The 2 Venomous Snakes in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has two venomous snake species which are both pit vipers. These are the Timber Rattlesnake and Eastern Copperhead.

Both snakes are on the endangered species list in Massachusetts due to their rarity. This is unfortunate because, despite their fearsome reputation, pit vipers play an important role in the natural world by controlling rodent populations and disease-carrying pests such as fleas and ticks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you where Timber Rattlesnakes and Eastern Copperheads can still be found in Massachusetts. We’ll also tell you how to identify these snakes and how to co-exist with them as safely as possible in Massachusetts’ outdoors.

Pit Vipers: The Venomous Masters of Infrared Detection

Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths are among the most well-known members of the Crotalinae subfamily, the Viperidae family of venomous snakes, also referred to as pit vipers. These snakes are equipped with unique adaptations that make them exceptional hunters.

What Makes Pit Vipers Unique?

Infrared-Sensing Pits:
A defining feature of pit vipers is the deep facial pit between their nostril and the eye on each side of their head. These specialized infrared-detecting organs allow pit vipers to sense heat emitted by prey. This adaptation enables them to:
- Detect body heat from up to 1 meter away.
- Strike prey with pinpoint accuracy, even in complete darkness.
Triangular Heads and Vertical Pupils:
- Head Shape: Pit vipers are recognized by their distinct triangular-shaped heads, which house their venom glands.
- Eyes: They have vertical elliptical-shaped pupils.
Venomous Fangs:
Pit vipers have hollow fangs connected to venom glands. These fangs fold back against the roof of their mouth and are covered by a sheath when not in use.

Ecological Importance

Pit vipers play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations. Despite their fearsome reputation, these snakes are vital to the health of many habitats.

Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

The Eastern Copperhead is a pit viper native to the eastern United States.

What Do Eastern Copperheads Look Like?

Size	*Adults range from 20 to 37 inches (50 to 95 cm) in length.
Coloration	Reddish-tan to grayish-tan bodies. Overlaid with dark brown, hourglass-shaped markings. *Heads are dark coppery brown, giving them the name “Copperhead.”
Body Shape	Stout and heavy-bodied snakes. As with all pitvipers, their heads are triangular and appear oversized in relation to their necks.
Conservation Status	*On the Endangered Species list in Massachusetts.

Taxonomy of Massachusetts’ Eastern Copperhead Snakes

Copperhead snakes are now recognized as a single species: the Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix).

In the past, these snakes were classified into different subspecies, including the Northern Copperhead, Southern Copperhead, and Osage Copperhead. However, recent DNA studies revealed minimal genetic differences between them. As a result, these subspecies were combined into a single taxonomic group under the Eastern Copperhead name.

Where Do Eastern Copperheads Live in Massachusetts?

The Eastern Copperhead is on the endangered species list in Massachusetts. There are only three known populations of these snakes within the state. One is in the Blue Hills of Norfolk County. The other two are in Hampden County of Western Massachusetts.

They prefer habitat in river bottoms where the leaf and plant debris provide cover for them to hide. They are also, at times, found in wooded suburbs.

Eastern Copperhead Behavior

Copperheads are dangerous because they use camouflage as their number one defense mechanism. In other words, these snakes choose to lie perfectly still rather than flee most of the time. Their camouflage helps them blend in with leaf litter and other ground debris.

When they feel threatened, they occasionally mimic the tail vibration of a rattlesnake. But, in most cases, they choose to lie perfectly still.

Most copperhead bites on humans occur when the person steps on or near the snake.

People often mistake harmless snakes like the Eastern Milk Snake for copperheads.

What Do Massachusetts’ Eastern Copperhead Snakes Eat?

Copperhead snakes are opportunistic feeders. They eat insects, spiders, frogs, rodents, small birds, bird eggs, and other reptiles.

How Dangerous are Eastern Copperheads

A copperhead can bite and inject venom when they are newly born. Like most pit vipers, they have hemotoxic venom.

Most copperhead snake bites are not life-threatening. On the other hand, any bite from this snake is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. Prompt medical attention increases the chance of a good outcome.

Copperhead bites can cause intense pain, shock, and swelling. Their bites also have the potential to cause blood in urine, tissue damage, and kidney failure.

An interesting study has found that Copperhead venom contains a protein called contortrostatin. Contortrostatin has been found to stop the growth of cancer cells in mice.

Rattlesnakes of Massachusetts

Rattlesnakes are pit vipers. See the description of pit vipers above.

What Massachusetts’ rattlesnakes have in common with most other rattlesnake species is their rattle.

Most rattlesnakes have a rattle at their tail’s end, comprised of hollow, loosely interlocked keratinous scales.
Normally, a rattlesnake adds a new segment to its rattle each time it sheds its skin.
An agitated rattlesnake rapidly vibrates its tail, causing the segments of its rattle to vibrate together, creating a buzzing or rattling sound.
Not all Massachusetts rattlesnakes rattle before they strike. Sometimes, they lose their rattles due to injury, and sometimes, they choose not to rattle.

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)

Timber Rattler and Canebrake Rattlesnake are both common names for the Timber Rattlesnake. Generally, in higher-elevation habitats, they are called Timber Rattlesnakes. On the coastal plain, though, they’re called Canebrake Rattlesnakes.

What Do Timber Rattlesnakes Look Like?

Size	Average length: 36 to 60 inches (0.91 to 1.52 m). Rare cases reported: Up to 7 feet (2.13 m).
Coloration	General base color: Yellowish-brown to grey-brown. Chevron pattern: Dark brown to black chevrons on their back and sides against a lighter base color. Back stripe: Rusty to reddish stripe running down their back. Tail color: Dark brown or black.
Melanistic Variation	Some timber rattlesnakes exhibit a dark, melanistic color morph. These snakes can appear almost entirely black. *The tail is darker than the rest of the body in this morph.
Behaviors	These snakes are excellent climbers. In fact, timber rattlers have been found in trees at heights of more than 80 feet. The experts have proven that timber rattlesnakes help control Lyme disease. This is because as they consume rodents, they’re also consuming ticks. A timber rattler will consume 2,500 to 4,500 ticks per year, depending on the location.

They live in environments like rocky areas, pine forests, swamps, fields, and floodplains.

Timber Rattlesnakes Are Endangered in Massachusetts.

In colonial times, the Timber Rattler was abundant in parts of Massachusetts. However, this is no longer the case. The advance of civilization has severely reduced the available snake habitat in Massachusetts.

Today, there are only five scattered pockets of these reptiles across the state. They live in places like the Blue Hills in the east, the Connecticut River Valley, and the Berkshires in the west. According to the Mass Audubon website, these snakes are listed for protection under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act.

Also found on the Endangered Species List of Massachusetts are the Copperhead, Black Rat Snake, and Eastern Worm Snake. It’s illegal to harass, chase, disturb, capture, harm, or kill any of these snakes in Massachusetts.

A Plan to Establish a Timber Rattlesnake Reserve

In 2016, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife proposed introducing Timber Rattlesnakes to Mount Zion Island, which takes in over 1400 acres in the middle of Quabbin Reservoir.

At 39 square miles, Quabbin Reservoir is Massachusetts’ largest body of water. Mount Zion Island is off-limits to the public. This, however, does not ease the concerns of some members of the public. People feared the snakes would figure out how to swim to shore and populate the surrounding area. Consequently, in 2017, the Massachusetts Wildlife Board voted to suspend the plan. See

Hiker Spots Rare Five-Foot Timber Rattlesnake In Blue Hills Reservation – CBS Boston (cbslocal.com)

What Do Timber Rattlesnakes Eat?

Timber Rattlesnakes prey on small mammals such as mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks. They also eat small birds, other reptiles, and amphibians.

How Dangerous Are Timber Rattlesnakes?

Timber Rattlesnakes are among the most dangerous in the United States. This is due to their long fangs and high venom yield. 1% to 10% of untreated Timber Rattlesnake bites result in a fatality.
Fortunately, 40% to 60% of the time, they produce dry bites. In other words, although their fangs penetrate the body, they do not inject any venom.
These snakes produce hemotoxic venom. Timber Rattlesnake bites sometimes cause serious complications. These include shock, seizures, coma, internal bleeding, and deep tissue damage.

Massachusetts’ Venomous Snakes in Winter: Insights into Brumation

During winter, Massachusetts’ snakes, like all reptiles, enter a dormant state called brumation—a hibernation-like period. Because snakes are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and cannot regulate their body temperature internally, they slow their metabolism and become inactive during the colder months.

The period for brumation in Massachusetts typically runs from mid-October to mid-April.

Brumation Habits

Solo vs. Communal Brumation: Some snakes brumate alone, while others gather in communal dens. For example, Eastern Copperheads and Timber Rattlesnakes often share dens, which may house up to 60 snakes.
Mixed-Species Dens: Interestingly, these dens can include non-venomous species. It’s not uncommon to find Black Rat Snakes or Eastern Black Racers sheltering alongside venomous snakes.

Regional Variations

Snakes may only seek shelter in warmer areas on the coldest winter days. They might not enter full brumation due to milder conditions.

Where Snakes Spend Winter

Snakes seek out protected spots to brumate, such as:

Rock crevices
Hollow logs
Fissures on rocky hillsides

They often choose south-facing slopes because these areas receive more sunlight, providing additional warmth during winter.

This natural adaptation allows Massachusetts’ venomous snakes to survive the winter and re-emerge when temperatures rise.

Avoiding Snake Bite

In Massachusetts, copperheads are responsible for the majority of venomous snake bites. These snakes rely on their excellent camouflage to stay hidden. They often remain perfectly still to avoid detection. If you’re walking in the woods and unknowingly get too close, a copperhead might not move, hoping you’ll pass by. Many bites happen when someone accidentally steps on the snake. To stay safe in snake habitats, always watch where you step and where you place your hands.

Another common cause of snake bite is attempts to capture or kill a snake. Remember, venomous snakes can strike instantly, delivering a potentially life-threatening bite. The safest approach is to keep a safe distance and leave them alone.

Dressing for Snake Country

High-top leather boots and long pants are both wise ideas.
Also, wear loose-fitting denim. If there’s a gap before the snake’s fangs touch your skin, your chances of being envenomated are lower.
In the absence of high-top leather boots, some people wear snake gaiters.

Symptoms of Venomous Snake Bites

Some of the symptoms you may experience when a venomous snake bites you include:

Discoloration in the area of the bite.
Swelling in the area of the bite.
Loss of muscle coordination.
Tingling sensation in the area of the bite.
Feeling nauseous.
Having a faster heartbeat or rapid pulse.

What Should You Do If A Venomous Snake Bites You?

If you or someone you are with has suffered a venomous snakebite, time is of the essence. This is because the sooner a victim receives anti-venom, the less likely the venom in their body is to cause harm. In other words, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Do not attempt to kill the snake for identification purposes. This gives the snake a chance to bite you again. Also, consider that severed snakeheads can still bite and envenomate and often do. If you have a phone, take a picture of the offending reptile. Otherwise, get started on your way to the doctor.

First Aid for Snake Bite Victims

Remain calm and limit your movements. Do not run. If you must hike back to a vehicle, do it calmly and deliberately. Put as little stress on your heart as possible.
Keep the area of the snake bite below the heart level and never above the heart level. Keeping the bite below the heart level will reduce the venom’s flow. However, holding the bite above your heart level will increase the venom’s flow.

Remove all constricting items such as bracelets, watches, or rings before swelling occurs.
Remember that using a cold compress on a venomous snake bite is not advisable. The cold may cause the local blood vessels to constrict and spread the venom faster.
You can wash the affected area like you would any other wound with soap and water.
You may cover the bite area with a moist dressing to reduce the swelling.

Get medical attention as soon as possible. Call the hospital to tell them a venomous snake has bitten you. So they can have anti-venom ready to give you as soon as you arrive.
A person whom a venomous snake has bitten may go into shock. If this happens, you should lay them flat and cover them with a blanket.

Conclusion

Massachusetts’ two venomous snake species, the Timber Rattlesnake and Eastern Copperhead, are not only fascinating but essential to the state’s ecosystem. Despite their fearsome reputation, these endangered pit vipers play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, reducing disease-carrying pests like ticks and fleas. Understanding their behavior, habitats, and ecological importance can help foster coexistence and preserve their declining populations.

When exploring the outdoors in Massachusetts, taking precautions and respecting these snakes’ habitats ensures safety for both humans and snakes. By raising awareness and following conservation guidelines, we can protect these remarkable creatures while enjoying the natural beauty of the state. Remember, a safe and respectful approach to wildlife benefits us all.