What is the deadliest snake in New York State?

timber rattlesnake
head determines whether it is dark or light phase. Photo by William Hoffman. Measuring from 3 to 4 feet or more in length, the timber rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in New York. The record length in New York is 60 inches.

Are there rattlesnakes in upstate NY?

New York State is home to only three venomous snake species: the timber rattlesnake, the massasauga (found only in the Rochester/Syracuse area) and the copperhead. All are uncommon, and the timber rattler is listed as a Threatened species in New York.

Where does the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake live?

Status: Threatened The eastern massasauga is a small, thick-bodied rattlesnake that lives in shallow wetlands and adjacent uplands in portions of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ontario.

What rattlesnakes are in New York?

The massasauga rattlesnake is the smallest of the three venomous snakes found in New York State, the other two being the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).

Are there water moccasins in upstate NY?

They are completely harmless to people. The water snake is found in and around almost any waterbody or wetland in the state.

Do water moccasins live in upstate NY?

They are completely harmless to people. The water snake is found in and around almost any waterbody or wetland in the state. As an adult, it is a stout animal typically dark brown to black with lighter-colored bands and splotches along its length. It is the only large (up to 42 inches) water snake in our range.

Is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake endangered in New York?

Unlike most rattlesnakes, Eastern Massasauga do not hibernate with other snakes (Johnson 1995). New York State Department of Environmental Conservation studies indicate a sharp population decline since the 1960s which lead to listing this species as state endangered in 1983 (Johnson and Breisch 1999).

Where are Eastern massasaugas found in New York?

Central New York represents the easternmost extent of the Eastern Massasauga range. This species is confined to two sites in the state: one in Onondaga County and one in Genesee County. Historically, this species was reported from other sites in western New York, but none have been confirmed.

What kind of snakes live in New York?

The massasauga rattlesnake is the smallest of the three venomous snakes found in New York State, the other two being the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).

Why are people killing the eastern massasauga snake?

Historically, snakes were killed in large numbers throughout its range (Szymanski 1998). Anthropogenic factors are the most significant threat to Eastern Massasauga populations. Development, agriculture, unregulated hunting, snake collecting are all present threats. Some people kill snakes due to fear during accidental encounters.