Snakes in Northern Ohio
There are many species of snakes that make their home in the temperate deciduous forests of northern Ohio. Lake Erie, on the northern border of the state, helps moderate the temperature and the first frost of autumn will occur several weeks later than it does inland. The diverse landscape and lake-effect climate of northern Ohio provides an environment for a rich concentration of snakes to thrive.
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Eastern Fox Snake (Elaphe gloydi)
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Found only in the northern portion of the state in the flat, marshy shores of Lake Erie, the eastern fox snake is a rare sight in the wild. Eastern fox snakes range from 3-4 feet in length and they have a yellow to brown base color with a blotchy-pattern that varies in sharpness. This shy snake will often try to escape when threatened. Eastern fox snakes are ground dwellers and do not climb well; their diet consists primarily of frogs, small mammals and birds on the ground. Eastern fox snakes are non-venomous and kill their prey by constriction.
Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon platyrhinos)
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The eastern hognose snake, while small in size, is large in character—a trait rarely seen in snakes. Found only in the extreme northern and southern portions of Ohio, hognose snakes get their name from a distinct upturned snout, which they use to dig in search of frogs, salamanders, insects, worms and various other prey. Eastern hognose snakes average 18-30 inches in length and their coloration is extremely variable, from jet black individuals to brightly colored specimens with orange and yellow markings. The underside of these snakes is commonly seen due to their elaborate defensive display when threatened. First, hognose snakes will hiss loudly and flatten their necks to make themselves appear much larger, creating an effect similar to hoods formed by cobras. If that fails to deter a potential predator or passerby, the threatened snake will promptly roll over onto its back, release a foul smelling liquid and pretend to be dead. The eastern hognose snake is a dedicated actor and will often remain limp in you hand if you try to pick it up after a performance.
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Black Rat Snakes (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta)
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Considered one of the most beneficial reptiles to have around, the black rat snake is a voracious predator of many mammalian pests. The black rat snake is also the largest snake found in Ohio. Adults can reach sizes of 4-6 feet in length—though some individuals have been over 8 feet—and they are characterized by their jet black appearance with small white color under their chin. Black rat snakes are excellent climbers; they are commonly found in the hay lofts of barns and are known to take refuge in woodpecker holes high in trees. Black rat snakes will curl up into a striking position and vibrate their tails violently when threatened. They will strike repeatedly upon being handled, however, they will usually calm down and get used to human handling after a short time. Some individuals in the wild never even display concern over human presences and will accept handling without protest; thus, they are a commonly kept in captivity.
Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokeson)
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The copperhead is the most abundant and frequently encountered venomous snake in Ohio. Their prevalence is due to their ability to live in a range of habitats. Copperheads, while venomous and dangerous to humans, also provide a service as their primary prey is mice though they also feed on frogs, birds, other snakes and insects. Copperheads get their name from the copper coloration commonly found on their body, which is further camouflaged by an hourglass-shape pattern on the back. Copperheads are pit vipers and posses a pair of heat sensing structures located between their eyes and mouth that allow them to detect minute temperature differences in the surrounding environment. Copperhead bites can be painful and cause severe illness, but with proper medical treatment are rarely lethal. Respect and common sense is the best way to avoid a bite when encountering a copperhead in the wild.
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References
- Marietta College: The Temperate Deciduous Forest
- University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web: Eastern Fox Snake
- OPLIN: Whats That Snake?: Eastern Hognose Snake
- Smithsonian National Zoological Park: Reptiles & Amphibians: Fact Sheets: Black Rat Snake
- Ohio Department of natural Resources: Division of Wildlife: Northern Copperhead
Resources
- Photo Credit snake image by Dwight Davis from Fotolia.com
