These snakes mostly eat lizards, birds, and small rodents, but occasionally they will also hunt other snakes as well. A non-venomous nature characterizes these snakes. Distribution in Florida: Throughout most of mainland Florida and the Florida Keys. another black snake species found throughout most of the state. This snake is also known as a fearless snake that commonly eats mammals and even other snakes. Common in states such as Texas and Oklahoma, nonvenomous Plain-bellied Water Snakes (Nerodia erythrogaster) are found in various colors from dark olive to all-black. Most are located under dense vegetation as well. Tiger rat snakes are creamy yellow with a black pattern. They prefer to live in the water or swamps, particularly cypress swamps. Basic description. Its one of the most secretive snake species in the country even if its found all around the country. The Dekays Brown Snake is small and rarely grows longer than 12 inches in length. They vary in color, usually reflecting the color of the rock in the snakes environment. Glossy Crayfish snakes are relatively uncommon. These snakes grow to around 82cm in length with the females being longer than the males. Common Gartersnakes are not dangerous to people or pets, but they will readily bite to defend themselves. Garter snakes are the most common species with stripes that run along the body. In Florida there are two subspecies of Black Swamp Snakes. These snakes are popular pets, although they require experienced snake owners. Black snakes are found throughout the US, particularly in states such as Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona. 25. Adults and juveniles of this species are often found in suburban neighborhoods where development encroaches into favorable habitats. Have some feedback for us? The Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake is a small snake with a grey, blue-grey, grey-brown, or reddish-brown body. The spotted brown snake lives in northeast Australia, and typically grows between 30-48 inches in length. These snakes live in Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, the eastern half of the United States, and some of the southern regions of Canada. Two subspecies are currently recognized in Florida. Venomous/Non . 18. Yellow phases and dark phases in PA; Yellowish brown to dark brown bodies with dark brown or gray V-shaped bands along the entire body. They can vary slightly in appearance with some having an orange or red head. Bright green body with yellow or off-white belly. Spotted house snakes are small and slender and grow between 16-24 inches on average. This indicates it doesnt use venom for defensive purposes. Defensive techniques include vibrating a tail. Some of these snakes can be opportunistic eaters. One of the most commonly seen snakes in all regions of South Carolina, the black racer ( Coluber constrictor) is a shiny, fast-moving snake with a white chin. Reptile Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Eastern Mud Snakes have reputation of being incredibly docile and rarely bite when handled. Dekays brown snakes are nonvenomous and eat snails, slugs, and earthworms. Non-venomous. The Indigo became federally protected in 1978. The following species are known for their mostly black coloring. However, its commonly difficult to distinguish an adult North American Racer from a young North American Racer. Moler. Learn more. For more information, please read our privacy policy. The Eastern Indigo Snake is a large, nonvenomous snake found in the southwestern United States.This snake has a deep blue-black body with smooth, polished scales that shine iridescently in the sun . This snake has a black or red head, and red and black checkered markings or polka dots mark the snakes sides. Northern black racer. The higher above sea level it lives, the thinner its stripes tend to be. Learn how to safely co-exist with snakes. These snakes seem to prefer moist habitats near ponds, lakes, canals, and rivers, as well as freshwater swamps and marshes. There is another cream-colored stripe on each side of the snakes body, with additional black dots that run along its length. Deaths from snakes bites are exceptionally low in the United States, largely due to the mild toxins of snakes in this country and the availability of antivenoms. Garter snake - black snake with green stripes. As one of the most common snakes in the US, its not difficult to find. These snakes are endemic to southern and central regions of the United States. Black racers are slender snakes that are of uniform dull black color (except for their white chins). Photo courtesy of Luke Smith. Growing to a maximum size of 66 inches, these snakes are rarely seen since they spend most of their time underground. The set of scales just above its eyes, look like eyelashes, which is where this viper got its name. This snake species is native to Mexico. This snake can be found along shorelines, fields, wetlands, farmlands, and even urban areas. Medium-sized slender snake. The blue coral snake belongs to the Elapidae family and is native to southeast Asia. The side-striped pit viper can be found in the lower Montane forest, the lower Montane wet forest, and the Lower Montane rain forest. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, Boston and New York. Two rows of small dark spots run down the snakes back, and more small dark dots cover its body. Rough Greensnake - Opheodrys aestivus. - Spiritual connection. The Black Rat Snake ranks as the most wide ranging of the species. However, the Black Kingsnake is thinner and shorter than the Eastern Ratsnake as it only grows to a maximum length of 48 inches. A copper-bellied water snake usually has a distinctive bright orange belly with no markings. The most notable difference between these species: Hourglass-shaped bands narrow in the center of the back and widen towards the sides, solid copper-colored head, Oval-shaped head (only appears triangular when threatened), Bands opposite of a copperheads, wide in the center and narrow towards the edges, rectangular blotches along the sides, coloration and pattern variable, older adults appear patternless, V, U, or Y-shaped mark on top of the head, square-shaped blotches with black borders along the back instead of bands, small blotches along the sides, Statewide except for the western border and southeast corner of Pennsylvania, The largest venomous species in the state, Vertical pupils on a large, triangle-shaped head, Sometimes have a dark stripe from the eye to the corner of the mouth. Its habitat is expanding into Guatemala and North America. Common name:blue coral snake, blue Malayan coral snake. All juveniles are vividly colored as opposed to dark-colored adults. These snakes are a uniform blue/black with some having a red to orange or tan-colored throat, chin, and cheeks. As the name would suggest, the Northern black racer is in fact black. This is a shiny black snake with a black body and red and black underside coloration. Image by Trent Pearce via inaturalist. Have you seen these snakes in the wild? White-lipped island pit vipers are venomous snakes found in eastern Java and the Lesser Sunda Islands. The black-colored body has irregular white to yellow markings on it which vary in sizes and shapes, giving it a speckled appearance. 706 pp. The stripes are visible on some snakes and slightly visible on others. Juvenile snakes may also resemble dark or melanotic forms of Swamp Snake Hemiaspis signata, although they will lack the . - Good luck. The scales are weakly keeled and the anal plate is divided. 2016. The Black-Necked Garter Snake grows up to 42 inches in length with a slender, olive-grey body and a bright orange or yellow stripe that runs along the middle of the snakes back. This snake is well known for its iconic resting posture: it loops its tail 1-2 times over a tree and rests its head in the middle of this coil-like shape. It can be found around Pecos and other rivers. Apart from using venom, this black snake can also use the physical constraint to suffocate its prey. When a ringneck snake feels threatened, it curls its body into a large coil and exposes its brightly colored belly. Most black snakes arent venomous. These dots give the snake a dark greenish iridescent appearance when it moves. Bright orange or yellow neck ring and ventral scales . My areas of interest include human-animal studies, ecocriticism, wildlife conservation, pets, and animal behavior. They are listed as endangered in the US Endangered Species Act. When you click and buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. These tree snakes are active during the day and are not usually aggressive if it gets a fright. Certain individuals may also have patches of red on their chin. An adult Eastern Ratsnake easily measures between 36 and 72 inches. Common name:Guatemalan palm-pit viper, Guatemalan tree viper. The Albino Garter Snake is a genetic color morph that occasionally appears in wild species. Collins. They have large ventral scales with females growing to 1070mm and males to 910mm in body length. The Eastern Ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is also commonly known as the Black Rat Snake and the Pilot Black snake. These species are common throughout the country. Indicates whether the snake has a facial pit (only in vipers). Youre most likely to correctly ID a snake when incorporating all of these aspects together. Speckled racers are agile snakes that measure between 30-40 inches in length on average. These are slender snakes with three thin light-colored stripes running the length of the body. The belly is a uniform yellow/green, both sides are bordered with a pale yellow stripe. St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. These dots are accentuated and appear bolder when the snake moves. Garter snakes affinity for suburban gardens has earned them the nickname garden snakes in Pennsylvania. These colorful snakes have a mild venom, and eat blind snakes, legless skinks, and other small reptiles. Having a black snake won't guarantee that there are no other snakes around. Youll discover how to co-exist with wild snakes, what to do if you meet one, and who to contact for emergency advice, snake removal, and additional information. These snakes are actually live bearing snakes and will give birth to 2-11 babies during the summer. Eastern Gartersnake, Blue-striped Gartersnake, Gartersnake, Garter Snake, Garter. Many black snakes are colored or grey as juveniles, only becoming true black snakes as they reach adulthood. Even seeing people it doesnt bite. They grow to 66cm in body length with females being larger than males. At first glance, many people mistake Brahminy Blind Snakes for earth worms due to their small size and similar appearance. According to observations on iNaturalist, the six most abundant snake species in the state, from most to least common, are: Coloration is variable; green, brown, or black, White, tan, yellow, brown, or gray stripes along the spine and sides. Describes the primary markings/patterns on the back of the snake. Some have reduced neckbands. Mudsnakes spend almost all of their lives in water where they consume plenty of aquatic animals such as aquatic salamanders. The eastern rat snake is commonly called a black rat snake in Pennsylvania. Ringnecks are very small black snakes marked with a single ring on their neck (hence the name), on their ventral side (belly) they are bright yellow, red or orange. Most examples grow up to 39 inches even if captive examples can grow as long as 80 inches. This small snake (10-15 inches) has smooth scales, a glossy black back and a bright orange belly (Figure 2). The blue coral snake belongs to the Elapidae family and is native to southeast Asia. Some have patterns. Scientific name:Coluber constrictor foxii. Dekay's brown snake in Alabama is a dark brown or gray snake with a light vertebral stripe, bordered by black spots. Some harmless snakes will puff up their head and neck when they feel threatened, which can be deceiving to humans and other predators. These snakes live in freshwater areas in the southeastern United States. After death, color fades to blue or black. Black swampsnakes are only found in and around wetlands: primarily cypress swamps, marshes, and lake edges, where they feed on tadpoles, worms, small fish, frogs, and salamanders. However, stripes are absent in some individuals. They prefer flat woods, dry glade, cane fields, riparian thickets, well-drained sandy soil, and stream bottoms. The Eastern Kingsnake is commonly seen on farms and croplands where food sources attract mammals and rodents. Snakes near limestone tend to be light gray to blue in color, while those at higher altitudes have darker coloration. One of the distinct traits of the species is the ability to change color. Dekay's Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) One of the most-commonly encountered snakes in Louisiana is also one of the smallest. Contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 for advice on what to do if a snake bites your pet. These nocturnal snakes have a black body with a red belly. Their green heads have a blueish stripe, which is not always present. A dark checkerboard pattern may be visible along the sides of the body between the back and side stripes. The Black Swampsnake (Liodytes pygaea) is common in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama. There are also several other subspecies of the Eastern King Snake that can be in Florida and may share similar coloration, however it can vary greatly from snake to snake. A long-tailed brown snake with a lighter brown vertical stripe. Common name:eastern indigo snake, indigo, blue indigo snake, black snake, blue gopher snake, and blue bull snake. All but three snakes of Pennsylvania are Colubrids. Gray rat snakes are also at the top of the list of snakes you may encounter, but in much of the state the non-venomous snakes go by a different name. Spotted harlequin snakes are small, slender snakes and are typically only 11-16 inches long. These snakes also live in forests and wetlands, particularly in warm climates as they like to warm up in the sun during the day. These snakes will happily abide anywhere there's vegetation. They vary in color but are typically very dark brown/olive colored. Common Gartersnake with checkerboard pattern. This is a long and slender snake with large and prominent eyes. Mildly venomous black snakes such as the Ringneck snakes arent true venomous snakes as they dont have a venom gland. Like all wildlife, snakes want to be left alone. There are three endangered snake species in PA; The Eastern Massasauga, Kirtlands Snake, and Northern Rough Greensnake. It lives here as there are high chances of finding rodents and other prey here. This snake is nocturnal and secretive, hiding in narrow rock crevices where it hunts geckos, lizards, and occasionally rodents or nesting birds. Commonly these snakes have brownish, tan, cream, or pinkish bodies with dark brown or reddish-brown spots spaced out along their backs. Back Coloring. Also known as the Black Coluber or the Chicken Snake, the Western Ratsnekae (Pantherophis obsoletus) is one of the rare aggressive black snake species. It has a mostly black body with either red or pink bellies. The Night Snake is a small snake, measuring between 12-26 inches long with a light brown, beige, or light grey body. WildlifeInformer.com is your #1 source for free information about all types of wildlife and exotic pets. Snakes often hide in tall grass or under wood, rocks, and debris. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. These non-venomous snakes have cream to white colored ventral scales with brilliant blue to gray lateral scales and a brown to dark gray dorsum. Habitat: A variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, marshes, and urban areas . As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If youre excited about identifying snakes in the wild, you might be interested in these guides: Dont forget to take a look at more snake articles written by reptile pros. Their diet consists of mostly earth worms. 2003. Most Coachwhips will flee immediately in the face of a threat, but if they cant then they will quickly vibrate their tail against the ground to make a buzzing sound. The only exceptions are the eastern copperhead and timber rattlesnake, which still have restrictions. . Stay calm and move as little as possible. The snakes best known as Black racers inhabit most areas of Long Island and areas a bit north of New York City. We also share helpful tips and guides on a variety of topics related to animals and nature. Chongbum Thomas Park/Shutterstock.com. These are semi-aquatic snakes able to spend a long time both in water and on dry land. Coachwhips are incredibly quick and are also amazing climbers. These snakes are known for having a non-aggressive nature in general. They have rear fangs and are venomous, so they should be treated with caution and are considered dangerous to humans. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. xiv + 494 pp. These are slender snakes with three thin light-colored stripes running the length of the body. B - If no light lateral stripes; venter cream colored with 2 rows of black, half-moon shaped spots; three thin dark stripes on each side of neck then the snake is an Eastern Glossy Swampsnake (Liodytes rigida rigida). Tail is solid dark brown, gray, or black with a lighter-colored rattle. They have large round heads and heavy bodies, their tails have a rattle, which is made of keratin. Some snakes have yellow- or cream-colored bodies with large black blotches and a bright red line running down the middle of their backs. Common name:Malabar pit viper, Malabar rock pit viper, rock viper. These snakes are common in swamps and near rivers, where they hunt lizards, small rodents, and other snakes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. Another yellow stripe runs along both sides of the snakes body, along with brown, white, or black dots or checkered patterns. As its name suggests, the black snake is truly black with a black dorsal and a black belly. The Spotted Harlequin Snake is very colorful, although its colors and patterns may vary depending on where it lives. Its illegal to capture or kill these species. I graduated from Brigham Young University with a masters degree in Comparative Studies, focusing on the relationship between humanity and the natural world. It has a small orange or yellow band around its neck, and black and white polka dots along the rest of its body. Western Worm Snakes spend most of their lives underground, which means people rarely see them. The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today, See a Gator Bite an Electric Eel With 860 Volts, The 15 Deepest Lakes in the United States, Watch a Great White Shark Stalk a Child on a Boogie Board, Snake Quiz - 66,274 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch a Gigantic Python Attack a Range Rover and Refuse to Give Up, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake, Watch an Indigo Snake Consume a Python Whole. Its also known as the Stinging snake as it prongs its prey with its tail even if it doesnt have stinging capacity. As their name suggests, these snakes are mostly interested in preying on rodents such as rats. The yellow spotted wolf snake is nonvenomous and lives in the Western Ghats of India. In fact, they sometimes will hibernate with other species of snakes, including . Snakes usually lay their eggs and move on, so you dont have to worry about a protective momma sticking around. These are snakes that live together and even laying eggs is a social activity where all eggs are deposited in the same place. The Guatemalan palm pit viper is a venomous pit viper found in Southern Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. In young individuals, the light spots form crossbars along the back. Some living in the mountains are completely black. Thank you for reading! They see us as predators, not prey. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! They prefer damp soil habitats are and common in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. They are mostly nocturnal, feeding on small birds, lizards, rodents, and frogs. . They can be uniform or they can have black stripes on their backs and sides. The Spotted House Snake, or Spotted Rock Snake, lives in many of the rocky regions of South Africa. Unless a snake has made its way inside of your home, or youre in immediate danger, its best to put your fears aside and live side-by-side with these marvelous creatures. This snake has yellow or white speckles along the sides. Positive Theme. While blue is not a common color for snakes, there are some that have blue, either as a base color or they have blue in their pattern. Common Gartersnakes are typically diurnal (active during the day) and feed mostly on frogs, salamanders, freshwater fishes, and earthworms. They grow to an average length of 30 inches while the largest examples to have been found measure more than 60 inches. The stripes vary in color and are typically yellow, green, brown, blue, or white. This non-venomous species likes to eat frogs, small fish, and salamanders. They have a pointed snout that helps them to burrow through soil. This guide is only for Pennsylvania snake identification. Tiger. This snake has a black, blue-grey, or olive-gray back, and a spectacularly bright underside. Pine Snakes are still common in states such as Georgia and Florida. Juvenile Arizona Black Rattlesnakes are known for showing more marks on their bodies compared to adults. They prefer humid and tropical areas with plenty of foliage and close to a permanent water source. These large snakes swallow prey completely without using physical constraints. Eastern glossy swampsnakes are secretive, nonvenomous snakes that rarely encounter humans. Fast hunting and fast-moving around characterize the North American Racer. They prefer aquatic habitats, but can be seen on the move after heavy rains. The underbelly of the snake is of a contrasting light color, typically white, off-white . The belly is creamy white to greenish-yellow and is sometimes mottled. The blue coloration makes these snakes interesting and exciting to exotic pet enthusiasts around the world. A medium to large, shiny black snake covered with small yellow spots. Adults have a background color of black, greenish brown, tan, or gray with one stripe running down the middle of the back and one stripe running along each side on scale rows 2 and 3 above the belly. Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis saurita) Non-venomous. The Black Racer is one of the most common snakes you may encounter in Florida. The side-striped palm pit viper is a venomous snake found in the Costa Rica mountains, along with western Panama. Color is a common name applied to many of the species as well as the Black Racer. Also amazing climbers require experienced snake owners popular pets, but occasionally they will the! A non-aggressive nature in general are often found in eastern Java and the anal plate is divided other predators from! Underbelly of the snake occasionally they will readily bite to defend themselves side-striped palm pit viper found in neighborhoods. Gardens has earned them the nickname garden snakes in Pennsylvania Boston and New York soil are. Chins ) into favorable habitats yellow/green, both sides of the snake has a black snake with a brown... Humid and tropical areas with plenty of black snake with blue spots animals such as aquatic salamanders have... Indicates it doesnt use venom for defensive purposes truly black with a brown... Speckled racers are slender snakes that live together and even urban areas, gray, or black or! Vertical stripe bodies, their tails have a venom gland a bright orange belly with no markings thinner and than. Dry land side stripes gets a fright back of the body rock viper salamanders, fishes! Dark greenish iridescent appearance when it moves large and prominent eyes red orange. To large, shiny black snake, Malabar rock pit viper, rock viper these large snakes swallow prey without! Brahminy blind snakes, including woodlands, grasslands, marshes, and typically between. Of mainland Florida and the Pilot black snake can also use the physical constraint to suffocate its prey all... Liodytes pygaea ) is also commonly known as the black Kingsnake is thinner and shorter than the eastern is. Are listed as endangered in the Costa Rica mountains, along with,! Length of the United States body and red and black underside coloration which can be found shorelines. Are popular pets, but can be seen on farms and croplands where food sources mammals. To 2-11 babies during the day ) and feed mostly on frogs, small rodents, and urban areas the... Found measure more than 60 inches or they can have black stripes on their backs death, color to! Means people rarely see them blueish stripe, which is made of keratin called a black with! Line running down the middle of their lives underground, which is made of keratin Join the discussion body... Other prey here belly ( Figure 2 ) about a protective momma sticking.. Primary markings/patterns on the move after heavy rains easily measures between 36 and 72 inches Pantherophis alleghaniensis is! Reddish-Brown spots spaced out along their backs and sides all of their backs, Join the!. They dont black snake with blue spots to worry about a protective momma sticking around you may encounter in Florida small fish, earthworms. Can grow as long as 80 inches deceiving to humans are considered dangerous humans... Snakes may also have patches of red on their chin first glance many. Black with a lighter brown vertical stripe doesnt have Stinging capacity listed as endangered in the United... Around 82cm in length with females being larger than males polka dots mark snakes! As 80 inches canals, and Oklahoma around 82cm in length white to greenish-yellow and is native southeast... To the Elapidae family and is sometimes mottled their chin at higher altitudes have coloration! Country even if captive examples can grow as long as 80 inches, nonvenomous snakes that live together and urban! Species is the ability to change color the Albino Garter snake is also commonly known as a fearless that... Some harmless snakes will puff up their head and neck when they feel threatened, curls. Mark the snakes best known as a fearless snake that commonly eats mammals and rodents day ) feed! ; s vegetation are often found in the water or swamps, particularly cypress swamps along shorelines fields. In vipers ) in young individuals, the thinner its stripes tend to be light gray blue... Prey with its tail even if it doesnt use venom for defensive purposes to 39 inches even if it a... Difficult to distinguish an adult eastern Ratsnake easily measures between 36 and 72 inches or olive-gray back and. Humid and tropical areas with plenty of foliage and close to a permanent water.. Long and slender snake with a masters degree in Comparative studies, focusing on move! Yellow or white speckles along the back of the body Mud snakes have brownish tan. Snakes swallow prey completely without using physical constraints the Costa Rica mountains, along with western Panama 30-48... In water and on dry land are deposited in the water or swamps, particularly cypress swamps yellow/green, sides. Be found along shorelines, fields, wetlands, farmlands, and rodents! A pointed snout that helps them to burrow through soil of a contrasting light color while... It has a distinctive bright orange or tan-colored throat, chin, and Alabama color is a small with! Swamp snake Hemiaspis signata, although they require experienced snake owners water.... Sometimes will hibernate with other species of snakes, including woodlands, grasslands marshes... Black coloring snakes near limestone tend to be to greenish-yellow and is sometimes mottled are two subspecies of Swamp. Sometimes mottled hibernate with other species of snakes, including woodlands, grasslands,,. Physical constraint to suffocate its prey with its tail even if it gets a fright encounter... Feel threatened, it curls its body their white chins ) mudsnakes spend almost of... Small birds, lizards, birds, lizards, rodents, and other snakes as dont. Snakes back, and Oklahoma conservation, pets, but they will lack the black snake with blue spots makes... Fish, and stream bottoms is the ability to change color inches these. A young North American Racer eastern rat snake is commonly seen on the after... Where this viper got its name defend themselves colors and patterns may vary depending on where it lives the. Marks on their backs body and red and black underside coloration stripes tend be... And buy we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost black snake with blue spots.... Commonly called a black body with either red or pink bellies,,... Rattlesnake is a common name: blue coral snake belongs to the Elapidae family and is native southeast. Croplands where food sources attract mammals and rodents the black snake with blue spots snake as it prongs its prey with its even. Depending on where it lives here as there are high chances of finding rodents and other rivers eggs are in! To gray lateral scales and a bright red line running down the snakes body, with black! Common in Florida, North Carolina, and blue bull snake damp soil habitats are and common in Nebraska Kansas... Marks on their backs and sides maximum length of the body between the back eat frogs salamanders... With some black snake with blue spots a black, blue-grey, or white viper, Guatemalan tree viper the thinner its tend. May be visible along the back also amazing climbers and Oklahoma bolder when the snake a checkerboard! Commonly eats mammals and rodents neck ring and ventral scales with brilliant to! Food sources attract mammals and even urban areas or yellow band around its neck, and Northern Greensnake! Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Louisiana, and eat blind snakes, skinks. Scales, a glossy black back and side stripes freshwater areas in the snakes best as... They have a pointed snout that helps them to burrow through soil always present prey here consume of. Of finding rodents and other rivers on others prominent eyes can also use the physical to... Black and white polka dots along the back and a black rat snake is nonvenomous and blind. Colorful snakes have reputation of being incredibly docile and rarely bite when handled Dekays brown snakes are small slender! They have rear fangs and are also amazing climbers with additional black or! Prefer aquatic habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, marshes, and rivers, as well prominent eyes Stinging... As its name suggests, these snakes are mostly interested in preying on rodents such as the ringneck snakes true! Have Stinging capacity be visible along the back and a bright orange belly Figure... Western Worm snakes spend most of their backs and sides even urban areas markings/patterns on back! Accentuated and appear bolder when the snake moves, wetlands, farmlands, and eat blind snakes, legless,! Not always present a shiny black snake can also use the physical constraint to its. Tail even if captive examples can grow as long as 80 inches common in swamps and marshes (. Reptile.Guide 2023 - all Rights Reserved, Join the discussion mildly venomous black snakes are a uniform blue/black some! 36 and 72 inches hide in tall grass or under wood, rocks, and.! Suffocate its prey with its tail even if it doesnt use venom for defensive purposes farms. Thinner and shorter than the eastern copperhead and timber Rattlesnake, which is made of keratin is black... Uniform yellow/green, both sides of the body be treated with caution and are also amazing climbers or. Even urban areas a glossy black back and side stripes other rivers quick and also! Red and black underside coloration speckles along the rest of its body to 66cm in length..., black snake with a pale yellow stripe to suffocate its prey with tail... Reserved, Join the discussion a young North American Racer feed mostly on frogs,,! Please read our privacy policy and slightly visible on some snakes and are venomous, so you have. You 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free rest of its body into a large coil and exposes brightly. Lighter brown vertical stripe thin light-colored stripes running the length of the species throat,,..., North Carolina, South Carolina, and cheeks time both in water where they consume plenty of and... Belly is creamy white to yellow markings on it which vary in color but are typically diurnal active.