Animal Index Reptiles
COPPERHEAD SNAKES
REPTILE DESCRIPTION
The Northern Copperhead is the only venomous snake in the DC metropolitan area, with a deep reddish brown color with dark hourglass-shaped markings on its back, this predator can grow to 3 feet and prefers rocky, wooded areas. Despite their bites nearly never killing humans, copperheads account for more annual snake bite victims than all other snake species. They give no warning signs before striking when provoked. Regardless, anyone bitten by a copperhead should seek immediate medical attention.
APPEARANCE
- 2' to 3.33' long.
- Tan or brown scales with large dark hourglass shapes down back
HABITAT
- Fields
- Woodlands
- Farmlands
- Mountains
SYMPTOMS
BLACK SNAKES
REPTILE DESCRIPTION
Growing up to 80 inches long (6.5 feet), Black Snakes are very helpful in eliminating rats and mice. Black snakes pose a useful role in protecting farmland from pests, but may need to be relocated if nesting in houses or other buildings. Despite their intimidating size of up to seven feet, Black snakes are mostly harmless to humans, only biting when intimidated.
APPEARANCE
- 3.5' to 7' long.
- Shiny black scales on back
- Light colored belly
HABITAT
- Fields
- Woodlands
- Farmlands
GARTER SNAKES
REPTILE DESCRIPTION
The Eastern Garter Snake is a common snake known for the three white or yellow stripes that run down its back. Garter snakes are non-venomous and eat earthworms, millipedes, spiders, insects, salamanders, small fish, frogs, and toads. Despite being non-venomous, garter snakes still pose a threat in their aggressive territorial nature, biting humans and sometimes causing allergic reactions.
APPEARANCE
- 23" to 30" long.
- Yellowish greenish scales with 3 long stripes down back
HABITAT
- Fields
- Woodlands
- Farmlands
- Mountains
SYMPTOMS
WATER SNAKES
REPTILE DESCRIPTION
The northern water snake is an aquatic snake that dwells in lakes, swamps, streams, and other waterways around the Chesapeake Bay watershed. With a heavy body, large rounded head, and a pattern of black or reddish blotches on their backs, water snakes are non-venomous and aggressive when threatened. Water snakes are frequently confused with water moccassin snakes, (aka cottonmouths) a venomous snake with a more harmful bite than that of copperheads, which leads to water snakes being killed despite being largely harmless.
APPEARANCE
- 23" to 30" long.
- Yellowish greenish scales with 3 long stripes down back
HABITAT
- Lakes
- Swamps
- Streams
- Waterways