1. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake lives in scattered populations in western and northern Ohio. Before early settlers came to the state, this rattlesnake lived in many prairies across Ohio. However, over time many of the state’s swamps were drained for farmland, destroying much of the snake’s native habitat and range. Today eastern massasaugas are rare in Ohio and are a listed as an endangered species by Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes typically prefer wet areas like bogs, wet prairies, swamps, and the mouths of rivers. In fact, “massasauga” means “great river mouth” in the Chippewa language. These snakes are sometimes called “black snappers” or “swamp rattlers” as well. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes do not like open water and prefer areas with plenty of hiding places.
Appearance and Behavior
Although they can be dangerous, eastern massasauga rattlesnakes are small, shy, and reclusive. These snakes only grow between 20-30 inches in length, with thick stocky bodies that are tan or grey. There are many dark blotches across their backs and smaller blotches along their sides. Some of Ohio’s eastern massasaugas have very dark colors, making them look almost entirely black, except for their chins and throats. Young massasauga rattlesnakes have lighter coloring than the adults, with distinct colors and markings. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes also have very small rattles that can be hard to hear. During the winter eastern massasauga rattlesnakes brumate together in small groups, usually in areas with moist soil. When the weather warms up in the spring, they venture out to hunt and mate. Eastern massasaugas eat small mammals, like voles, mice, and shrews. They also eat other small species, like small birds, salamanders, small snakes, and small frogs. Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes have very toxic venom, but because they have small teeth, they cannot inject a lot of venom into their bite. These snakes mate between April and May, and give birth to 3-19 live young between July and September. Baby massasauga rattlesnakes are usually 7-10 inches long.
2. Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake is an endangered species in Ohio. It originally lived in 22-24 different counties in Ohio. Today, however, this snake is only found in 8 counties in the extreme northern and southern regions of the state. This snake typically lives in wooded areas with plenty of shade mixed with some sunny areas. Timber rattlesnakes are excellent climbers—some have been reported in trees nearly 80 feet off the ground! However, timber rattlesnakes are not very aggressive. In fact, these snakes usually remain calm around humans and large animals, choosing to stay quiet and motionless or slither away silently. Timber rattlesnakes are the most dangerous venomous snakes in northeastern America. When it is threatened, a timber rattlesnake will shake its large rattle as a warning before striking. However, bites from a timber rattlesnake are extremely uncommon, as this snake will only bite as a last resort. Always be cautious, however, as they can strike up to 1/3 – ½ of their body length.
Appearance and Behavior
Timber rattlesnakes are large snakes, growing up to 74 inches in length! However, these snakes are usually only 30-60 inches long on average, with yellow, brown, gray, or black bodies. Their thick bodies are marked by dark chevron crossbands and end with a large, prominent rattle on the end of their tails. The bodies and markings of some timber rattlesnakes are so dark that they appear almost entirely black. Timber rattlesnakes have large, triangular-shaped heads with vertical pupils and heat-sensing “pits” between their nostrils and eyes. During the fall and spring, timber rattlesnakes are more sluggish due to the cold temperatures. When it warms up in the summer, however, these snakes are quite active, hunting chipmunks, squirrels, rats, mice, and amphibians. Timber rattlesnakes use deep rock crevices for dens, where they brumate with several other snakes through the winter.
Other Snakes in Ohio
In addition to the timber rattlesnake, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and the copperhead snake, there are 24 other nonvenomous snake species living in Ohio. Let’s take a look at a few of the nonvenomous snakes in Ohio.
Eastern Garter Snake
There are 5 different types of garter snakes in Ohio: the common garter snake, the eastern plains garter snake, the eastern garter snake, Butler’s garter snake, and the eastern ribbonsnake. The most common type is the Eastern garter snake, which lives all throughout Ohio. These snakes tend to live in forests, fields, and less populated areas, although they can sometimes be found in gardens as well. Because of this, they are sometimes referred to as “garden snakes” instead of garter snakes. Eastern garter snakes are typically 30 inches long with thin, slender bodies. They eat small mice, amphibians, fish, earthworms, and slugs.
Common Water Snake
The Common Water Snake lives throughout most of Ohio, typically in and around permanent bodies of water. These snakes often bask in the sun on logs, rocks, tree stumps, and even in low hanging branches above the water. Common water snakes are not venomous. They are cautious and try to avoid humans, but if encountered they can be very aggressive and they bite hard. Common water snakes come in a variety of colors and patterns. They can be brown, red, gray, or brownish-black with dark blotches or bands along the length of their bodies. Common water snakes are frequently mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth (or water moccasin) snake. However, there are no cottonmouth snakes in Ohio. Common water snakes are typically 24-54 inches long. These snakes are also called banded water snakes, or northern banded water snakes.
Eastern Rat Snake
The Eastern Rat Snake is the largest snake in Ohio, typically measuring between 48-72 inches. These snakes live throughout most of Ohio in forests, woodlands, fields, and farmland areas. Eastern rat snakes are excellent climbers and often climb trees looking for prey or crevices for shelter. These snakes have smooth black scales along their backs, often with distinct or faded patterns. Their bellies, chins, and throats are white or light-colored. Unfortunately, the eastern rat snake is commonly persecuted by humans out of fear because of its large size. These snakes can deliver a painful bite, but generally they are docile, and they are not venomous.
