What are the Different Types of Eastern Snakes?

There are 115 species of snakes from five families found in North America, and members of three of the families are found throughout the continent, including the eastern states. Due to the rise of exotic snakes in the wild — from escaped or released pets — small populations of any kind of snake can be found even in places where they do not naturally occur, especially if the habitat is favorable. Only two types of eastern snakes are venomous, but their ranges are large. Different types of eastern snakes include coral, pit vipers, and colubrids.

The coral snake family occurs in the southeastern portion of the United States, especially Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia. The most striking characteristic of these snakes is their distinct bands of color, usually black, red, and yellow. Coral snakes are very seldom seen because they are burrowers who spend most of the day hidden under piles of leaves and other vegetation, which also means they are easily stepped on. When they bite, they latch on tightly to inject venom, which contains a neurotoxin. Although the venom can take up to 12 hours to begin working, the neurotoxin can be deadly to the respiratory, cardiac, and central nervous systems.

The pit viper family can be found across most of the US, and includes the deadliest eastern snakes like rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth snakes. The canebreak rattlesnake found in the southeastern states is considered one of the deadliest American snakes because of the potent neurotoxin-containing venom that can cause nearly instant paralysis and death. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake, found from North Carolina to Florida, is the largest venomous American snake at up to five feet in length, and injects enough venom in one bite to kill six human beings.

The colubrid snake family is the most populous of all families of eastern snakes, and includes the species of snakes most commonly found in backyard settings. The snakes in this family are non-venomous, and are commonly kept as pets. The colubrid family includes the rat snake, king snake, and garter snake, and is found throughout the eastern states, from Maine to the Florida Keys. Worldwide, the colubrid family includes over 2000 species, and throughout its entire range is considered an important part of the ecosystem.

The boa and python family are really not eastern snakes at all, native to only the western states and British Columbia, but they are increasingly found in the eastern states, and have even begun to populate the Florida Everglades. Boas and pythons are large snakes who use their thick, heavily muscled body to constrict and suffocate prey. Very popular as pets, they are often bought by people who do not realize just how large they can become, and who overestimate their own ability to feed them live prey. Frequently, these pet snakes are released into the wild to fend for themselves, and in places like Florida's warm, humid climate, they soon establish a population and flourish. In the Florida Everglades, Burmese pythons and African rock pythons have begun to interbreed, creating a larger and more aggressive species.

In the eastern United States, you'll find a variety of snakes such as the Eastern Garter Snake, known for its distinctive stripe pattern, and the venomous Eastern Copperhead with its hourglass-shaped bands. The non-venomous Black Rat Snake is also prevalent, often found in wooded areas and barns, while the Eastern Hognose Snake, famous for its defensive 'playing dead' behavior, is another species native to this region.

The Eastern Copperhead has a distinctive pattern of dark, hourglass-shaped bands on a lighter brown or tan body. Their heads are characteristically broad and copper-colored, which is a key feature for identification. Juveniles have a yellow-tipped tail, which they wiggle to lure prey. Always exercise caution, as they are venomous and can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests to rocky areas.

Yes, the eastern United States is home to several venomous snake species. The Eastern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake are two of the most well-known. The Cottonmouth, also known as the Water Moccasin, is found in aquatic environments in the southeastern part of the region. It's important to give these snakes space and respect their role in the ecosystem.

Eastern Garter Snakes are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats. They thrive in environments such as meadows, woodlands, and near bodies of water. These snakes are also commonly seen in suburban areas, where they help control pest populations. Their diet consists of amphibians, insects, and even small rodents.

When threatened, the Eastern Hognose Snake puts on a dramatic display. It will first hiss and spread its neck like a cobra to appear more intimidating. If this fails to deter a predator, it will roll over, play dead, and emit a foul smell from its glands. This act is so convincing that predators often lose interest, thinking the snake is not a viable meal.

If you encounter a snake in the wild, the best course of action is to keep a safe distance and observe it without disturbing it. Most snakes, including those in the eastern United States, are not aggressive and will avoid humans if possible. Never attempt to handle or harm a snake, as this can provoke an otherwise avoidable defensive reaction.