Venomous snakes in Massachusetts
Venomous snakes living in Massachusetts
2species
Timber rattlesnake, Copperhead. A bite from the timber rattlesnake is a medical emergency.
How to recognize them
Timber rattlesnakeDangerous22 records, 3 counties
CopperheadMedically significant16 records, 3 counties
Timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus
- Dark V- or chevron-shaped bands across the back
- Black tail ending in a rattle
- Yellow, tan or dark phases; some are almost black
Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix
- Copper to tan body with dark hourglass bands: wide on the sides, narrow on the spine
- Plain coppery head with no pattern
- Young snakes have a bright yellow-green tail tip
Every venomous snake species known from the US is on this site.
Counties with records
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Active months
Harmless snakes people mistake for them
- Copperhead vs Northern Water Snake Northern water snake: harmless
- Copperhead vs Milk Snake Milk snake: harmless
Quick answers
- Lives here Are there rattlesnakes in Massachusetts?
- Lives here Are there copperheads in Massachusetts?
- Not here Are there cottonmouths in Massachusetts?
Questions
How many venomous snakes are in Massachusetts?
2 species live in the state: Timber rattlesnake and Copperhead.
Which venomous snakes in Massachusetts are dangerous?
Timber rattlesnake and Copperhead: a bite is a medical emergency.
Which harmless snakes get mistaken for venomous ones in Massachusetts?
Northern water snake and Milk snake. See the side-by-side comparisons below.
More for Massachusetts
- All venomous animals in Massachusetts
- Venomous spiders in Massachusetts
- Scorpions in Massachusetts
- Centipedes in Massachusetts