Did you know that Massachusetts only has two venomous snakes species?
Out of the 14 snake species that live in Massachusetts, only two of them are actually venomous: the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, the Massachusetts government website said. They only live in a couple areas in the Bay State and have been listed by the state as an endangered species.
The timber rattlesnakes’ mainly live in the mountains with steep rockslides adjacent to forested locations and a lot of rodents. The copperheads primarily live in deciduous forests and like damp environments.
For wilderness health and safety, it’s important to be aware of the poisonous snakes that live in your state. But, what about the larger snakes? Are those dangerous? And what about the largest snake?
Here’s what you need to know about the largest and longest snake in Massachusetts.
An eastern ratsnake crosses a trail toward a shady area.
What is the longest snake in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Audubon Society said that the Eastern ratsnake is the longest in Massachusetts, growing up to 101 inches, or about 8 feet and 4 inches. That’s over a foot taller than Boston Celtics star player Jayson Tatum.
“It is found in the Connecticut River Valley and eats small mammals, birds, and amphibians,” the Audubon website said. “Adults are mostly black, with a white throat, and juveniles are mottled grey.”
The snakes live in Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, and are able to climb sheer cliffs, according to MassWildlife.
The website also said that this species is endangered in Massachusetts and is illegal to kill, harass, or possess this animal, as per the Massachusetts, Endangered Species Act. They are also non-venomous.
When does the eastern ratsnake hibernate
The eastern ratsnakes tend to hibernate in late fall, falling around late October. They exit hibernation in the spring, in the middle of April, the state website said. In warmer years, these ratsnakes might come out of hibernation earlier than mid-April.
“Ratsnakes are carnivorous, like most snakes, and feed on small mammals, birds, amphibians, and other snakes,” the Massachusetts website said. “More than 25 species of birds have been documented as ratsnake prey; a Massachusetts adult disgorged a clutch of mallard eggs.”
Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Largest snake in MA grows up to over 8 feet. How to identify it