may differ in appearance and behavior, they are an important part of the ecosystem in both states. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats.
