How many venomous (toxic) snakes normally live in the U.S. state of Ohio?

There are three (3) different kinds of venomous snakes in the state of Ohio: the eastern timber rattlesnake, the northern copperhead and the massasauga rattlesnake. Also, each year people report sightings of venomous snakes, but these are incorrect identifications of non-venomous water snakes.

In Ohio, there are region specific guidelines to distinguish venomous from non-venomous snakes. First, venomous snakes have a triangular head, as opposed to the oval-shaped heads of most non-venomous species. Also, they have heat sensitive pits located between the nostrils and the eyes, and their pupils are oval rather than round. Next, venomous snakes have undivided scales between their rectums and their tails on their underbellies. The scales of non-venomous snakes are divided. Plus, the eastern timber rattlesnake and the massasauga rattlesnake are identified by the rattles they make.

So as a rule, you are too close if you can distinguish between a venomous and non-venomous snake.

More Info: www.ohiohistorycentral.org

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36 Comments

wok

only three venomous snakes in the state-boy they must get lonely. Ohhhh, you meant three species!

Bob Gorby

Poorly worded. One assumes that Species of Snakes is meant.

holmes

Mary West, there are 23 species of rattlesnake but your point is well taken,

holmes

Bad question, a rattlesnake is a rattlesnake unless you say how many SPECIES of rattlesnake are there.

fdeisner

Did they check with the snake Census Bureau to find out that there were only three snakes in all of Ohio? Poorly worded question, leaving out the word kinds from the explanation totally changes the question.

Mary Hughey

The hognose is not usually a threat to humans as the venom is toward the back of their throat. Just don't stick your finger in their mouth. They also would rather play dead than bite something non-edible.

Dib Hopkins

Not moccasins?

Larry Kuykendall

What does normally mean? What makes a snake "normal "

harrisd

Gene Newburgh, NO!

ebitnet

Only 3 venomous snakes in the entire state?? I've seen at least 15. Oh! You mean "How many species of venomous snakes..."

Deborah Koreneff

Not all venomous snakes have triangular heads or oval pupils.

Gary S. Hughes

Didn't know

Cyndee K LaFontaine

Question is very misleading!

Joseph A. Robitaille

I miss the question about poisonous snakes in texas. I got it right time. speaking water Moccasins , they can be a dangerous and as radical as they can. I saw one jumped out of a lake in Al. . this person was on his tracker and he and took off it flew into tracker. I don't like snakes. I know they serve a place .That picture of yellow rattler is scary just looking at the picture.