Snakes Of New Hampshire play a big role in the environment. The most commonly seen include the northern black racer, eastern garter snake, red-bellied snake, eastern hog-nosed snake, northern water snake, and a corn snake. Snakes Of New Hampshire are generally non-venomous and harmless to humans.
13 Snakes Of New Hampshire
- Timber rattlesnake
- Garter snake
- Common watersnake
- Ribbon snake
- Eastern racer
- Smooth green snake
- Milksnake
- Eastern hognose snake
- DeKay’s brown snake
- Ring-necked snake
- Northern redbelly snake
- Eastern milk snake
- Eastern brown snake
Timber rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is one of the venomous snakes of New Hampshire. This species has a distinct pattern of diamond-shaped markings on its back and will often raise its tail as a warning before striking with its fangs. It prefers forested areas for shelter, so it is best to be aware when hiking.
Garter snake
Garter snakes are nonvenomous snakes of New Hampshire. They are among the most common types of snakes in the region and are known for their small size and the distinctive stripes that run down their bodies. Garter snakes are generally quite docile and are not aggressive toward humans. They are often found in various habitats, including fields, forests, and gardens, and are known to eat a wide range of prey, including worms, slugs, and small rodents.
Common watersnake
The common watersnake is often seen near rivers, lakes, and streams in New Hampshire. It is a non-venomous snake that has thick bands of darker color running down its back. The common watersnake will eat fish, frogs, small mammals, and reptiles that it finds in or near the water.
Ribbon snake
Ribbon snakes are nonvenomous snakes of New Hampshire, including the eastern and central United States. They are closely related to garter snakes and have a similar appearance, with long, slender bodies and distinctive stripes running down their sides. Ribbon snakes are generally quite small, with adults reaching an average length of about 2-3 feet. They are found in various habitats, including forests, marshes, and fields, and are known to eat a wide range of prey, including worms, insects, and small amphibians. Like garter snakes, ribbon snakes are generally not aggressive toward humans and are considered harmless.
Eastern racer
The eastern racer is a long, slender snake with smooth scales and a grey or bluish-grey coloration. It can often be found in open spaces such as fields, farms, roadsides, and along rivers. Eastern racers will eat small mammals, frogs, and other reptiles that they can catch.
Smooth green snake
Smooth green snakes are a type of nonvenomous snake that is found in parts of North America, including the eastern and central United States. They are small snakes, with adults reaching an average length of about 2-3 feet. They are called “smooth green snakes” because of their smooth, glossy scales and bright green coloration, which can range from pale green to a bright emerald green.
Smooth green snakes are generally found in damp, wooded areas and are often seen near bodies of water, such as streams and ponds. They are mostly active during the day and are known to eat insects and other small invertebrates. Smooth green snakes are generally docile and are not aggressive toward humans.
Milk Snake
The Milk Snake is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake native to North and Central America. Milk Snakes are known for their striking coloration, ranging from shades of yellow, orange, and red bands separated by black or white rings. These snakes typically have thin bodies with smooth scales and grow up to 3-5 feet in length. Milk Snakes are diurnal and prefer to stay in areas with dense vegetation, as well as abandoned burrows or hollow logs. They feed mainly on small rodents such as mice and voles, but may also eat frogs, lizards, and other snakes.
Eastern hognose snake
The Eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) is a nonvenomous snake that is found in parts of the United States and Canada. It gets its name from the upturned nose that it uses to burrow into the ground in search of food. Eastern hognose snakes are known for their distinctive coloration, which can vary depending on the location, but generally consists of a base color that is yellow, brown, or gray, with darker brown or black blotches running down the back.
Eastern hognose snakes are small to medium-sized snakes, with adults reaching an average length of about 2-3 feet. They are found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands, and are known to eat a wide range of prey, including frogs, toads, and small rodents. Eastern hognose snakes are generally docile and are not aggressive toward humans.
DeKay’s brown snake
DeKay’s brown snake is a species of small, non-venomous snake endemic to North America. It is also known as DeKay’s Brown Deformity Snake or DeKay’s Deformer. The body of DeKay’s brown snake is typically between 9 and 11 inches in length, with males generally being larger than females. DeKay’s brown snake has a distinctively round head and large eyes. It is usually dark brown in color but can vary from black to tan or even yellowish-brown. DeKay’s brown snake is most commonly found in dry habitats such as fields, open woodlands, and rocky hillsides. DeKay’s brown snake feeds mainly on small mammals, amphibians, lizards, and insects.
Ring-necked snake
The ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a small, nonvenomous snake that is found in parts of the United States and Canada. It gets its name from the distinctive ring of color that is found around its neck. The color of the ring can vary but is typically bright orange or yellow. The rest of the snake’s body is generally a uniform color that is typically black, brown, or gray.
Ring-necked snakes are small, with adults reaching an average length of about 10-20 inches. They are found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and gardens, and are known to eat a wide range of prey, including worms, slugs, and small insects. Ring-necked snakes are generally docile and are not aggressive toward humans.
Northern redbelly snake
Northern redbelly snake is a species of small, slender snake found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They are mainly diurnal and can be seen basking in the sun during warm summer days. Northern redbelly snakes feed primarily on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. They primarily inhabit fields, meadows, grasslands, gardens, and other open areas where there is plenty of vegetation that provides shelter and protection. Northern redbelly snakes have a reddish coloration on their underside that distinguishes them from similar-looking species like the smooth green snake or eastern hog-nosed snake. Northern redbellies average about 10 to 12 inches in length with males being slightly larger than females.
Eastern milk snake
The Eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) is a nonvenomous snake that is found in parts of the United States and Canada. It is a medium-sized snake, with adults reaching an average length of about 2-4 feet. Eastern milk snakes are known for their distinctive coloration, which can vary depending on the location, but generally consists of a base color that is gray, brown, or reddish-brown, with black and white or yellow bands running down the back. Eastern milk snakes are found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and rocky areas, and are known to eat a wide range of prey, including rodents, birds, and eggs. Eastern milk snakes are generally docile and are not aggressive toward humans.
Eastern brown snake
The Eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is a venomous snake that is found in parts of Australia and New Guinea. It is a medium-sized snake, with adults reaching an average length of about 2-3 feet, although some individuals can grow much larger. Eastern brown snakes are known for their distinctive coloration, which can vary depending on the location, but generally consists of a base color that is brown or reddish-brown, with paler undersides.
Eastern brown snakes are found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas, and are known to eat a wide range of prey, including rodents, birds, and lizards. Eastern brown snakes are highly venomous and are considered to be one of the most dangerous species of snake in the world. They are generally not aggressive towards humans and will only bite if they feel threatened. If you encounter an Eastern brown snake, it is important to keep your distance and avoid disturbing it.
Conclusion
Snakes Of New Hampshire are a diverse group of creatures that can be found in many different habitats across the state. The five most common species include the Black Rat Snake, Eastern Gartersnake, Northern Water Snake, Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake, and Ring-Necked Snake. All of these snakes are important to their ecosystems, and it is important to be educated about the presence of these species and their habitats. Snakes should never be handled unless trained professionals are present, as they can be dangerous in certain situations. Snakes of New Hampshire are a vital part of the natural balance in the state and should be treated with respect.
