The eastern wormsnake (Carphophis amoenus) is a short, stocky snake with a small, blunt head indistinct from the body. It is found along or in streams, rivers, pond and small lakes with healthy populations of crayfish in southern and western Pennsylvania. Juveniles have a bright green to yellow tail. The snake’s upper body is dark gray to dark brown, sometimes with four rows of black spots. Although the majority of snakes in the world are relatively harmless (and capable of inflicting only minor flesh wounds), a small number of species are quite dangerous to humans due to their aggressive behavior and potent venom. The adult is 22-32 inches in length. Venomous Snakes of Pennsylvania: As well as the non-venomous snakes you’ll find in the state, there are only three venomous species and these are the Copperhead, Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and Timber or Canebrake Rattlesnake, Species that are not listed as endangered, threatened, or candidate may be captured or possessed under specific daily and possession limits. The adult is 14-25 inches in length. The black rat snake is the largest of Pennsylvania's snakes, sometimes measuring 6-8 feet with documentation of individuals stretching to more than 100 inches. Related: Australia’s most dangerous predators. It lives most of its life underground. They enjoy hiding under piles of leaves and are highly venemous. It is abundant across Pennsylvania, although it is rarely spotted because it spends most of its life underground. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (each updated 1/1/21). venomous snakes also common in states such as Virginia, Ohio and Illinois. Yes, 21 species, although some haven't been seen for a while. It is generally found near rocks, ledges and rock slides in deciduous forests, fields and clearings across most of Pennsylvania. Venomous snakes in California: Colorado Desert Sidewinder. It inhabits wetlands, wet meadows and prairies. Pennsylvania is notorious for having complicated requirements for keeping exotic pets. All of Pennsylvania’s native venomous snakes possess eyes with (vertically) elliptical pupils that appear similar to those of a house cat in bright light. Generally speaking, fatal snake bites in the United States are very rare. Snakes play critical roles in … Here’s a bit about each of Pennsylvania’s 21 snake species. The three venomous species of snakes in Pennsylvania are the Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake and Eastern Massasauga. By David Figura. Call the below number for snake removal help in your area: Copyright 2019 - Snake-Removal.com - Site Map, Need snake help? Venomous snake bites Pa. woman doing laundry in basement by Joseph A. Gambardello , Updated: June 19, 2019 Glen Ellsworth III shows off a copperhead he found while hunting for snakes in rural Columbia County, Pa., on Saturday, June 16, 2018. That’s why there are detailed state laws on the ownership of poisonous snakes. The adult is 4-9 inches in length. Like the true garter snakes, ribbon snakes have prominent lateral body stripes and are shy, non-poisonous reptiles. The third is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, which occurs only … Researchers estimate that one bite could kill more than 100 men. ... Blair Hedges, a herpetologist from Pennsylvania State University, discovered the species in 2008. The belly is white to yellowish white. They also have a vertically elliptical eye pupil. Ernst, Carl H. and Ernst, Evelyn M. ,2003. Venter—the underside of the spider; typically referring to the abdomen. Venomous: No. Timber rattlesnake: This is the most common venomous snake in Pennsylvania.