Venomous animals in Massachusetts
Venomous species living here
32 venomous snakes, 1 venomous spider
The ones that need the most respect: timber rattlesnake. A bite from any of them is a medical emergency.
- 1 dangerous
- 2 medically significant
Where they turn up in Massachusetts
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Venomous snakes in Massachusetts
Timber rattlesnakeDangerous22 records, 3 counties
CopperheadMedically significant16 records, 3 counties
Venomous snakes in Massachusetts: map, photos and look-alikes
Venomous spiders in Massachusetts
Venomous spiders in Massachusetts: map, photos and look-alikes
When they are out
- Venomous snakes
- Venomous spiders
Harmless look-alikes in Massachusetts
- Copperhead vs Northern Water Snake Northern water snake is harmless
- Copperhead vs Milk Snake Milk snake is harmless
Quick answers for Massachusetts
- Lives here Rattlesnakes
- Lives here Copperheads
- Not here Cottonmouths
- Not here Brown recluses
- Lives here Black widows
Questions
How many venomous snakes live in Massachusetts?
2 species: Timber rattlesnake and Copperhead.
Are there brown recluse spiders in Massachusetts?
No. There are no open records of the brown recluse from Massachusetts, and the state is outside its range.
Are there scorpions in Massachusetts?
No. There are no open records of native scorpions from the state.
When are venomous animals most active in Massachusetts?
Most open records from Massachusetts fall in August to September. Records follow when people are outdoors too, so treat this as a guide, not a rule.
What should I do after a bite or sting?
Call 911 for any venomous snakebite or a severe reaction. For spider bites and scorpion stings, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, free and open 24/7.