Massachusetts Officials Say Beware of Venomous Snakes

Massachusets isn't exactly known for killer snakes, but the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife warns there are venomous snakes among us.

There are more than a dozen species of snakes found in Massachusetts. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife advises you to "learn about the colors, patterns, habitats, and behaviors of all 14 snake species" if you plan to spend time outdoors.

Two of the 14 species of snakes that slither between the Bay State's borders are venomous: the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said both species "live in only a few areas of the state, and both are state-listed as endangered species."

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If you come across one of these venomous snakes, it would not be a good idea to bash its head in with a boulder because of its protected status.

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife said timber rattlesnakes are "mild-mannered, venomous, and very rare." Timber rattlesnakes range throughout the eastern United States. In Massachusetts, they are limited "almost exclusively" to the western counties.

Then there is the other venomous snake, the copperhead.

"Copperheads are easy to identify, venomous, and rare," MassWildlife said.

The copperhead is limited to small, localized populations in Norfolk and Hampden Counties. The copperhead is identified by its "solid, relatively unmarked heads, which are similar to the color of an old copper coin."

Of the 14 snake species in Massachusetts, three are listed as endangered (timber rattlesnake, copperhead, and eastern rat snake), one as threatened (eastern worm snake), and one as being of special concern (eastern hog-nosed snake.)

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife asks that you report sightings of a snake that is state-listed as threatened, endangered, or of special concern on the MassWildlife Heritage Hub or by using the Rare Animal Observation Form.