University of Massachusetts Amherst

Snake of Massachusetts

Medium to large, black or dark brown snakes

Is the Snake…

  • Thick-bodied and black with a large, triangular head, vertical and elliptical pupils (eyes), a pit on each side of the head between the nostril and the eye and a distinct rattle on the end of the tail; cross-banded pattern may be faint or absent; typically found on forested hillsides; rare, venomous (36-60", up to 74")? (If Yes, click here)
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