New York is known for its diverse wildlife, including reptiles, such as snakes. In this article, we will explore the nine black snake species that can be found in the state. While these snakes may seem intimidating, they play an important role in the ecosystem and should be respected and admired. Join us as we dive into the world of these elegant and stealthy serpents.
Northern Redbelly Snake
The Northern Redbelly Snake is a small and slender black snake that can live for up to 10 years. They are mainly located in woodland areas throughout the North-Eastern United States.
Habitat: These black snakes typically inhabit wet and moist areas such as swamps, grasslands, and meadows. They often burrow under leaves and other debris to stay hidden from predators.
Appearance: Northern Redbelly Snakes are small, measuring only 8 to 11 inches in length. They have shiny, smooth scales that are black with a distinctive red underside. They have a narrow, pointed head and small, round eyes.
Diet: These black snakes mainly feed on earthworms, slugs, and other small invertebrates. They use their sharp teeth to seize their prey and swallow it whole.
Behavior: Northern Redbelly Snakes are active during the day and are known for their secretive nature. They are usually found hiding under rocks or other objects, and they tend to flee when disturbed. If caught, they will release a foul-smelling odor and may vibrate their tails to mimic a rattlesnake, making escaping predators think twice before attacking.
Conservation Status: Northern Redbelly Snakes are considered of least concern as they have a population that is stable and widespread. They play an essential role in the food chain, preying on invertebrates, and serving as food for larger predators.
Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake is one of the most abundant and widely distributed snake species in North America. It is named for its distinctive stripes, of which no two snakes have the same pattern.
Habitat: These black snakes live in a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, marshes, and suburban areas. They are often found near water and can be seen basking in the sun on rocks or logs.
Appearance: Common Garter Snakes have a slender build, growing up to 48 inches in length. They have a black or dark brown background color with lateral yellow or green stripes, sometimes with two additional stripes running down the center of their back. Some individuals may have a red dorsal stripe or a checkered pattern on their sides.
Diet: These black snakes are generalists and will consume anything that they can overpower. Their primary diet consists of small vertebrates, such as frogs, toads, and rodents. They also eat insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates.
Behavior: Common Garter Snakes are diurnal and are active during the day. They are cold-blooded, so they bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. When threatened, they will release a foul-smelling musk from their anal glands and may bite, but their bite is non-toxic to humans.
Conservation Status: The Common Garter Snake is abundant and widespread throughout its range, and no major conservation concerns are currently associated with this species. They are also beneficial to humans, as they help control pest populations.
Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake is the only venomous snake species in New York. It is named for the distinctive rattles on the end of its tail, which it uses as a warning to potential threats.
Habitat: These black snakes are found in deciduous and mixed forests, rocky outcrops, and wetlands. They prefer areas with abundant prey and rocky crevices for shelter.
Appearance: Timber Rattlesnakes are large, heavy-bodied snakes, measuring up to 60 inches in length. They have a black, yellow, or gray background color with dark, horseshoe-shaped blotches and a rust-colored stripe running down their back. They also have a triangular-shaped head and elliptical pupils.
Diet: Timber Rattlesnakes are carnivorous and prey on small mammals, such as mice, rabbits, and squirrels. They use their venomous fangs to kill their prey before consuming it.
Behavior: Timber Rattlesnakes are active during the day in the spring and fall and are mainly nocturnal during the summer months. They use their rattles to warn potential predators to stay away, but if threatened, they will strike and deliver a venomous bite that can be fatal to humans.
Conservation Status: The Timber Rattlesnake is listed as endangered in New York State due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Their populations are also threatened by illegal collection for the pet trade and intentional killing by humans. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve the remaining populations.
Eastern Ribbon Snake
The Eastern Ribbon Snake is a slender and elegant black snake with distinctive bright yellow stripes that contrast with its dark body. It is a non-venomous species that can move quickly across different terrains.
Habitat: Eastern Ribbon Snakes can be found in a variety of habitats such as meadows, wetlands, and forests. They prefer open areas with abundant prey and easy access to basking sites.
Appearance: These black snakes are slender and can grow up to 30 inches in length. They have a dark body with three bright yellow stripes, with one stripe running down their back and the other two on their sides. They have a narrow head and large eyes.
Diet: Eastern Ribbon Snakes primarily feed on small vertebrates such as frogs, toads, and small fish. They use their sharp teeth to grasp and swallow their prey.
Behavior: These black snakes are mainly diurnal and are active during the day. They move quickly across different terrains, using their muscular body to leap and climb. They are known for their agile and graceful movements and may jump into the water when threatened.
Conservation Status: The Eastern Ribbon Snake is listed as a species of special concern in New York due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Their populations are also threatened by pollution and human disturbance. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve their habitats and populations.
Eastern Hognose Snake
The Eastern Hognose Snake is a relatively small black snake with an upturned nose and distinctive defensive behavior. They are non-venomous but are known for their ability to puff up their bodies, hiss loudly and play dead.
Habitat: These black snakes are found in sandy or open habitats such as grasslands, pine barrens, and meadows. They are known for their burrowing habits, and for spending much of their time underground.
Appearance: Eastern Hognose Snakes are small, growing up to 46 inches in length. They have a thick body and a flattened, upturned snout. The body is black or dark brown, with light or dark blotches on its sides. The underside of the snake is a pale-yellow.
Diet: Eastern Hognose Snakes feed mainly on toads but will also eat small mammals, reptiles, and insects. They use their upturned nose to burrow into the soil, seeking prey like toads that live underground.
Behavior: Eastern Hognose Snakes are typically active during the day but are known to be active at night. When threatened, they will hiss loudly, puff up their bodies, and even fake death by opening their mouth, hanging out their tongue, and sprawling out on their back to appear lifeless.
Conservation Status: The Eastern Hognose Snake is not currently listed as endangered, but its population is at risk due to habitat loss and fragmentation. In some areas, they are also killed for their perceived danger, even though they are not venomous and are harmless to humans. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve their habitats and populations.
Northern Ringneck Snake
The Northern Ringneck Snake is a small, non-venomous black snake with a bright red belly. They are also known for their defensive behavior, coiling their tails and emitting a strong, musky odor to deter predators.
Habitat: These black snakes are found in a variety of forest habitats, including deciduous and coniferous forests, rocky areas, and wetlands. They prefer moist environments and are often found under logs, rocks, or other debris.
Appearance: Northern Ringneck Snakes are small, measuring up to 16 inches in length. They have a black body with a distinctive yellow or orange ring around their neck. They also have a bright red or pink belly, which is a common characteristic of the species. They have round pupils and a pointed snout.
Diet: Northern Ringneck Snakes primarily feed on small invertebrates, such as earthworms, slugs, and insects. They are also known to eat small amphibians and reptiles, such as salamanders and other small snakes.
Behavior: Northern Ringneck Snakes are nocturnal and are active at night. They are secretive and elusive, and will coil their tails and emit a strong, musky odor when threatened. Although they are not venomous, they may bite if they feel threatened.
Conservation Status: The Northern Ringneck Snake is considered of least concern, as its population is widespread and stable. They play an important role in the ecosystem, controlling populations of invertebrates and small animals. They are also beneficial to humans as they help control pest populations.
Black Rat Snake
The Black Rat Snake is a large, non-venomous black snake that is known for its climbing ability and its tendency to eat rodents. They are an important predator in many ecosystems and help control populations of rodents, which can damage crops and carry diseases.
Habitat: Black Rat Snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and suburban areas. They are excellent climbers and can often be found in trees or on buildings.
Appearance: These black snakes are large, growing up to 100 inches in length. They have a shiny black body with a white chin and a light underbelly. Young Black Rat Snakes have gray blotches on their backs, but these fade as they mature. They have large eyes and a long, narrow head.
Diet: Black Rat Snakes feed primarily on rodents like rats and mice, but will also eat birds, bird eggs, and other small animals. They are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of any available prey.
Behavior: Black Rat Snakes are primarily active during the day and are known for their climbing ability. They will climb trees or buildings to find prey or escape predators. They are also known to vibrate their tails when threatened, making a sound that can be mistaken for a rattlesnake.
Conservation Status: The Black Rat Snake is considered of least concern at the national level, but some local populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve their habitats and populations.
Eastern Black Racer
The Eastern Black Racer is a non-venomous and agile black snake that is known for its speed and ability to escape predators. They are also known as “green racers” because of their greenish-black color.
Habitat: These black snakes can be found in a variety of habitats, including open fields, forest edges, and suburban areas. They prefer areas with plenty of sunlight and abundant prey.
Appearance: Eastern Racers are slender and can grow up to 55 inches in length. They have a greenish-black body with a white or yellow underside. These snakes have large, round eyes and smooth scales. They also have a distinctive white or light-colored chin.
Diet: Eastern Racers primarily feed on small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits, but will also eat reptiles, including other snakes. They use their speed and agility to chase and capture their prey.
Behavior: Eastern Racers are active during the day and are known for their speed and agility. They are excellent climbers and can swim well. When threatened, they will flee quickly or will vibrate their tail, making a buzzing sound that can be mistaken for a rattlesnake.
Conservation Status: The Eastern Racer is considered of least concern, as it has a wide range and stable population. It is also beneficial to humans, as it helps control populations of pest rodents. However, some local populations are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve their habitats and populations.
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake
The Eastern Massasauga is a venomous black snake that is native to North America. It has a unique rattling sound that it produces by shaking its tail, similar to the Timber Rattlesnake, as a warning sign to potential predators.
Habitat: These black snakes are found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and forests. They prefer to live in areas with abundant vegetation, such as marshes and swamps.
Appearance: Eastern Massasaugas are small, growing up to 30 inches in length. They have a distinctive triangular head and vertical pupils. Their bodies are black or dark brown with light brown or gray blotches. They also have a set of rattles on the end of their tail, which they use as a warning sign to potential predators.
Diet: Eastern Massasaugas primarily feed on small rodents, such as mice and voles, but will also eat other small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They use their venomous fangs to immobilize their prey before consuming it.
Behavior: Eastern Massasaugas are primarily active during the day and are known for their reclusive and elusive nature. When threatened, they will coil their body and rattle their tail, warning predators to stay away. If provoked, they will bite and inject venom.
Conservation Status: The Eastern Massasauga is listed as threatened or endangered throughout much of its range due to habitat loss, fragmentation and human persecution. It is protected by law and it is illegal to harm, kill, or collect this black snake. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their populations and habitats.
Conclusion
New York State is home to a diverse range of snake species, including nine black snakes. From the non-venomous Eastern Ribbon Snake to the venomous Eastern Massasauga, these snakes play an important role in controlling populations of pests and are an essential part of the ecosystem.
While some species are threatened by habitat loss and human disturbance, efforts are underway to protect and conserve their populations. By learning more about these fascinating creatures, we can appreciate their unique characteristics and important role in maintaining the balance of nature in New York State.
