Massachusetts has two venomous snake species: Timber Rattlesnake and Eastern Copperhead. Both snakes are members of the (Viperidae) or pit viper family. A pit viper has a triangular head. They also have vertical eye pupils and a pit located between the nostril and eye on each side of their face.
Both of these snakes are rare in the state of Massachusetts. Consequently, the state has placed them on their Endangered Species List. In this article, we will discuss both of these snakes’ characteristics and habits. We’ll also tell you where you will likely find them in Massachusetts.
The update of this article reflects the new taxonomic classification of Copperhead Snakes. For more information, click on the link. See
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
The Timber Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in the “Bay State.” Adult Timber Rattlers grow to be between 36 to 60 inches (.91 to 1.52m) long. However, there have been reports of them growing up to 7 feet(2.13m) long. See
These snakes vary in color. Their general base coloration is a yellowish-brown to grey-brown. They have a dark brown to black chevron pattern on their back and sides against a lighter background. Moreover, they have a rusty to reddish stripe down their backs. There are also melanistic timber rattlers. These are dark and sometimes almost entirely black.
Other common names for the Timber Rattlesnake are Banded Rattlesnake and Canebrake Rattlesnake.
They live in environments like rocky areas, pine forests, swamps, fields, and floodplains.
Wintertime Brumation
Snakes do not tolerate the cold weather in the winter months very well. They are ectotherms, which means they can not regulate their body temperature internally. Physiologically, ectotherms cannot hibernate. However, they go into a state of suspended animation called brumation for up to 6 months out of the year.
Timber Rattlesnakes make wintertime dens in sheltered spots. They den underneath rocks and logs and in fissures in rocky hillsides. An individual Timber Rattler might brumate alone in some parts of their range. But in other areas, they congregate in dens with other snakes through the winter.
Dens are usually placed on slopes facing south because they get more warmth from the sun. They don’t always share their dens only with Timber Rattlesnakes. Sometimes, they share their dens with other species of snakes, including nonvenomous snakes. These might include Copperheads, Black Rat Snakes, and Eastern Black Racers. These wintertime dens may hold up to 60 snakes.
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.
These snakes are excellent climbers. Timber Rattlers have been found in trees at heights of more than 80 feet. Source
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 Rattlesnake will consume 2,500 to 4,500 ticks per year, depending on the location. See
How Dangerous Are Timber Rattlesnakes?
Timber Rattlesnakes produce hemotoxic venom. These snakes 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. Source
Timber Rattlesnake bites sometimes cause serious complications. These include shock, seizures, coma, internal bleeding, and deep tissue damage. Source
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)
Eastern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
Adult Eastern Copperhead snakes grow to be anywhere between 24 to 40 inches (60 to 102 cm) long. They have a moderately stout body with a broad triangular head that is distinct from the neck. They have round eyes with a vertical, elliptical, cat-like pupil.
Their heads are copper colored. This is why they are given the name “Copperhead.” The Eastern Copperheads’ body color pattern is light brown and sometimes even pinkish. They have dark brown, hourglass-shaped crossbands that are more golden in the center.
People often mistake harmless snakes like the Eastern Milk Snake for copperheads.
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.
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.
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.
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. If a copperhead bite victim gets medical help fast, they have a better chance of a positive 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.
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.
What’s the Difference Between the Rattlesnake Venoms?
There are different venoms that a rattlesnake may inject you with when biting you. The main types of venoms include:
- Neurotoxic Venom – Affects your brain and nervous system.
- Proteolytic Venom – Breaks down and destroys your tissues.
- Hemorrhagic Venom – Damages tiny blood vessels, leading to internal bleeding. In some cases, hemorrhagic venom causes blood clots. This has the potential to cause heart attack or stroke.
- Hemotoxic Venom- Destroys red blood cells and also disrupts blood clotting.
- Cytotoxic Venom- Destroys cells.
Dressing for Snake Country
- High-top leather boots are a wise idea.
- 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.
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