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Showing Pennsylvania Has Only 3 Species of Venomous Snakes Page
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Page Update: 04/28/10 3:01 pm | Page Accessed: 34908 Time(s) Of the 22 Species of snakes historically native to Pennsylvania only 3 are venomous.
1. Timber Rattlesnake
2. Copperhead
3. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Endangered)
Many other snakes are confused with them such as the Northern Watersnake, Eastern Milksnake, Eastern Hognose, etc. If you think you have seen a venomous snake in your yard, take a good look at the other species. Venomous snakes do not commonly live near humans but they do wander through occasionally. If there is pond or stream nearby you may find Northern Watersnakes or Hognose snakes. Eastern Milksnakes often come around people because they attract rodents that feed on everything from bird seed to food in human homes. The Eastern Milksnake and the Black Ratsnake are some of nature's best "mousetraps".
If you are sure you have found or seen a venomous species -- DO NOT attempt to kill it-most people are bitten by venomous snakes by trying to catch or kill them.
Call someone who knows how to handle and remove venomous snakes-such as a nature center, reptile rescue, fish and boat commission officer, etc. If you don't know of any, call your local 911 center and they usually have numbers to call. Or check on the internet.
If you find a non-venomous snake-just leave it alone. Once it finds the food it is looking for, it will often move on to another area.
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