Eastern Shore Field Guide

Know Your Snakes.

Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore is home to a variety of native snake species. Most are harmless — and many are beneficial. Only one is venomous. Learn to tell them apart.

VenomousNon-venomous

Non-venomous

Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Size:20–33 in

ID:Upturned snout, variable color — tan, brown, gray, or black with dark blotches

Habitat:Sandy soils, open woodlands, fields

Flattens neck and hisses dramatically; may play dead. Completely harmless to humans.

Non-venomous

Eastern Black Rat Snake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

Size:42–72 in

ID:Glossy black body, white chin and throat, faint white blotches on juveniles

Habitat:Forests, farms, suburban yards, barns

Excellent climber; vibrates tail when threatened. Beneficial rodent predator.

Non-venomous

Eastern Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis

Size:18–26 in

ID:Three yellow stripes on dark body; checkered pattern between stripes

Habitat:Gardens, lawns, meadows, near water

Most commonly encountered snake in the region. Active during the day.

Non-venomous

Northern Water Snake

Nerodia sipedon

Size:24–42 in

ID:Heavy-bodied; dark brown to gray with reddish-brown crossbands that darken with age

Habitat:Ponds, streams, marshes, drainage ditches

Often mistaken for a Copperhead. Defensive but not venomous.

⚠ Venomous

Northern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen

Size:24–36 in

ID:Hourglass-shaped crossbands, copper-colored head, elliptical pupils, heat-sensing pits

Habitat:Rocky hillsides, wooded areas, stone walls, brush piles

Delaware's only venomous snake. Seek immediate medical attention if bitten.

Non-venomous

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula getula

Size:36–48 in

ID:Shiny black with white or yellow chain-link pattern across the body

Habitat:Pine forests, swamps, farmland, suburban edges

Immune to pit viper venom; actively preys on Copperheads.

Non-venomous

Eastern Milk Snake

Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum

Size:24–36 in

ID:Red-brown blotches bordered in black on a gray or tan body; Y-shaped mark on neck

Habitat:Farms, forests, rocky hillsides, old buildings

Nocturnal; often found under logs and debris. Frequently mistaken for a Copperhead.

Non-venomous

Rough Green Snake

Opheodrys aestivus

Size:22–32 in

ID:Bright grass-green above, yellow-white below; very slender

Habitat:Shrubs, vines, low tree branches near water

Arboreal; blends into vegetation. Completely harmless and docile.

Non-venomous

Eastern Worm Snake

Carphophis amoenus amoenus

Size:7–11 in

ID:Smooth brown back, pink-white belly; tiny eyes, pointed tail tip

Habitat:Moist forest soils, under rocks and logs

Fossorial; rarely seen above ground. Often unearthed while gardening.

Non-venomous

Northern Ring-neck Snake

Diadophis punctatus edwardsii

Size:10–15 in

ID:Slate gray body with a distinct yellow-orange ring around the neck; bright orange-red belly

Habitat:Moist woodlands, under logs, leaf litter

Secretive; hides under bark and rocks. Curls tail to expose bright belly when threatened.

Non-venomous

Eastern Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis sauritus sauritus

Size:18–26 in

ID:Very slender; three bright yellow stripes on dark brown body; long tail

Habitat:Wetland edges, stream banks, pond margins

Semi-aquatic; fast-moving. Often confused with the Garter Snake but more slender.

Non-venomous

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata

Size:8–12 in

ID:Brown or gray above with a faint dorsal stripe; bright red or orange-red belly

Habitat:Moist woodlands, forest edges, gardens, under debris

Small and secretive; found under logs and leaf litter. Completely harmless.

Non-venomous

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Size:36–60 in

ID:Solid black or blue-black above, lighter below; large eyes, slender build

Habitat:Open fields, forest edges, roadsides, suburban areas

Fast-moving and alert. Vibrates tail in leaf litter to mimic a rattlesnake.

Non-venomous

DeKay's Brown Snake

Storeria dekayi

Size:9–13 in

ID:Light brown with a pale dorsal stripe bordered by small dark spots; pale belly

Habitat:Gardens, lawns, urban areas, forest edges, under debris

Very common and often overlooked. Docile and completely harmless; frequently found in gardens.

Non-venomous

Scarlet Snake

Cemophora coccinea

Size:14–20 in

ID:Red, black, and yellow banding; red snout; bands do not encircle the belly — white or cream below

Habitat:Sandy soils, pine barrens, forest edges, under logs and debris

Nocturnal and fossorial. Often confused with the venomous Scarlet Kingsnake but has a red snout and unbanded belly.

Non-venomous

Plain-bellied Water Snake

Nerodia erythrogaster

Size:24–40 in

ID:Uniform dark brown, olive, or gray above; plain yellow, orange, or red belly with no pattern

Habitat:Swamps, slow-moving streams, ponds, wetland edges

Semi-aquatic; often basks on logs and banks. Defensive when cornered but not venomous.

This guide covers species commonly found on Delaware and Maryland's Eastern Shore. If you encounter a snake you cannot identify, keep your distance and contact a wildlife professional. Never attempt to handle an unknown snake.

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