CALIFORNIA SNAKES

Did you know that there are actually snakes in NY? In fact, there are 16 native species of snakes in NY State. Luckily, the majority of these are harmless garter snakes and water snakes that are easy to identify.
Garter snakes live in a wide variety of habitats, including near human habitations. Therefore, don’t be surprised to find snakes in NY residing in your backyard, shed, or home! Garter snakes – also known as garden snakes because they are often found in gardens – vary in color and pattern. In fact, the name “garter” stems from the fancy garters that men used to wear to hold up their socks, which were colorful and had longitudinal stripes. While garter snakes in NY range in color from shades of green, yellow, brown or gray, they almost always have three yellow or red longitudinal stripes along the length of their back and sides. Garter snakes are typically smaller than two feet, but some are longer.
Water snakes in NY can be found near any water body (i.e., streams and ponds) or wetland. These snakes are dark brown or black with light-colored bands and splotches along their length. In young water snakes, the splotches are more pronounced. Due to the fact that water snakes have an aggressive personality and can appear nasty, water snakes in NY are sometimes mistaken for the venomous Cottonmouth snake.
However, snakes in NY that are most often misidentified are Milk Snakes. While Milk Snakes are harmless, they look very similar to the venomous Coral Snake. They vibrate their tails sharply when annoyed, so beware of upsetting snakes you encounter in NY!
The largest species of snakes in NY is the Black Rat Snake, which can grow as long as eight feet. These NY snakes are found along cliffs and rocky slopes, and they are known to capture their bird and small animal prey by the method of constriction. Other snakes in NY are the Green, Redbelly, Brown, and Ringneck snakes. These are small and slender, and eat insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs.
There are only three species of venomous snakes in NY, which are all quite uncommon: the Timber Rattlesnake, the Massasauga, and the Copperhead. There are also two species of snakes in NY that are considered endangered species. These are the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake and the Queen Snake. They are found only in small, isolated populations.

Venomous snakes are best left alone. In fact, when it comes to all types of snakes in NY, or anywhere else in the world, the best advice is: Enjoy the view, but keep your distance!