Snake found in Massachusetts has deadly bite

Massachusetts isn’t known for its abundance of snakes, but there are two in particular that you don’t want to mess with. The Timber Rattlesnake and Copperhead are venomous and are found in Massachusetts.

Garter snakes (also called garden snakes) are common in Massachusetts and pose no real threat to humans, although their bite can cause some annoyance. It always seems like there is one in the crease of the gasket on the bottom of my garage door.

Garter snake (non-venomous)

Although not technically venomous, garter snake bites can cause mild swelling and itching in humans, and some people have had allergic reactions in the past, although this is rare.

When you think of rattlesnakes, you may think of the Southwest, but they are right here in the Northeastern part of the country, including Massachusetts. They are considered endangered, so it is illegal to harm and/or kill them. They are rare and probably don’t want anything to do with humans, but if you mess with them they can bite you and that bite has enough venom to kill you.

Wooden rattlesnake

The venomous timber rattlesnake is extremely rare and localized. It has a heavy body, a triangular head, a slit, cat-like pupil and a rattle that it uses to warn potential predators. It prefers rocky, wooded areas -tufts.edu

Northern Copperhead

The northern copperhead is poisonous and extremely rare. It has a thick, heavy body, with keeled scales, a triangular head and a thin, cat-like pupil. Its brown and orange body is well camouflaged against the forest floor.

These two snakes found in Massachusetts are rare and endangered, but they have enough force in their bite that immediate medical attention is needed.

Information courtesy of vet.tufts.edu