Poisonous vs Venomous
Before we get into our list, it’s important to clear up a common misconception regarding snakes and their danger. It might sound crazy, but did you know that there isn’t a single snake in the world that is poisonous? Before you get your hopes too high, however, let us be the first to tell you that there are venomous snakes. Poison is defined as a toxin that gets into your body through breathing, swallowing, or absorption through the skin. We generally regard snakes as poisonous, even though we aren’t swallowing or breathing in their toxins. Venom, on the other hand, is a toxin that is injected into your body. Snakes that are dangerous to humans can inject their toxins into our bodies through their fangs, making them venomous. So, as a rule, snakes aren’t poisonous, but some species are venomous.
A complete list of the venomous snakes in Ohio
With an understanding that is a bit more accurate, we can cover the snakes that live in Ohio that are venomous, not poisonous. Let’s begin!
Eastern timber rattlesnake
Eastern timber rattlesnakes are easily the most dangerous snakes in Ohio. They go by a few names, including timber rattlesnakes, canebrake rattlesnakes, or banded rattlesnakes. Timber rattlesnakes are among the most populous rattlesnakes in the northeastern United States and compete with prairie rattlesnakes for the most northerly venomous snake. Identification: Timber rattlesnakes are heavy-bodied snakes that can grow to six feet in length. Their bodies are generally gray, although some have a light yellow or pink undertone to them. Since they are so widely distributed across the eastern United States, their pattern can vary. In Ohio, most timber rattlesnakes have black bands that resemble chevrons down the length of their bodies. Additionally, these snakes have the characteristic rattle on the end of their tail, which they will shake when threatened. Distribution: The timber rattlesnake is only found in the southern regions of the state (usually south of Ross County). There is a potentially small population that resides among some of the small islands of western Lake Erie.
Massasauga rattlesnake
Massasauga rattlesnakes are heavy-bodied rattlesnakes that live in Ohio. They go by a few names, including the “swamp rattler” and “black snapper.” These snakes rarely bite unless highly agitated, and their small fangs have trouble delivering venom to large animals like humans. Still, they are dangerous and have highly toxic venom. Identification: Massasauagas are heavy-bodied rattlesnakes that generally grow to a maximum of two feet, making them smaller than timber rattlesnakes. They are darker in color, usually brown, black, and gray. Their pattern can be stripes or splotches and are significantly darker than their base color. Like other rattlesnakes, massasaugas have a rattle on their tail, although theirs is usually pretty small. Distribution: Eastern massasaugas can be found across northern Ohio and are present in 28 counties. They are most commonly found in Cedar Bog (Champaign County), Killdeer Plains (Wyandot County), and Mosquito Creek (Trumbull County) Wildlife Areas.
Northern copperhead
Copperheads are one of the most famous snakes found across the eastern United States. They are quite beautiful snakes and come in five different subspecies. Northern copperheads have the greatest range of all the subspecies, and they are also one of the most misidentified snakes. Many other snakes are killed by people thinking they have found a copperhead. Identification: Northern copperheads are thick snakes that can grow up to three feet long. Their bodies are copper-colored, often with reddish or brownish undertones. The patterns across the bodies of copperheads are hourglass-shaped, with the thinnest portion of the shape sitting across their spine. Their hourglass patterns are usually darker brown and repeat from below their heads to their tails. When copperheads are young, their tails are neon yellow until they are three or four years old. Distribution: The northern copperhead can be found in the southern and eastern counties of Ohio.
Commonly misidentified and harmless snakes in Ohio
Although there are only three species of venomous snakes in Ohio, many people mistake harmless snakes for dangerous ones. Let’s take a look at three of the most common and harmless snakes you could encounter.
Garter snakes
There are three species of garter snake in Ohio: the Eastern garter, Easter plains garter, and the Butler’s garter snake. Each of these snakes is harmless to humans and can be found across much of the state. They can be identified by the three distinct white or yellow stripes that run down their body. Garter snakes have one stripe on their spine and one on each side.
Watersnakes
There are many watersnake species in Ohio, but the most commonly mistaken one is the common watersnake. These snakes can be found near almost every body of water in the state. Common watersnakes are brown or black and have brown banding that runs down their bodies. Many people think these snakes are cottonmouths (although they don’t even live in the state) or copperheads.
Brown snakes
Northern brown snakes are small, thin snakes that live everywhere in Ohio except for the eastern border of the state. They can come in various shades of brown or tan, and they often have a stripe with dots alongside their spine. These snakes are not harmful to humans but are often mistaken for baby copperheads.
