So You Think You've Spotted a Ssssslippery Customer in Pennsylvania? A Guide (Because Seriously, Not Every Garden Hose is a Copperhead)
Ah, Pennsylvania! Land of liberty bells, cheesesteaks, and...well, a surprising number of snakes. But don't let the slithery reputation turn you into a quivering pile of jello. Most snakes in the Keystone State are about as dangerous as a deflated whoopie cushion (and way less noisy). But knowing how to identify them can turn a potential panic attack into a proud moment of nature identification.
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| How To Identify Snakes In Pennsylvania |
The Fine Art of Snake Spotting: Friend or Foe?
First things first, Pennsylvania has three venomous snakes: the Timber Rattlesnake (complete with a charming rattle), the Eastern Copperhead (think reddish-brown with hourglass patterns), and the Eastern Massasauga (a shy rattler relative). These guys deserve a healthy dose of respect, but fear not, intrepid Pennsylvanian! The vast majority of our slithering friends are completely harmless.
QuickTip: Scan quickly, then go deeper where needed.
Here's a cheat sheet to help you distinguish between danger noodles and backyard buddies:
QuickTip: Pay attention to first and last sentences.
- The Peepers: Look at the eyes! Venomous snakes have vertical pupils, like angry cats. Everyone else has nice, round pupils for checking out the latest grub deals.
- The Tail Tale: Rattlesnakes, well, have rattles. But if your mystery snake lacks a noisemaker, check its tail. Venomous snakes have a single row of scales on the underside, while harmless snakes have double.
- The Head Honchos: Most non-venomous snakes have rounded heads that blend smoothly into their bodies. Venomous snakes often have distinct triangular heads that look like they could deliver a nasty headache (because, well, they can).
Remember: When in doubt, leave it out! There's no shame in giving a wide berth to any snake that makes you nervous.
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
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Beyond the Basics: The Pennsylvania Snake Fashion Show
Now that you know the venomous VIPs, let's get you acquainted with some of our more common non-venomous snakes. These guys are the landscapers, pest controllers, and overall cool dudes (and dudettes) of the Pennsylvania reptile world.
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
- The Eastern Milksnake: This fashionista comes in a variety of patterns, but mimics the venomous copperhead (though completely harmless). Look for a checkerboard belly and a brownish head instead of a uniform copper color.
- The Northern Ring-necked Snake: This little charmer sports a bright yellow or orange ring around its neck, perfect for accessorizing its grey or brown body.
- The Eastern Ratsnake: This long, slender fella is a great climber and comes in various shades of brown or black. Fun fact: They vibrate their tails when scared, which sounds suspiciously like a rattlesnake (but trust us, it's a bluff).
Important Note: This is not an exhaustive list, but it should give you a good starting point for your Pennsylvania snake sleuthing.
How To FAQs for the Aspiring Snake Spotter
- How To Approach a Snake: Carefully! Most snakes would rather avoid you than confront you. Give them plenty of space and admire them from afar.
- How To Handle a Snake: Unless you're a trained professional, don't! Even non-venomous snakes can bite, and it's best to leave them be.
- How To Coexist with Snakes: Snakes are actually beneficial! They control rodent populations and add to the biodiversity of your backyard.
- How To Remove a Snake from Your Property: If a snake has taken up unwelcome residence, call animal control or a wildlife removal service.
- How To Learn More About Pennsylvania Snakes? The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission [Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission] has a wealth of information on their website!
So next time you see a snake in Pennsylvania, take a deep breath, channel your inner detective, and use your newfound knowledge to identify this fascinating creature. Remember, most snakes are just trying to live their best slithering lives, and a little respect goes a long way (especially if it keeps you from freaking out over a garden hose). Happy herping!
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