List of snakes of Connecticut facts for kids

Connecticut is home to 15 different kinds of snakes! Most of them are harmless, but two types are venomous. The non-venomous snakes include the Black racer, Dekay's brownsnake, Eastern ratsnake, Garter snake, Hog-nosed snake, milk snake, northern watersnake, redbelly snake, ribbonsnake, ring-necked snake, smooth greensnake, and worm snake. An interesting snake called the Brahminy blind snake was brought here from Southeast Asia and now lives in Connecticut too. The two venomous snakes are the Copperhead and the Timber rattlesnake. In Connecticut, the Timber rattlesnake is an endangered species, meaning it's very rare and needs protection. The Eastern ratsnake is regulated, and both the Ribbonsnake and Hog-nosed snake are considered "special concern," meaning their populations are watched carefully.

Snakes of Connecticut

Connecticut has a variety of snakes, each with unique features. It's important to remember that most snakes are shy and prefer to avoid people. If you see a snake, it's best to observe it from a distance and never try to touch or pick it up.

Non-Venomous Snakes

Most snakes in Connecticut are not venomous. This means they do not have venom (a type of poison) that can harm humans. They play an important role in the ecosystem, often helping to control populations of rodents and insects.

• Northern Black Racer: These long, slender snakes are usually black. They are very fast and can climb trees.
• Northern Brown Snake / Dekay's Brownsnake: These small, shy snakes are often found in gardens and under rocks. They eat slugs and worms.
• Eastern Ratsnake: These large snakes are excellent climbers. They often eat rodents and birds' eggs.
• Eastern Garter Snake: One of the most common snakes, garter snakes have stripes down their backs. They are often found near water.
• Eastern Hognose Snake: This snake is known for its upturned snout, which it uses to dig. If threatened, it might play dead!
• Eastern Milksnake: These snakes have patterns of red or reddish-brown blotches. They are often mistaken for venomous snakes, but they are harmless.
• Northern Water Snake: Often found near ponds and streams, these snakes are good swimmers. They eat fish and amphibians.
• Northern Redbelly Snake: These small snakes have a bright red or orange belly. They are often found in forests.
• Eastern Ribbonsnake: Similar to garter snakes, but more slender, ribbonsnakes also prefer wet areas.
• Northern Ringneck Snake: These small, dark snakes have a distinctive yellow or orange ring around their neck.
• Smooth Green Snake: As their name suggests, these snakes are bright green. They are often found in grassy areas and eat insects.
• Eastern Worm Snake: These small, burrowing snakes look a bit like worms. They live underground and eat earthworms.
• Brahminy Blind Snake / Flowerpot Snake: This tiny, non-native snake is often found in potted plants. It is completely harmless and looks like a shiny earthworm.

Venomous Snakes

Only two types of snakes in Connecticut are venomous. It's important to know how to identify them and to give them space.

• Northern Copperhead: These snakes have a distinctive hourglass pattern on their bodies. They are usually reddish-brown or copper-colored. They prefer rocky, wooded areas.
• Timber Rattlesnake / Cane-brake Rattlesnake: This is a large, heavy-bodied snake with a rattle on its tail. It is an endangered species in Connecticut, meaning it is very rare and protected by law. They live in remote, rocky areas.

Snake Conservation

Many snakes face challenges like habitat loss and being mistaken for dangerous animals. Protecting snakes helps keep our natural environment healthy. The Timber rattlesnake is endangered, so it's especially important not to disturb them. The Eastern ratsnake, Ribbonsnake, and Hog-nosed snake are also monitored to ensure their populations stay healthy.

Scientific Name	Common name(s)	Image	Notes
Coluber constrictor constrictor	Northern Black Racer
Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen	Northern Copperhead		Venomous
Storeria dekayi dekayi	Northern Brown Snake / Dekay's Brownsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis / Elaphe alleghaniensis	Eastern Ratsnake
Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis	Eastern Garter Snake
Heterodon platirhinos	Eastern Hognose Snake
Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum	Eastern Milksnake
Nerodia sipedon sipedon	Northern Water snake
Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata	Northern Redbelly Snake
Thamnophis saurita saurita	Eastern Ribbonsnake
Diadophis punctatus edwardsii	Northern Ringneck Snake
Opheodrys vernalis / Liochlorophis vernalis	Smooth Green snake
Crotalus horridus	Timber Rattlesnake / cane-brake rattlesnake		Venomous
Carphophis amoenus amoenus	Eastern Worm Snake
Indotyphlops braminus	Brahminy Blind Snake / Flowerpot Snake