DDN – Only three of Pennsylvania’s 21 known native snake species—the Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake, and Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake—are venomous.
Snakes are uncommon in cities since there is little to support them, yet they can nevertheless inadvertently enter populated areas.
Although snakes are not dangerous and, if left alone, will help control local rodent populations, both locals and visitors may feel apprehensive around them.
The counties and regions in Pennsylvania with the highest snake populations are listed below. Find out which species live there and why they are so numerous by reading on.
Delaware County
Although there are eight known snake species in the Delaware River, Eastern Garter snakes are the most common species, with 153 sightings confirmed.
No poisonous snakes have ever been found in the river by researchers. Large numbers of snakes have historically been a result of the water and humid environment, which provide ideal habitat.
The diversity of snake species has drastically decreased as a result of habitat destruction, and additional attempts to urbanize the landscape are probably going to severely diminish the diversity of all amphibians and reptiles.
Fortunately, there are still plenty of natural reserves that provide a home for these incredible creatures, including Hildacy, Rose Tree, and Ridley Creek.
Philadelphia County
The humid subtropical environment of Philadelphia County, especially John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, is ideal for snake habitat.
Of the seven species of snakes known to exist in the area, the Eastern Gartersnake and Dekay’s Brownsnake are the most prevalent; none of them are poisonous.
Of the 597 snakes that have been recorded, only 42 are from 2023.
Snakes can be seen chasing mice near homes and docks due to the bustling urban waterfronts.
To discourage both snakes and rodents, researchers advise homeowners to seal gaps and maintain short vegetation.
Although they can be intimidating, snakes in Philadelphia can be quite helpful to society if they are allowed to remain unharmed.
Lancaster County
Snakes like the uncommon Northern Rough Greensnake and the common Northern Watersnake find the ideal moist environment and humid climate along the Susquehanna River, which runs along the edge of Lancaster County.
The Copperhead is the only venomous snake that Lancaster County is aware of.
Only 25 new snake records were entered this year, out of the 791 snakes that have been recorded in Pennsylvania research surveys.
This decline could be caused by some factors, like human habitat destruction or generally milder temperatures. In this area, snakes are essential to preserving the natural balance.
Pike County
The most infested place in Pike County is Lake Wallenpaupack, where Northern Watersnakes are most prevalent.
The county is home to numerous ponds, lakes, and marshes that are teeming with snakes and other amphibians.
Although Northern Watersnakes are not poisonous, their saliva has anticoagulant qualities, and wildlife specialists advise against touching them due to their aggressiveness and strong teeth.
Although they are typically more elusive and prefer to live in more hilly areas, there have been just as many documented venomous Timber Rattlesnakes in the region.
Reports of Timber Rattlesnake bites are uncommon, and they are not as violent as Northern Watersnakes.
According to experts, if a venomous snake bites someone, they should seek medical attention right once, avoid using ice, and refrain from using any over-the-counter treatments.
Warren County
One of Pennsylvania’s most snake-infested places is the Allegheny River in Warren County. It’s common to witness Northern Watersnakes and Greensnakes crawling along the river.
With seven recorded cases in 2023 out of just 35 total accounts, the number of Timber Rattlesnakes in the area has increased recently. There have been 1,430 recorded snake sightings in Warren County from research surveys, representing 11 distinct species.
The humid continental environment is one factor contributing to the high number of snakes.
Snakes need warm weather to be active in hunting since, unlike mammals, they are unable to control their body temperature. Given their cold-blooded disposition, snakes may occasionally be drawn to heated urban areas such as wood heaps and radiators.
To discourage snakes, residents should attempt to keep any fuel evenly stacked 12 inches above the ground.
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