So You Think You Saw a Noodle in Pennsylvania? A Guide to Keystone State Snek Identification (Because It's Probably Not a Boa Constrictor)
Let's face it, snakes get a bad rap. They're seen as slithering villains, but in reality, they're just trying to live their best life, eating bugs and keeping basements rodent-free. So, if you're in Pennsylvania and spot a scaly friend slithering across your path, don't panic! You're probably not about to be crushed by a giant anaconda (spoiler alert: we don't have those here). But what exactly are you looking at? Buckle up, because we're about to become amateur Pennsylvanian snake wranglers (with our eyes, not our hands, of course).
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| What is The Most Common Snake In Pennsylvania |
The Contenders: It's a Garter Party (Probably)
When it comes to common snakes in Pennsylvania, the eastern garter snake is your reigning champion. These slender, colorful noodles are all over the state, sunning themselves on rocks or taking a dip in ponds. They come in a variety of patterns, from stripes to spots, and are more interested in catching a tasty worm than becoming your new best friend (or foe).
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There's also a good chance you might encounter a watersnake. These guys like hanging out near water, looking for fish and frogs. They can be a bit bigger than garter snakes, but still nothing to lose sleep over.
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Eastern milksnakes are another common find. They're patterned beauties that sometimes get mistaken for their venomous cousins, the copperheads (more on those later). But milksnakes are chill and eat mostly rodents, making them helpful little neighbors.
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But Wait, There's More! (Because Pennsylvania Likes Variety)
Now, Pennsylvania isn't a one-trick pony when it comes to snakes. You might also come across:
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- Eastern wormsnakes: These tiny noodles are secretive and hard to spot, but they're good for the garden, eating slugs and earthworms.
- Northern black racers: These speedy snakes are built for chasing down prey. They're non-venomous and, despite their name, not racist (snakes are pretty chill about race relations).
- Rat snakes: These bigger guys are excellent climbers and love to snack on, you guessed it, rats!
Important Note: This is not an exhaustive list. If you see a snake you're unsure about, leave it alone and snap a picture for identification later.
Venomous Encounters: A Less Common, But Important Topic
Pennsylvania has three venomous snake bros you'll want to give a wide berth to:
- Northern copperheads: These guys are the most common venomous snake in the state. They're shy and typically only strike if threatened. Remember: Their heads are copper-colored (shocking, I know) with an hourglass pattern on their backs.
- Timber rattlesnakes: These fellas are less common but pack a more potent punch. Listen for their namesake rattle as a warning.
- Eastern massasaugas: These are the rarest venomous snakes in Pennsylvania. They prefer wet areas and are typically smaller than copperheads.
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, STAY CALM and seek medical attention immediately.
FAQ: You've Got Questions, We've Got (Short) Answers
- How to identify a garter snake? Look for thin snakes with stripes or spots. They're usually less than 3 feet long.
- How to tell a milksnake from a copperhead? Milksnakes have a black and white or red and black checkered pattern, while copperheads have an hourglass pattern on their backs and copper-colored heads.
- How to avoid snakes? Stay on trails and wear shoes when hiking. Don't put your hands where you can't see!
- How to handle a snake encounter? Admire from a safe distance and let them be on their way.
- How to get a snake out of my house? Call animal control or a wildlife removal service. Don't try to handle it yourself!
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