Pennsylvania spans the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. This state is characterized by a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. As well as extensive forests and grasslands, Pennsylvania offers many wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakes, and wet meadows. These areas are suitable for several species of aquatic and semi-aquatic snakes.
[su_note note_color="#1e73be" text_color="#ffffff"]NOTE: The terms ‘semi-aquatic’ and ‘aquatic’ snake are used in this article interchangeably to refer to snakes predominately hunting in aquatic habitats. In this case, ‘aquatic’ does not refer to fully aquatic snake species belonging to the genus Nerodia.[/su_note]
The northern water snake can reach an impressive size, with lengths varying from 61 - 140 cm (2 ft - 4 ft 7 in) – females tend to be longer and heavier than males. This species is quite dark in color, with individuals displaying tan, brown, or gray scales. There are dark patches on the back and sides, which can sometimes merge to form bands.
Nerodia sipedon can be found throughout Pennsylvania. This species was once considered a pest, but this is no longer the case, and it can be seen in most waterways and lakes. It will also occupy semi-aquatic habitats such as wet meadows and will hide underneath rocks or logs. The diet of the northern water snake includes fishes, frogs, salamanders, insects, crayfish, and occasionally small mammals.
Reproduction is energetically costly for these snakes. Females prefer larger males, although they themselves show decreased growth when they are reproductively active. Breeding takes place in April and May, and the female gives birth to live young between August and October, often having around twenty offspring at one time.
The maximum length of the northern rough green snake is 117 cm (3 ft 10 in), although individuals are more commonly found at lengths of around 56 - 81 cm (1 ft 10 in - 2 ft 8 in). This snake has a very slender body, with its tail tapering to a fine tip. Its dorsum is bright green, while the ventral region varies in color from pale green to yellow, to cream.
Opheodrys aestivus is only found in Chester County in Pennsylvania. Historically, it was also found in Greene County, however, there have been no recent records of populations here. Although the overall conservation status of this species is that of least concern, in Pennsylvania it is concerned critically imperiled, possibly due to the clearance of wooded wetlands, and the use of pesticides.
This species is semi-aquatic, often found at the margins of lakes, streams, and marshes. It is also arboreal and may be found at heights of up to 20 ft. The prey targeted by the northern rough green snake is most abundant at woodland edges, which may be why these snakes can often be found here. Common prey items include caterpillars, spiders, grasshoppers, and crickets.
The queen snake is medium-sized, reaching 36 - 58 cm (1 ft 2 in - 1 ft 11 in) in length. This snake has a fairly slender build and varies in color between tan, green, or brown, with a prominent yellow stripe along the lower side. The belly is yellow with four brown stripes, and the throat is white.
There are two distinct populations of Regina septemvittata in Pennsylvania, one in the east, and one in the west. This species prefers clean water, usually frequenting clean lakes, rivers, and streams with an abundant supply of crayfish – as dietary specialists, these snakes rely on freshly molted crayfish as their sole source of nutrients. Queen snakes are highly sensitive to chemical cues released by the crayfish, meaning they can locate their prey with ease.
Although the conservation status of this snake is that of least concern, populations may be affected by factors such as development, agriculture, and pollution. Declines in crayfish numbers also have a significant effect on queen snakes.
The ribbon snake is slender and is not particularly long, reaching just 41 - 71 cm (1 ft 4 in - 2 ft 4 in). The dorsum is dark, with three yellow stripes running down the length, and the underside is cream or pale yellow in color. This species has a small, narrow head.
Thamnophis saurita is fairly widespread in Pennsylvania, usually occupying deciduous woodland or grassy fields near a permanent water source. Ribbon snakes feed on fish and frogs, capturing them in the water but carrying them to the shore before consuming them. These snakes rely on natural flooding – in areas where floods have been suppressed, they may experience a shortage of prey.
Ribbon snakes are viviparous, giving birth to live young. Interestingly, the longer and heavier the female, the more young she produces per litter. As with most snake species, no parental care is provided, and the offspring fend for themselves from day one.
The northern copperhead is a large snake, reaching 61 - 102 cm (2 ft - 3 ft 4 in) in length. This snake is heavy-bodied, with a large, triangular-shaped head, and there are facial pits that detect the body heat of the snake’s prey. The color of this species is tan or brown, with dark hourglass-shaped bands along the body and tail.
Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen can be found throughout Pennsylvania, except for in the northernmost counties. This species prefers upland habitat, usually rocky areas or wooded hillsides with piles of debris to hide amongst. It can also be found in semi-aquatic habitats such as wetlands. Northern copperheads are venomous, producing hemotoxic venom which breaks down red blood cells. This venom is not especially dangerous to humans if bites are treated quickly.
The northern copperhead is predominantly nocturnal, particularly during the warmer summer months. Common prey items include amphibians, birds, other snakes, lizards, insects, and small mammals. Although populations of this snake are stable, they may be affected by habitat loss, degradation, or fragmentation.
The Kirtland’s snake is small, reaching just 36 - 62 cm (1 ft 2 in - 2 ft) in length. The dorsal color of this species ranges from brown to rusty red, with black spots along the length of the body. The ventral scales are bright red, bordered on each side by a line of black spots which runs from head to tail. There is also a black hood on the head.
Clonophis kirtlandii is a very elusive species, with populations in Pennsylvania likely confined to the greater Pittsburgh area. There are also some records from Jefferson and Westmoreland counties. This snake occupies wetlands, marshes, canals, and forested wetlands, where it consumes earthworms and slugs, as well as occasionally feeding on crayfish and fish.
Populations of the Kirtland’s snake are declining. Threats to this species include habitat degradation, development, agriculture, and soil and water pollution. Individuals may also be at risk of disease, or capture for the pet trade.
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