What are the three venomous snakes in Virginia?

All 3 of Virginia’s venomous species—the copperhead, the timber rattlesnake, and the water moccasin (also known as the cottonmouth)—are members of the pit viper family.

What kind of snakes do Virginia have?

Three are venomous — rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads. They can indeed be dangerous if you get too close. The other three are harmless but common — watersnakes, gartersnakes and blacksnakes.

Are there venomous snakes in Virginia?

There are only three species of venomous snakes in Virginia. The copperhead (found statewide) is the most common; and while it is usually not found inside homes, it may be common in gardens and woodlots.

Is killing snakes illegal in Virginia?

Killing a snake doesn’t help keep more snakes away, and even though you may be uneasy around snakes, they are important members of our ecosystem. It’s also illegal to kill snakes in Virginia unless there is an imminent threat to one’s personal health and safety. Don’t attempt to handle venomous snakes.

How can you tell if a snake is poisonous?

You can also look at the shape of their head. While most snakes have a triangular head, venomous snakes will have a more bulging look to them, especially along their jaws, because of their venomous sacks. Harmless snakes will have a skinnier head because of their lack of venomous sacks.

What snake is mistaken for a copperhead?

The most common snake misidentified as a copperhead is the harmless juvenile Eastern Ratsnake (formerly called the blackrat snake). The Eastern Ratsnake starts life with a strong pattern of gray or brown blotches on a pale gray background.

What’s a baby copperhead look like?

Baby copperheads are between 7 and 9 inches long with a triangular head and a beige-gray base color. They are patterned with dark brown, hourglass-shaped bands that start just below the head and end at the tail. Babies also have a bright yellow tail tip that they use to lure prey.

How can you keep snakes away?

How to Keep Snakes Away from Your House
  1. Replace grass or mulch with gravel. Snakes can’t move or hide easily on gravel and other hard surfaces.
  2. Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water. …
  3. Keep pet food inside. …
  4. Trim bushes and trees. …
  5. Reconsider water features. …
  6. Install snake-proof fencing.

Where are copperheads found in Virginia?

In Virginia, it’s pretty hard to miss these northern copperheads. They are widely distributed in every part of the state except the barrier islands. Copperheads can be found in old fields, marshes, rocky outcrops, and forests. In urban areas, they can be found in abandoned buildings, stone walls, and brush piles.

Are Virginia black snakes poisonous?

These snakes would be: the Northern black racer, the Eastern ratsnake, and the sometimes-but-not-always-black Eastern hognose. Though all three are non-venomous, harmless and native to Virginia, it is the first two, according to Steele, that are likely most often confused—and little wonder.

How do you keep snakes away from the house?

How to Keep Snakes Away from Your House
  1. Replace grass or mulch with gravel. Snakes can’t move or hide easily on gravel and other hard surfaces.
  2. Remove bird feeders, birdbaths, and other sources of food and water. …
  3. Keep pet food inside. …
  4. Trim bushes and trees. …
  5. Reconsider water features. …
  6. Install snake-proof fencing.

Are there poisonous snakes on the Eastern Shore of Virginia?

Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix, one of only a few venomous snakes found in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, although it is rarely lethal to humans.

Will black snakes keep copperheads away?

The commonly found Black Racer snake is known to sometimes attack and eat other poisonous snakes such as Coppearheads and Rattlesnakes, especially if they are very small! However, you shouldn’t count on even the Black racers to keep Copperheads away as it’s not a very common sight for Black Racers to eat other snakes.

Do rat snakes keep copperheads away?

But I realized recently that I had succumbed to a myth that is common here in Virginia — that the eastern ratsnake (Pantherophis alleghaniensis) is a natural enemy of copperheads and will kill any copperheads they meet. It turns out that this is not true.

Will a black snake bite you?

Black snakes are not venomous nor aggressive, but if threatened or cornered they may bite as a last resort. Black snakes are also excellent swimmers. The most intimidating feature of black snakes is their size as some can reach eight feet in length.

What animal kills copperheads?

Predators. Owls and hawks are the copperhead’s main predators. Opossums, raccoons and other snakes may also prey on copperheads.

What attracts snakes to your house?

Snakes enter a building because they’re lured in by dark, damp, cool areas or in search of small animals, like rats and mice, for food. Snakes can be discouraged from entering a home in several ways. Keeping the vegetation around the house cut short can make the home less attractive to small animals and snakes.