Snakes of Boston, MA

Boston snake

Common Snake Species in Boston

Boston snake Dekay’s brownsnake: Dekay’s brownsnake is a small, thin snake, usually brown or grey. They grow to about 9 to 13 inches in length. Adults have two rows of parallel dark spots that border a white stripe running down the back of the snake. There is also a dark stripe on either side of its neck, although younger Dekay’s brown snakes may have lighter colored markings on their necks. Dekay’s brown snakes are found in most terrestrial habitats and wetlands. They are very secretive and often found under rocks, logs, or shaded covers. They can also be found in suburban areas. Their diet consists of small frogs, fish, snails, tadpoles, and so on. They are nocturnal only coming out at night or late evening and resting at night. Dekay’s brown snakes are non-venomous and non-aggressive. They typically do not bite when threatened but they can squirm and flatten their bodies, releasing a repugnant musk located in the base of their tails.

Boston snake Eastern garter snake: The eastern garter is a greyish or reddish colored snake usually reaching up to 26 inches in length. They are easily distinguishable from other snakes by the presence of 3 long stripes that run down its body but some may be checkered.The eastern garter snake is very common in most of North America, Boston included. They can be found in areas around marshes, meadows, hillsides, and woodlands. They love moist environments and prefer it to drier environments. They are also very abundant in suburban areas and they can live under shades, boards, and abandoned structures. They may be active during the day or at night depending on when food is available. They feed mainly on earthworms, insects, small frogs, and fish. The eastern garter snake is non-venomous but can be aggressive if threatened. Their bite is capable of causing an allergic reaction in humans although not fatal.

Boston snake Eastern milk snake: Eastern milk snakes are moderately sized snakes with colors ranging from light brown to grey. Adults are typically around 2 to 5 feet. They have square-shaped blotches which may be reddish-brown in color running down their backs. On their belly, they have a white and black checkered pattern. The eastern milk snake is often mistaken for the copperhead due to the resemblance between them. Copperheads, however, have hourglass-shaped blotches, while eastern milk snakes have square blotches. Eastern milk snakes can be found mostly in open spaces. They live in forests, barns, under large rocks, or debris. They are mostly active at night but they may be seen during the day sometimes. Their diet consists of lizards, rats, and other snakes. Contrary to the belief that eastern milk snakes drink milk from the cows in the barn, they do not. They are mostly in barns to look for rats and lizards. This snake is non-venomous. When threatened, they may vibrate their tails and release a pungent smell. They may strike and bite the intruder if they don't back away after the warning.