If you have a snake on your property, contact wildlife removal as soon as possible, as all snakes may bite if they feel threatened. However, it's important to note that most snakes aren't venomous. Only two snake species native to Connecticut have the potential to harm humans, so learn more about how to identify them below.

Venomous Snakes Found in Connecticut

The two species of venomous snakes in Connecticut are the copperhead and the timber rattlesnake. Just like the 12 non-venomous species found in the state, both of these species will only bite if they're attacked, handled, or feel threatened. The distribution of the copperhead and timber rattlesnake is low, so it's unlikely that you'll find one on your property, though it is possible.

How to Identify a Venomous Snake

Venomous snakes across the country tend to have thick bodies and triangular heads, whereas non-venomous snakes are usually thinner with rounded heads. Another common feature is that poisonous snakes have narrow slits for eyes, and their pupils are long with pointed ends. You might also be able to hear a rattlesnake's rattle or see it on the tip of its tail.

Timber Rattlesnake

If you see a snake that has a black, brown, or yellow body with v-shaped bands, it may be a timber rattlesnake. These snakes have keeled scales, which means they look rough rather than smooth. They also have a large head and a thick body, and the rattle on the tip of their tail is segmented. The timber rattlesnake may be confused with the non-venomous eastern hog-nosed snake, so call wildlife removal experts to be safe.

Copperhead

One identifiable feature of a copperhead is its thick, copper-colored body with reddish or brown bands. They also have keeled scales and copper-colored eyes, and young copperheads have yellowish tips on their tails. This species may be confused with the milksnake, northern watersnake, and eastern hog-nosed snake, as they all have similar features.

If you see any kind of snake on your property, stay away and call a trusted wildlife removal company. American Bio-Tech Wildlife Services in New Milford, CT, has been humanely removing wildlife since 1971. Managed by a biologist, this team will relocate the animal to a safe place away from your home, and then offer measures and advice to keep them out in the future. Call (860) 355-1231 to arrange for removal today, or reach out on their website with any questions you have.