Here Are the Three Venomous Snakes in New York

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New York has 17 species of snakes, three of which are venomous. Here are the snakes you really need to watch out for and avoid. This goes for you and your fur baby.

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

Video credit: MichiganDNR via Youtube

Where it can be found: In two large wetland areas of the state - northeast of Syracuse and west of Rochester.

Even though the video above is from Michigan, it still tells you what to look for to identify the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is considered a threatened species. It is the smallest venomous snake in the state. The average length of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is 18 to 40 inches, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

In New York, massasaugas hibernate from late October through late April in low, wet areas, often under sphagnum hummocks. They do not hibernate in communal dens as do the other venomous species in New York. Currently, there are only two known populations remaining in New York, both of which occur in boggy, forested wetlands with "open rooms" of low vegetation. ~ the New York Department of Environmental Conservation

Northern Copperhead

Video credit: Mark K via Youtube

Where it can be found: In the lower Hudson Valley and the Catskills.

Of the three venomous snakes here in New York, the Northern Copperhead doesn't have a rattle, but according to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry,

Copperheads lack the rattle, but will vibrate their tail when annoyed. In dry leaves, this vibration can sound like a rattle.

It usually grows to be two to three feet in length. It can be identified by the copy color on its head, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

Timber Rattlesnake

Video credit: The Wild Report via Youtube

Where it can be found: Southeastern part of New York (excluding Long Island and New York City), the northern part of the state, and in the Southern Tier.

The belongs Timber Rattlesnake to the pit-viper family. It can grow in length to 3 to 4 feet or longer, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. It's the largest venomous snake in the state.

According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation,

The venom, which is used primarily to immobilize prey, can be fatal to humans if the bite is untreated. However, in New York there have been no records of human deaths attributed to rattlesnakes in the wild during the last several decades. Less than 15% of the snake bites reported over a ten-year period were actually from a venomous snake. Contrary to popular opinion, a rattlesnake will not pursue or attack a person unless threatened or provoked.