Maryland has a pretty diverse snake population — more than two dozen different species call the state home. They’re a crucial part of our ecosystem, acting as both predators and prey.
Unfortunately, many people misidentify harmless snakes as venomous. It’s important to know the difference, both for your safety and for the snakes’ well-being.
This article will give you the information you need to identify the Maryland venomous snakes you might encounter. We’ll also cover how to safely coexist with these fascinating creatures.
Identifying Maryland’s venomous snakes
Of the many kinds of snakes slithering around Maryland, only two are venomous and only one is especially common. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)
Eastern copperheads usually have a light brown or tan body with chestnut brown crossbands and, as you might guess, a copper-colored head. Like other pit vipers, copperheads have elliptical pupils, heat-sensing pits between their nostrils and eyes, and a triangular head shape.
Copperheads are common throughout Maryland, especially in forested areas.
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Timber rattlesnakes vary in color from yellow to black, with dark bands along the body. They also have the telltale triangular head, along with a rattle on their tail that they’ll shake when they feel threatened. Timber rattlers can grow up to five feet long.
These snakes are more common in western Maryland.
Other venomous snakes (less common)
Some sources list the Eastern cottonmouth or water moccasin (Agkistrodon piscivorus) as being present in Maryland, although its presence in the state is rare and debated. The same is true of the Eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius), which is extremely rare in Maryland.
How to tell venomous snakes from harmless ones
Venomous snakes in Maryland, like copperheads and timber rattlesnakes, have some common characteristics: elliptical pupils (like a cat’s eye), a triangular head shape, and a heat-sensing pit between their eye and nostril. Non-venomous snakes tend to have round pupils and a more rounded head.
However, you shouldn’t only rely on head shape. Some non-venomous snakes can flatten their heads to look more triangular when they feel threatened.
The best rule is to observe snakes from a safe distance and never try to handle them. Getting close enough to see their pupils isn’t a good idea!
Common Non-Venomous Snakes in Maryland
While it’s good to know what the venomous snakes in Maryland look like, you’re far more likely to encounter one of these non-venomous snake species:
- Eastern Rat Snake (aka Black Rat Snake): These snakes can grow to 6 feet long or even longer. They’re excellent climbers and often live in wooded areas.
- Northern Watersnake: You’ll find these snakes near water sources. They can reach almost 4 feet in length.
- Eastern Garter Snake: These snakes are only 1 to 2 feet long, and they’re very common in Maryland. They’re highly adaptable, so you might see them in a variety of habitats.
- Eastern Milk Snake: Often found in barns and fields, these snakes can grow up to 3 feet long.
What to do if you encounter a snake
If you see a snake, keep your distance. Admire it, respect it, and leave it alone. Never try to handle or capture any snake, venomous or not.
The best way to avoid encountering snakes is to stay on designated trails, and be careful where you put your feet. Exercise caution when stepping over logs or piles of debris, and wear closed-toe shoes or boots.
Remember that snakes don’t want to interact with humans. Venomous snakes only attack when they feel threatened or cornered.
Snake bite first aid
If someone is bitten by a snake, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or the Maryland Poison Center at 800-222-1222. Get the person to a hospital as quickly as possible.
While you wait for help to arrive, here’s what you can do:
- Calm and reassure the person.
- Keep the bite below the level of their heart.
- Put a loose bandage above the bite.
Never do these things:
- Don’t try to suck out the venom.
- Don’t use ice, cold packs, or sprays.
- Don’t use a tourniquet.
- Don’t give the person alcohol or drugs.
How to keep snakes away from your house
If you want to keep snakes away from your home, you can:
- Seal cracks and holes in your house, garage, and other buildings
- Clear away brush, leaves, wood, mulch, and rock piles
- Keep trash cans secured and remove any potential food sources
Remember that all snakes in Maryland are protected. If you need help identifying a snake or want advice on dealing with one, contact a wildlife professional.
Putting It All Together
Snakes are an important part of Maryland’s ecosystem, so it’s important to respect and protect them. By knowing how to identify the venomous snakes in our area and taking simple safety precautions in the woods, you can appreciate these fascinating creatures from a safe distance and help to ensure their survival.