| Non-Venomous Snakes |
 |
| Eastern Hognose Extremely variable in colour Yellow (above left), orange, red, green and black with no pattern Easily identified by defense behavior- 1st behavior--loud hissing, puffing with air (hense the folk name "puff adder"), spreading of a cobra-like hood--BUT very rarely bites humans.. 2nd Behavior-Playing dead. for more information on this species-I've provided 2 links below-very interesting. |
 |
 |
| Northern Watersnake Colour variatioans-lighter or darker versions of the about sometimes highlighted with red. Most often along water or in the water. Feeds on fish and frogs. Most will bite savagely but only if picked up otherwise-they are shy and retreat quickly into the water if possible. They are not venomous and in PA there are NO venomous watersnakes- we do not have Cottonmouths native to PA-contrary to popular belief. |
 |
| Black Rat Snake 3 feet to 6 feet in length is common. Most adults are plain black on top. Juveniles are strongly patterned (photo coming) As the name implies it feeds on rodents and is very beneficial. These snakes have fairly placid temperaments but some will bite if frightened or cornered. It will rattle it's tail and rear up as a warning first. Also, they are strong climbers and are often seen in trees (or on porches, etc.>>>) |
 |
| Adult Northern Watersnake |
| Juvenile Northern Watersnake |
 |
 |
 |
| Upper Left: Adult Black Ratsnake Upper Right: Adult Black Ratsnake <<<Left: Junenile Black Ratsnake Right:>>> Adult Black Ratsnake |