Eleven snake species are currently recorded in Rhode Island, none of them venomous. According to the Rhode Island Department of Conservation, the Timber Rattlesnake went extinct in the state over fifty years ago. While neighboring state have Timber Rattlesnake populations, they do not have a large migratory territory.
Actually Rhode Island residents have it fairly easy when it comes to their local snake identification tasks. Color and size are the best field identification clues for almost half of the state’s snakes. Most of these species are less than a foot in length and have a defining body color.
That identification rule of thumb certainly hold true for the snake pictured at the top of the page, the Ring-necked snake. No other snake in the state has a body with a solid color and stand out ring around the neck.
Most of the specimens will also be about a foot in length, although some can grow longer.
Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi) grow to less than a foot and the brown body has a few light marks on it.
Red bellied Snakes (Storeria occipitomaculata) live mostly in wooded areas. The name helps to understand the best field identification clue.
Eastern Wormsnakes (Carphophis amoenus) actually look similar to large worms with scales. They also get categorized as forest snakes.
Smooth Greensnakes (Opheodrys vernalis) are the only green colored snakes in the state. They are very thin snakes that inhabit grass areas. Therefore some Rhode Island residents might see them in the yard along with the Garter Snakes.
Racers and Whipsnakes
The group of snakes that are better known as racers, whipsnakes and coachwhips share both physical and behavioral characteristics. Most if not all species tend to be comparatively thin and very fast movers.
Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is the general name for the Rhode Island species. While they are not small like the prededing snakes, their thin black bodies serve as great field identification clues. A closer look at the snake also shows a white chin. However, because they tend to retreat when they come in contact with humans, a good view of the chin is not always available.
Hog-nosed Snakes
Eastern Hognose snakes (Heterodon platirhinos) can assume a variety of colors. The upturned nose is the best field identification clue.
Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes
Rhode Island has none of the larger Kingsnakes, only the smaller and more colorful Eastern Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum).
They are habitat adaptable and can be found in fields, forests, farms and residential neighborhoods throughout Rhode Island.
Finding Milk Snakes in the east can be as easy as taking a hike and flipping over a few big rocks or logs. The can grow up to on average about three feet in length and the red to orange to dull rust color of the bands makes them easy to spot.
Watersnakes
While all snakes possess the ability to swim, Water Snakes (genus Nerodia) get their name because of their close association with water habitats.
The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) is the species with the widest range and the only one of nine watersnake species that lives in Rhode Island.
Rat Snakes
The Black Rat Snake ranks as the largest of Rhode Island snakes, growing up to seven feet in length. They are habitat adaptable, however Rhode Island is the northern boundary of their range.
Today they are few and far between, recorded in two southern areas.
Garter Snakes
Last but certainly not least of the Rhode Island snakes are the Garter snakes. Rhode Island follows the general New England trend of hosting two garter snake species. Both species can be identified by the stripes along the body.
Ribbon snakes are a bit thinner, but the light patch of color in front of the eye is the best field identification clue. They are not as common in residential areas as the Common Garter Snake. Both species are also known for inhabiting small ponds and lakes.