As warmer weather arrives, New York’s native snakes are becoming more active, according to New York Upstate. Seventeen snake species roam the state, including three venomous types—the timber rattlesnake, Northern copperhead and Eastern massasauga.
Encounters with venomous snakes remain rare, and none are known to be aggressively dangerous unless provoked. The black rat snake tops the size chart at up to 8 feet, while the tiny redbelly snake is among the smallest. Some species, like the queen snake and Eastern worm snake, are considered endangered or at risk.
Snakes like the common garter or Northern water snake are far more likely to cross paths with New Yorkers. While some look fearsome, most are harmless and play a vital role in local ecosystems.
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