| Venomous or Dangerous Creatures |
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| Black Phase Timber Rattlesnake These snakes vary greatly in colour From all black to black with patterning to yellow with black patterns. Easiest ID point-rattle on the tail. |
| Northern Copperhead Varies in colour from light tan to reddish. Rarely-patternless-but it does occur. Brown or black variables have been seen. Easiest ID point is the pattern as above. Often mistaken for this snake are the harmless Northern Watersnake and Eastern Milksnake. |
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| <<<< Eastern Massasaugua Rattlesnake This snake is very rare in PA-so a file photo (photographer is not known) has been used to help in identifying this species. Colour varies from Brown to Grey. Mush smaller than the Timber Rattlesnake. Easiest ID point-rattle on tail. |
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| If you have a digital photo or scanned photo of any local snakes (etc) you would like identified-I will be happy to help you. send it to the link below. Your photo will not be used on this site. Questions and/or discriptions are always welcome. I check my e-mail at least once daily (usually more) and any of the above will be priority and answered first. |
| Note on e-mail: I will not be available between June 20 and June 30 2004 |
| Answers to a few common questions: 1. Can a dead or beheaded snake still bite? Yes, for up to an hour after "death". 2. What should I do if bitten by a venomous snakes? Go to your nearest hospital!! Immediately! 2a. What if this happens in the woods or on a wildlife trail, etc? Remain calm-first and formost. If you have a cell phone-calmly call for help, if you have a companion, have them help you walk (DON'T RUN) or carry you to help (and you should never hike alone anyway) other than that consult a site or book on first aid for snake bite. Read these BEFORE you go out into the snake's territory. 3. Do Rattlers always rattle if you are within strike range? NO!! Look around, be aware of what species are locally common and watch your step. Remember YOU are the snake's home-they are NOT waiting to bite hikers-they bite because YOU threaten them or hurt them. Alot of people say-"It's my backyard"--well-the snake was here first and they don't know what property lines are. The only reason a snake is in your yard is because it's food or water are there. |
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| Normal Colour Northern Copperhead |
| Brown Nearly Patternless Northern Copperhead |
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