venomous snake in Massachusetts

timber rattlesnake c dr. charles f. smith small landscape

There are only two venomous snakes in Massachusetts: the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. Contrary to popular belief, there are no venomous “water moccasins” in the Bay State, only harmless water snakes.

Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Timber Rattlesnake © Dr. Charles F. Smith

Venomous, the timber rattlesnake is extremely rare and localized. It has a heavy body, a triangular head, a slitted, cat-like pupil, and a rattle that it uses to warn potential predators. It prefers rocky, forested areas.

Status: Endangered in Massachusetts, and, under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, it is illegal to kill, harass, or possess this snake.

SOURCE: Mass Audubon

Northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

Copperhead Snake © Joy Marzolf, Mass Audubon

Venomous, the northern copperhead is extremely rare to encounter. It has a thick, heavy body, with keeled scales, a triangular head, and a thin, cat-like pupil. Its brown and orange body is well-camouflaged against the forest floor.

Status: Endangered in the Massachusetts, and, under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act, it is illegal to kill, harass, or possess this snake.

SOURCE: Mass Audubon

michael mcstay
Author: michael mcstay

Michael McStay serves as the Senior Editor and CEO of NockedUp, a platform dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts in Massachusetts. An avid fisherman, hunter, and hiker, he has a deep passion for the outdoors and values the importance of sharing knowledge and information related to Massachusetts' natural environment. If you have any thrilling outdoor news to share, or if you would like to provide feedback or suggest story ideas, we encourage you to contact us via text at 339-309-8721 (Join NockedUp Massachusetts Outdoors—it's free and simple! Stay in the loop and never miss another post or update).

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