Minnesota is a green state with extensive wildlife. One-third of the territory is forested, and let’s not forget Minnesota is also nicknamed the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.”
It makes sense that this northern state is an excellent location for herping. Indeed, the state boasts 30 reptile and 20 amphibian species.
Whether you’re planning a field herping trip or want to learn more about America’s snakes from the comfort of your home, Minnesota is a good choice to get started. In this article, I’ll go over the state’s 14 fascinating species and a few notable subspecies.
So, join me to discover how to identify and distinguish between the diverse snakes in Minnesota.
There’s a lot to learn!
Brown Snake
- Other common names: De Kay’s snake
- Scientific name: Storeria dekayi
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: Northern and Central American continent
- Habitat: Woodlands, marshes, open prairies, rocky outcrops
- Size: 10-12 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 7 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The brown snake is a small, non-venomous species native to the North-American continent. It spans multiple territories, including Southern Ontario, Quebec, and the entire Eastern half of the U.S.
There’s a high chance you’ll spot this snake in Minnesota, especially thanks to the state’s many lakes, extensive forests, and rocky ridges. Simply put, the Land of 10,000 lakes provides the perfect humid environment for this snake species.
The brown snake is quite easy to identify. Specimens measure less than 1 foot long and have thin bodies and average-sized heads.
The skin texture appears rough thanks to the snake’s keeled scales. Like most non-venomous snakes, the brown snake has a short snout, a small jaw, and round pupils.
The brown snake’s body color ranges from greyish to yellowish brown on the back. They also display a pale center stripe bordered by alternating black and pale splotches along the back. The underside is light brown or dirty pink.
This snake is very docile. It doesn’t bite humans or other animals. Also, its diet consists mostly of small invertebrates like worms, snails, and mites.
Unlike most snake species, the brown snake is viviparous. It doesn’t lay eggs but gives birth to living young.
Bullsnake (Gophersnake)
- Scientific name: Pituophis catenifer sayi
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: Northern and Central American continent
- Habitat: Grasslands, forests, mountainous regions, sand hills
- Size: 4-6 feet
- Lifespan: 10-12 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) is one of the multiple subspecies of the gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer). Gopher snakes make up a large group that spreads throughout the American continent.
Bullsnakes are among the most prolific subspecies, with sizable populations throughout the country, from Wyoming to Minnesota to Texas.
This is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in the U.S. While the average adult specimen measures 4-6 feet, biologists have also documented snakes over 8 feet long! Beyond its impressive size, the bullsnake also has a robust, muscular body and a rounded tail.
The bull snake has keeled scales and a short, slightly sloped snout. The scientific name “catenifer” means “chain-wearing” in Latin and refers to the snake’s dorsal pattern. The snake is ground yellow and covered in well-defined and regular brown, black, or reddish blotches. The blotches appear like bands on the top of the back and like small spots on the laterals of the body.
The size and body pattern often lead to confusion, with many people mistaking bullsnakes for rattlesnakes. However, bullsnakes aren’t a threat to humans. They’re large and powerful constrictors.
However, they’re quite docile when faced with a large animal (including humans). When threatened, the bullsnake will go through a series of threat displays like raising its body off the ground, hissing, and lunging forward in a bluff attack.
They typically prey on small rodents, amphibians, and other reptiles, so you’ll most likely see them where their prey hangs out.
Bullsnakes are also pretty good climbers and will sometimes go up in the trees to prey on birds or bird eggs.
Common Garter Snake
- Other common names: Eastern garter snake, Red-sided garter snake
- Scientific name: Thamnophis sirtalis
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: North American continent (Southern Canada and most of the U.S.)
- Habitat: Forests, fields, meadows, prairies, wetlands, marshes, near ponds and streams
- Size: Up to 4 feet
- Lifespan: 4-5 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
Common garter snakes make up a large group of 13 recognized subspecies. These are spread throughout the U.S., from the West Coast to the southern and northeastern regions.
The most common subspecies found in Minnesota are the Eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) and the red-sided garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis).
Both species are medium in size and have thin bodies, average-size heads, and keeled scales. The Eastern garter snakes are usually brown, dirty green, or black with a yellow or white vertical stripe on the center of the back.
The belly is yellow or pale. Red-sided garter snakes are dark with a yellow stripe and red equidistant splotches on the sides of its body.
The common garter snake is considered non-venomous and is quite docile around humans. However, garter snakes actually produce mildly venomous saliva. Their bite is toxic to small prey like toads and lizards but non-threatening to humans. These garter snakes are unlikely to bite larger animals and instead rely on bluff attacks to intimidate predators.
When handled, they might excrete a foul-smelling musk. Their diet comprises small amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, fish, rodents, and small birds.
They also have the unique ability to absorb the toxins from the poisonous newts they consume, making themselves toxic to predators.
Common garter snakes are ovoviviparous. They produce eggs, but females carry them inside until it’s time for the hatchlings to come out. In a way, they’re like a combination between egg-laying and live-bearing snakes.
How interesting is that?
Eastern Hognose Snake
- Other common names: North American adder, spreading adder, black adder, black viper snake, blowing snake, calico snake
- Scientific name: Heterodon platirhinos
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: North American continent
- Habitat: Pine forests, forest edges, fields
- Size: Around 2 feet and 4 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 12 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Eastern hognose snake occurs in the eastern-central part of Minnesota, in southern Canada, and the rest of the Northeastern U.S. While this snake is also known as the “black viper snake,” this species is considered non-venomous to humans.
The venom of eastern hognoses is only known to kill amphibians and can cause localized swelling in humans at most.
The eastern hognose is easy to identify, thanks to its many unique traits. This medium-sized snake has a tout body, thick neck, and broad, flat-looking head. Its snout is short, narrow, and upturned. Both the snout and head shape contribute to the eastern hognose’s excellent burrowing skills.
The body color varies a lot and can include green, brown, gray, black, orange, or red. The patterning is equally diverse, with specimens being either patternless, checkered, or blotched. In the wild, this snake occurs mostly in areas with loose soils where they can burrow and lay eggs.
Eastern hognose snakes are specialized amphibian predators. So much so, in fact, that they are known to refuse rodent prey in captivity. Their diet is comprised almost exclusively of toads, frogs, and salamanders.
Like other specialized amphibian predators, the eastern hognose has natural tolerance to bufotoxins.
These snakes are extremely docile around humans and larger animals. It’s very unlikely for them to bite when they feel threatened. Their defense behaviors include bluff attacks and threat displays. If these don’t work, the eastern hognose will play dead. They do so in a pretty funny way, might I add.
When playing dead, the eastern hognose will flip onto its back and let its tongue hang out. Dramatic much?
Lined Snake
- Other common names: Common snake, line snake, grass snake, striped snake, swamp snake, dwarf garter snake
- Scientific name: Tropidoclonion lineatum
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: North American continent
- Habitat: Prairies, grasslands, oak forests, and other areas with moist and soft soil
- Size: 9-15 inches
- Lifespan: 3-10 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The lined snake occurs throughout the central part of the U.S., from Minnesota in the Midwest, all the way down to Texas in the south.
The lined snake is the only species in its genus (Tropidoclonion); however, it can be further classified into four recognized subspecies:
- The Northern lined snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum lineatum), which is the most common in Minnesota.
- The central lined snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum annectens)
- Mertens’ lined snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum mertensi)
- The Texas lined snake (Tropidoclonion lineatum texanum)
Minnesota’s lined snakes look very similar to garter snakes. Their body color ranges from green to brown to dark grey, and there are three pale vertical stripes— one running down the center of the back and one on each lateral side.
Lined snakes have slender bodies with small heads, eyes, and jaws.
Unlike garter snakes, lined snakes have distinct markings on their ventral side (the snake’s underside). There are two vertical rows of black half-moon scales traveling from neck to tail.
Also, unlike garter snakes, this species is more docile and lacks the venom to kill small prey. The majority of its diet consists of small invertebrates, especially earthworms.
Lined snakes are semifossorial, which means they like burrowing and spending most of their time underground.
They prefer habitats with moist soils, but they also hide under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other debris. As you can imagine, the body size, small jaw, food preferences, and burrowing behavior suggest the lined snake is a shy and docile species.
This species is currently listed as “least concern” by the IUCN but was listed as a species of special concern in Minnesota in 1984. Despite its wide range throughout the U.S., the population is low. The only official record of this species was at Blue Mounds State Park in Rock County.
Only a few specimens have been officially documented since then, but conservation efforts continue.
Milk Snake
- Other common names: Adder, chain snake, checkered snake, house snake, milk sucker, king snake, and many more!
- Scientific name: Lampropeltis triangulum
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: Southeastern Canada and the Eastern half of the U.S.
- Habitat: Forests, prairies, farmlands, swamps, rocky slopes, open sandy habitats
- Size: 2-3 feet
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The milk snake is mostly restricted to the Eastern half of the U.S., but its population size is notable. In fact, the milk snake is so prolific that there are 24 recognized subspecies!
The one you’re most likely to see in Minnesota is the Eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum).
This is a small to medium-sized snake with an unmistakable look. Many of its common names (chain snake, checkered adder, leopard-spotted snake, spotted adder, etc.) point to its contrasting colors and patterns.
Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum and other closely-related subspecies have a grey or tan ground color.
The dorsal side is covered in a series of large, brown, or reddish saddle-like splotches spreading from head to tail. The saddles are equidistant and have a thin black border. The dorsal side is pale and covered in randomly-dispersed dark splotches.
Sometimes, the splotches resemble checkers. All subspecies have smooth scales and small heads.
Milk snakes are often kept as pets and are quite popular among reptile enthusiasts. Beyond their small size, they have multiple qualities that make them excellent companions.
They’re nonvenomous, and they have small teeth. Milk snakes are primarily nocturnal, as well as shy and docile.
Their diet consists mainly of small rodents like mice and rats, although juveniles rely more on earthworms, slugs, and other insects. These snakes are oviparous and live up to 15 years in the wild and 21 years in captivity.
Milk snakes have been extensively bred in the reptile hobby. Captive-bred specimens can come in various colors compared to their wild counterparts.
North American Racer (Blue Racer)
- Other common names: Eastern racer
- Scientific name: Coluber constrictor foxii
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: Northern and Central American continent
- Habitat: Swamps, forested hillsides, grasslands, open woodlands, bluff prairies, rocky outcrops, suburban environments
- Size: Up to 5 feet
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The blue racer is a subspecies of the Eastern racer (Coluber constrictor). It occurs in the East North Central states, as well as in Minnesota and Iowa. In Minnesota, this snake inhabits areas close to the water and is typically found in the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Minnesota valleys.
As you might’ve guessed, this snake is called the “blue racer” for obvious reasons. The laterals of its body are vibrant blue, while the top of its back is typically a faded ashy blue, sometimes with a brown tint.
The underside is a pale creamy color. Blue racers also have a mask-like coloration on their heads, with the laterals of the face being black. Some specimens have orange snouts.
Eastern racers appear sensitive to human activity and gravitate towards natural settings with low human populations. That said, blue racers often occur in suburban environments, especially under porches, house foundations, and barns or garages.
Their diet consists mostly of rodents, birds, bird eggs, frogs, toads, and smaller snakes.
Blue racers are diurnal and mainly terrestrial, but they can also climb vertical surfaces like trees when searching for food. Despite its size, the blue racer is not inherently dangerous.
This snake is non-venomous and actually not a constrictor. However, they aren’t friendly at all. When they feel threatened, they can bite repeatedly, and they have a very fast strike.
Eastern racers get messy when handled and might defecate and release a bad-smelling musk. These snakes are also known for their speed; they can reach up to 4 miles per hour when fleeing from predators.
Okay, maybe that doesn’t sound very impressive to you, but most snakes typically move at less than three mph, so the racer is definitely above average!
Northern Water Snake
- Other common names: Banded water snake, black water snake, streaked snake, water pilot
- Scientific name: Nerodia sipedon sipedon
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: North American continent
- Habitat: Wetlands, lakes, streams, ponds, rivers, marshes, sloughs
- Size: 2-4.6 feet
- Lifespan: Up to 9 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern water snake is a subspecies of the common water snake (Nerodia sipedon). It’s one of the four recognized subspecies and occurs throughout southern Ontario and the northeastern U.S. states. In Minnesota, it inhabits the areas around the St. Croix and Mississippi valleys.
Northern water snakes are often mistaken for venomous cottonmouths due to their similar appearance. These snakes are dark-colored, ranging from gray to tan to brown on the dorsal side.
Water snakes also have alternating saddle-like splotches on the back. These are most apparent in young snakes but fade as the specimen ages.
The belly is pale and ranges from white to grey to yellow. Northern water snakes usually have alternating dark crescent scales along the ventral side. Its dorsal scales are keeled, giving the snake a rough skin appearance.
However, unlike the cottonmouth viper, the water snake is harmless to humans.
The main distinguishing trait between the species is pupil shape. Water snakes (and other nonvenomous snakes) have round pupils instead of cat-like ones.
Unlike their venomous counterparts, water snakes also have narrow heads and rounded snouts. However, just because they’re not dangerous doesn’t mean they’re peaceful.
Water snakes will become defensive and feisty when threatened. They don’t hesitate to bite and will poop and release foul-smelling musk when handled. You’re most likely to see this snake alongside still bodies of water.
They spend a lot of time basking on rocks or hunting for aquatic and semi-aquatic prey (small fish, tadpoles, worms, leeches, frogs, turtles, and so on).
The water snake is among the rare live-bearing species. It’s ovoviviparous, so it incubates the eggs inside the body and gives birth to living young.
Plains Garter Snake
- Scientific name: Thamnophis radix
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: Central U.S.
- Habitat: Prairies, meadows, grasslands near waters (streams, marshes, ponds, sloughs)
- Size: 3-3.5 feet
- Lifespan: Around 8 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The plains garter snake occurs throughout the central part of the U.S., covering multiple territories from Texas all the way to Minnesota. It naturally inhabits most of the same environments as the common garter snake.
Both snakes belong to the same genus (Thamnophis) but are different species. However, biologists hypothesize that Thamnophis radix and Thamnophis sirtalis may sometimes hybridize in the wild.
Thamnophis radix has a dark brown to greenish brown dorsal color and an orange or yellow stripe running down the center of the back. The laterals present broad yellow to greenish-yellow vertical stripes.
The lateral stripes have rows of dark scales bordering the ventral side. Plains garter snakes have a greenish or yellowish-grey underside. Like their counterparts, they have slender bodies, small heads, and keeled scales.
Plains garter snakes are mildly venomous, but their venom is not dangerous for humans.
A bite will typically cause swelling and itching at most unless someone is allergic to the snake’s venom. However, this snake is unlikely to bite, thanks to its shy and docile nature.
This species is unique in a few ways. First, the snakes are viviparous, which means they give birth to living young instead of laying eggs. Secondly, they have a strangely high cold tolerance for a reptile. Specimens have been documented basking in the sun during the warmer winter days.
Despite its size, the plains garter snake feeds primarily off slugs, earthworms, leeches, toads, and small salamanders.
Plains Hog-Nosed Snake
- Other common names: Western hognose snake, bluffer, blow snake, faux viper, Texas hognose snake, prairie hognose snake
- Scientific name: Heterodon nasicus nasicus
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: Northern American continent
- Habitat: Prairies, scrublands, grasslands, river floodplains, rocky and sandy environments
- Size: 1.3-2.5 feet
- Lifespan: 9-15 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The plains hognose snake is one of three subspecies of the western hognose snake. Now, don’t mistake this for the eastern hognose snake (Heterodon platirhinos) we’ve covered earlier in the article!
This one is a different species— Heterodon nasicus. The plains hog-nosed snake is the best-documented subspecies and occurs in multiple states, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, and Minnesota.
As its name implies, this hog-nosed snake has a short and upturned snout. Its body is stout and covered in keeled scales. The head is narrow, nearly the same width as the neck.
There’s a lot of variation in color and patterning, but most wild specimens have earthy colors ranging from yellowish to tan to sandy brown and even greenish. The dorsal side is covered in alternating dark splotches closely resembling a rattlesnake pattern.
Note I said the “wild specimens.” The western hognose snake is commonly kept as a pet, and captive-bred specimens have undergone extensive selective breeding.
Unlike wild specimens, the ones in the pet trade can come in over 50 color morphs, including pink, orange, axanthic, and albino!
Wild and captive specimens are both quite docile. This small snake is highly unlikely to bite, even when threatened. It has plenty of other defense strategies, though.
This hognose species might make bluff attacks with its mouth closed. If that doesn’t work, they’ll hiss, puff up, or play dead.
Ratsnakes
- Other common names: Western fox snake, western rat snake, pilot black snake, black rat snake, and many more!
- Scientific name: Pantherophis spp.
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: Central and Eastern regions of the North American continent
- Habitat: Prairies, bayous, rocky outcrops, woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, wetlands, farmlands
- Size: 3-6 feet
- Lifespan: Around 12-20 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
Ratsnakes make up a huge group comprising over a dozen genera and a dizzying number of species. However, we can narrow down the species in Minnesota to just two:
Western Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)
A large snake that measures 3.5-6 feet on average. This snake has a muscular body, and the dorsal side is fully black. The underside is halfway dark towards the tail, while the chin, throat, and upper body are pale. Juveniles have a grey ground body color and brown dorsal patterning.
This species is not venomous but is a powerful constrictor. Western rat snakes are also known to be very aggressive and stubborn. FYI, this snake is known to take down skilled predators like hawks and owls.
They also consume other carnivorous animals like minks. But a large part of their diet consists of small rodents like mice, rats, voles, squirrels, juvenile rabbits, and chipmunks.
But that’s not all! This ferocious snake is also highly adaptable; it can swim pretty well and is a great climber. In the wild, they might occur in various spots, including in trees, hidden among rocks, and near lake or river marshes.
Western Fox Snake (Pantherophis ramspotti)
The western fox snake is also quite large, measuring 3-4 feet on average. The body color in this species ranges from grey to tan to brown, and the dorsal side is covered in dark saddle-like splotches.
The belly is yellow and covered in dark markings. Some specimens have an orange-colored head, which leads many people to mistake the fox snake for a copperhead.
Rest assured, though, that the western fox snake is nonvenomous. That being said, this species is also stubborn and bold. These snakes are known to hang out close to humans and other larger animals without a care in the world.
When threatened, they get defensive and potentially aggressive. They typically rattle their tail and make repeated strikes to intimidate perceived predators.
You’re most likely to encounter this species in green areas, especially those close to water (think forests, grasslands, wetlands). They also occur on pastures and farmlands, where they feed on mice and other rodents attacking human crops.
Redbelly Snake
- Other common names: Red-bellied snake
- Scientific name: Storeria occipitomaculata
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: North American continent
- Habitat: Meadows, valleys, prairies, forest clearings, fields, swamp edges, bogs
- Size: 5-15 inches
- Lifespan: Around 4 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The redbelly snake is endemic to North America, namely southern Canada and the Eastern side of the U.S. Three recognized subspecies exist.
The species in Minnesota is known as the Northern redbelly snake, or “Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata.” Try saying that three times fast!
The first thing you’ll notice about this snake is its small size. Northern specimens grow up to 12 inches, with most being slightly smaller. Redbelly snakes don’t look that impressive overall.
They’re fully brown, grey, or black on the back and have rough, keeled scales. As their name suggests, they have a reddish underside.
Redbelly snakes are nonvenomous and display all the physical characteristics you’d expect from a nonvenomous snake. They have slender bodies, small narrow heads, and rounded pupils. This species also has a noticeably thin neck.
The northern redbelly snake also occurs in wild and urban settings, especially in high-humidity spots. You might encounter it in wetlands, woodlands with moist soil, and gardens.
Their affinity for moisture has to do with their diet— this species eats mostly snails, slugs, and earthworms. So, where the prey goes, they follow.
These snakes are harmless to humans and even most animals. Not only is the redbelly small, but it also has tiny teeth to match! It can’t generate enough bite force to draw blood or cause damage.
These snakes rarely bite anyway. When threatened, they will flash their teeth to intimidate predators or play dead by going limp.
Ringneck Snake
- Other common names: Ring-necked snake, prairie ringneck snake, northern ringneck snake
- Scientific name: Diadophis punctatus
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: Northern and Central American continent
- Habitat: Humid woodlands, wetlands, rocky hillsides, prairies
- Size: 10-15 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 20 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
Ringneck snakes are native to Northern and Central America, being present in Canada, throughout the U.S., and Mexico. As you can imagine, such a widespread species must encompass multiple subspecies. Indeed, there are currently 14 recognized subspecies!
The ones present in Minnesota are the Prairie ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus arnyi) and the northern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii).
Both subspecies in Minnesota are roughly the same size, 10-15 inches from snout to tail. They also have narrow heads, slender bodies, and smooth scales.
However, they differ slightly in coloration. The prairie ringneck snake has a dark-colored head, a grey body, and an orange or yellow band on the back of its neck.
Its underside fades from deep red on the tail to yellow on the throat. Small black spots are present on the belly.
The northern ringneck snake has the same dark grey color from head to tail on the back and a yellow or orange band around its neck. The underside is the same color as the ring and has no color fading or dark spots. Apart from these physical distinctions, both subspecies share the same environment, diets, and other characteristics.
As a whole, Minnesota’s ringneck snakes are nocturnal and prefer high-moisture, high-coverage environments. They typically hide in grasses, leaf litter, under logs, and among rocks.
Their diets consist of insects, small amphibians, and other small reptiles like salamanders, lizards, and smaller snakes. Ringneck snakes are non-venomous, shy, and docile. They rarely bite, and fleeing is their first response when under threat.
Smooth Green Snake (Grass Snake)
- Scientific name: Opheodrys vernalis
- Family: Colubridae
- Origin: North American continent
- Habitat: Open woodlands, meadows, marshes, prairies, pastures, alongside streams and lakes
- Size: 1-2 feet
- Lifespan: Up to 6 years
- Conservation status: Least concern
The name “smooth green snake” is as straightforward as it gets. This snake has smooth scales and a fully green dorsal side. It’s small and has a slender body and a tiny, narrow head. The belly is either yellowish or white. Several subspecies exist, but they look very similar.
This snake occurs in various settings but prefers green and grassy environments where it can camouflage itself more effectively. Its diet consists mainly of invertebrates like spiders, ants, snails, slugs, worms, caterpillars, and moths.
This snake relies on momentum to catch its prey and lacks the venom and constriction force to hunt down other animals.
Grass snakes are extremely docile around humans. They’ll let you approach them and are highly unlikely to bite when handled. However, they might coil around your hand and excrete a foul-smelling musk. When they feel threatened, they either flee or play dead.
This snake is currently listed as “least concern” by the IUCN. However, American scientists believe the wild populations are in decline due to habitat destruction, herbicide, and pesticide use.
Ten U.S. states have enacted conservation laws to protect this snake, but Minnesota currently doesn’t list the grass snake as a species of concern.
Conclusion
Minnesota has a lot to offer for snake enthusiasts. There are over a dozen local species waiting to be discovered, and most of the local snakes are docile and non-venomous.
These snakes are quite diverse, each with a slightly different appearance and preferred habitat.
I hope you found this article useful. Next time you find yourself exploring wildlife in Minnesota, you should be able to distinguish between various rat snakes, garter snakes, hognoses, milk snakes, and more!
