Humans have long had a dual fascination and fear of snakes. If you live in a big city like Philadelphia, snake encounters are likely to be rare. Does this mean they are not there? 

There are many snakes in Philadelphia. The most common snakes in Philadelphia are Garter snakes, Northern Brown snakes, and the Northern Water snake. City-dwelling snakes are often found in grassy areas, basements, or gardens. 

You don’t have to be a herpetologist to learn snake identification. Read on to learn about snakes most likely to be seen in and around Philadelphia. 

1. Northern Brown Snake 

(Storeria dekayi)

The Northern Brown Snake is commonly found in the city of Philadelphia- even in the city center. Have no fear, it is non-venomous. It can bite, so avoid handling this snake. 

This petite reptile stretches from three to ten inches long and is very thin. Brown snakes are, unsurprisingly, brown. To identify this snake from other similar snakes, look for the two rows of dark spots running down its back. 

If feeling threatened, this snake puffs up its body to appear larger to predators. It feeds on slugs and snails, having specialized teeth for extracting snails from their shells. For this reason, leave them be if you spot one in your garden.  

2. Eastern Copperhead 

(Agkistrodon contortrix)

Though rarely seen within the city limits of Philadelphia, Northern Copperheads range in the outlying areas around the city. The bite of this venomous snake is seldom deadly but is considered one of the most painful snake bites. 

Copperheads are pit vipers and have the telltale pit between the eye and nostril. They feed primarily on small animals such as lizards, mice, and birds. 

Adult Copperheads are two to three feet in length. The head is flat and triangular when viewed from above. Head shape is a great way to differentiate this snake from non-venomous lookalikes. Their scales are thick, and these snakes have alternating brown and tan bands running across their bodies. 

If you think you have been bitten by a copperhead snake, it is important to seek medical attention right away. 

3. Garter Snake 

(Thamnophobus spp.)

There are three species of garter snake found in Philadelphia, the Eastern Garter snake, the Short-headed garter snake, and the Eastern Ribbon snake. Garter snakes are non-threatening and helpful in the garden, preying on slugs, grubs, and other insects. 

You can recognize a Garter snake by its well-defined markings. The snake is black or dark brown with white ribbons running lengthwise down its body. It has a small head that runs flush with its body and round eyes.

 You will likely only see one as it is running away from you after having its hiding place disturbed. These snakes are harmless and should be left alone. 

4. Eastern Worm Snake 

(Carphophis amoenus)

This snake resembles an earthworm with its brown body and pink underbelly. This small snake rarely exceeds 13 inches in length and spends most of its time underground. Worm snakes primarily prey upon their namesake, the earthworm. 

You can find Worm snakes burrowed in leaf litter, under pots, rocks, or inside rotting wood. 

These little snakes are not known to bite humans. Their preferred defensive mechanism is emitting a foul smell when picked up and poking a predator with their sharp tail. Though it may be tempting to pick up Worm snakes, it is best to not stress them unnecessarily. 

5. Northern Ring-Necked Snake

(Diadophis punctatus edwardsii)

Adult Ring-necked snakes are fifteen to twenty-four inches and slender. Their name comes from the cream or yellow ring at the base of their head that contrasts against their grey-black body. They are considered harmless to humans. 

Ring-Necked snakes spend their days burrowed or in caves. These secretive snakes typically travel only at night, seeking mates or prey. Their diet consists primarily of earthworms, salamanders, and lizards. Female Ring-necked snakes lay up to ten eggs at a time; the larger the female, the larger the eggs. 

These snakes do not bite and emit a strong musky smell when feeling threatened. 

6. Northern Water Snake

(Nerodia s. sipedon)

Northern Water Snakes are known to be more curious than most snakes. Fishermen often find them visiting their boats or docks. They are not aggressive snakes and tend to slither off when threatened. 

They mainly feed on amphibians and fish. Water snakes, as the name indicates, are often found near bodies of water hunting for prey. 

Northern Water Snakes vs. Timber Rattlesnakes

Northern Water snakes are often confused with Timber rattlesnakes, so it’s important to know the difference between the two. 

Water snakes have slender heads that do not significantly flare out from their body. They have dark brown bands with buff-colored stripes in between. Rattlesnakes have much more tan bodies with dark, distinctly saddle-shaped bands on top of their bodies. Rattlesnakes have their infamous tail rattle, which gets vigorously shaken when the snake feels threatened. 

The easiest way to know if it is a Rattlesnake or a Water snake is to know its range. Timber Rattlesnakes are not found in Philadelphia, and favor a more rocky, arid environment. 

7. Eastern Milk Snake 

(Lampropeltis triangulum)

There is an old myth that Eastern Milk Snakes feed off of cow’s milk at night, hence the name. This myth came about because these snakes are often found in barns or outbuildings. In reality, Milk snakes frequent structures looking for rats, their favorite meal. 

Juvenile Milk snakes feature red blotches against a buff body. These blotches turn reddish-brown once maturity is reached, and the body darkens to a light brown. The head is slender with a distinct V-shaped marking at the base of the head. 

Eastern Milk snakes have markings that are similar to Eastern Copperheads, a highly venomous snake. 

How To Tell the Difference Between Milk Snake and Copperhead Snake

The V-shaped marking on the Milk Snake’s head is the main feature that distinguishes them from a Copperhead. Eastern Copperheads have copper or buff-colored heads with no marking. 

Milk snakes have smoother scales, while the copperhead’s scales are highly rigid. Copperheads have more triangular heads to accommodate their venom sacs.

 Eastern Copperheads are not found in the city limits of Philadelphia, but are in the outlying areas. If you are unsure whether or not a snake on your property is a Copperhead snake, call your local animal control office for help. 

8. Northern Black Racer Snake 

(Coluber c. constrictor)

Black Racers get their name from their incredible speed of movement. Their favored habitat is open meadows and fields, where they hunt for small mammals, reptiles, and insects. They have a unique hunting technique called periscoping where they hover the upper part of their body to sense prey through chemical and movement signals. 

The body of the Northern Black Racer snake appears shiny black. They have a grey-blue underbelly, and small white markings under their head. 

Reaching lengths three to five feet, Racer snakes may appear intimidating but are relatively harmless. 

9. Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake

(Heterodon platirhinos)

Identifying Eastern Hog-nosed snakes rely less on color or markings and more on their snout and behavior. The background color of these snakes can be gray, tan, yellow, brown, or green. Their markings are dark, irregular spots. These spots can be high-contrast or more subdued. 

The best way to identify an Eastern Hog-nosed snake is to look for the distinct, upturned snout. Such a prominent square nose is unusual for most snakes.

When threatened, Hog-nosed snakes will flatten out to appear larger and make a big show of hissing and lunging. If this does not eliminate the threat, they will collapse, flip their heads upside-down and play dead. This series of behaviors are unique to the Eastern Hog-nosed snake. They rarely bite, preferring aggressive displays.