Due in large part to the milder climate of the Lower Peninsula, Michigan snakes rank among the most diverse group of snakes for all the northern border states.
Depending on the source, Michigan snakes consist of nineteen species. Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) are Michigan’s only venomous snakes. They are associated with water and forest areas. While Michigan documents them in most of the Lower Peninsula counties, their population levels widely differ according to county.
Here’s a quick overview of the nonvenomous Michigan snakes. The green button leads to pages providing additional snake pictures and information.
Garter Snakes
Common Garter Snake in the picture is a rather bland looking species and easy to identify basically because it’s the primary species in Michigan.
Michigan lists the Butler’s Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri) as a species of Special Concern. It is found along the southern most areas of the state. Residents can note bold stripes along the body.
Ribbon snakes refers to a group of snakes in the genus Thamnophis, differentiated by the presence of longer tails and a light patch in front of the eye. Eastern Ribbon Snakes (Thamnophis sauritus) share those same physical features. While mostly found in the Lower Peninsula, they also have small populations in the Upper Peninsula.
The common snake names such as racers, coachwhips and whipsnakes often get categorized under the genus Coluber. Their species are common throughout the United States and share some physical and behavorial traits. Most if not all species tend to be comparatively thin and very fast movers.
Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is the general name for one of the most widespread of all the snakes native to the United States.
In fact eleven different subspecies inhabit almost every state in the lower 48 states. Color is a common name applied to many of the species as well as the Black Racer.
Blue Racers, for example are common around the Great Lakes region, including Michigan. They live in multiple habitat in the southern one-third of the state.
Hog-nosed Snakes
Eastern Hognose snakes (Heterodon platirhinos) can assume a variety of colors and are the most wide ranging of species.
Kingsnakes and Milk Snakes
Eastern Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) are very adaptable snakes, inhabiting multiples areas from fields to forests to farm, mostly in the Lower Peninsula. 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
The Northern Watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) is probably the species with the widest range. It’s found in all states east of the Rocky Mountains. Body color changes depending on age and location, so often it’s not the best field identification clue. Knowing that it’s the only species in the state is the best clue.
Plain-bellied Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster) also go by the name Copper-bellied Watersnake. Michigan lists them as endangered with only a few populations recorded along the southern border.
Rat Snakes
Gray Rat Snakes inhabit areas in southeast Michigan, mostly around the Lake Michigan region, and never in large numbers. It’s listed as a species of concern in the state.
Like other rat snakes, they grow to be very large, over six feet in length. The common name gray is really a very generic gray. They varies in color with some populations having light gray and others having dark gray bodies. Their bodies also have a pattern.
In terms of size, because adults can grow so large, they become a very imposing snake for the average person to cross paths with. As a result of an encounter, many homeowners inquire into snake control measures when they see these large snakes.
First and foremost, most large rat snakes are as afraid of people as people are afraid of them. In residential areas, they are basically only passing through. There is never a sufficient amount of rodents or other food sources for them.
Two Fox Snake species inhabit Michigan, each with different habitat preferences. Western fox snakes prefer the drier areas around forests, prairies and pastures.
Eastern Fox Snakes are fairly large snakes that can grow up to five feet in length. The inhabit the wetlands areas around the Great Lakes, and are recognized as very good swimmers. They are listed as threatened in Michigan.
The have a pale or light color body covered with bold dark patches. The common name Fox refers to their odor. Both species rapidly vibrate their tail when they sense danger. In areas where their tails come up against brush, it could sound like a rattlesnake.
Still More Michigan Colubrid Snakes
Here’s a quick lit of additional Michigan snakes. Please press the snakes button at the top of the page for additional information.
- Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus)
- Red bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
- Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)
- Queen Snake (Regina septemvittata)
- Smooth Greensnake (Opheodrys vernalis)
- Kirtland’s Snake (Clonophis kirtlandii)