There are 5 snake species that are endangered or at risk of being endangered in New York State.
They are the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Queen Snake, Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Hognose Snake, and Worm Snake.
(In order from most at danger to least).
This is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. This snake is listed as an endangered species in New York. They are found in wetland/swamp areas and wet prairies in central New York as well as in bordering states. The most notable reasons of decline are loss of habitat to development and agriculture, unregulated hunting, and snake collecting. They are also killed because people fear snakes in general and mistakenly think of them to be a threat.
This is the queen snake. Although it is one of the more rare snakes in New York, it is labeled as an endangered species in NY. They are found in warm, wet habitats, along rivers and creeks around the east side of the US. These snakes are threatened by habitat destruction from the alteration of habitat features and the fragmentation of habitat by roads or other barriers. They are also greatly affected by any chemical pollutants in the water (plastic, rubber, aluminum, oil/liquids, etc).
This is the timber rattlesnake. This snake is labeled as a threatened species in NY, which means they are likely to become an endangered species in the near future. They are found in forests and rocky areas around the southeast side of the US. These snakes are also threatened by habitat destruction, road mortality, illegal collection and hunting.
This is the eastern hognose snake. They are listed as special concern, which means they are at risk of being endangered. They are found in woody areas, like forests, or sandy areas in the northern parts of New York as well as in some bordering states. Their typical threats include, loss of habitat to suburban development, fragmentation by roads, road mortality, and collection for the pet trade. Like the eastern massasauga, they are often killed by people who think of them as threats.
This is the worm snake. They are also listed as special concern. They are found in woody areas in southeastern New York and in bordering states. Their primary threat is habitat loss due to suburban development. Sandy areas that worm snakes inhabit are also frequently used by off-road vehicles. Flooding of wooded lowlands and forest fires are also harmful to worm snake populations.
Although there isn't much you can actively do to help these snakes, that doesn't mean you can't help at all. Always follow any Environmental Conservation Laws, which are usually outlined on signs near a protected site. Even if there are no signs, the basic actions you should keep in mind is to not litter, on both land and water, and do not start a forest fire. Another big thing youshould be aware of is, if you ever encounter a snake, just walk away. Whether or not you have knowledge on snakes. This will protect both you and the snake.
| Animal | Fun Facts |
|---|---|
| Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake | The Massasauga snake returns to the same hibernation area every year in their habitat. |
| Queen Snake | Queen snakes have armor-like scales on the top of their head and multiple rows of tough scales beneath their chins to safeguard their head when crawling under heavy rocks and on rough surfaces |
| Timber Rattlesnake | Timber rattlesnakes don't lay eggs. The foot-long baby rattlers are born encased within a membrane that they immediately shed. They are born with venom in their hollow fangs and a small “button” rattle. |
| Eastern Hognose Snake | Hognose snakes have saliva that's venomous or poisonous depending on whom you ask. It hardly affects humans, but it's lethal to the small prey they eat. |
| Worm Snake | Although the worm snake looks much like an earthworm, its primary diet consists of earthworms. |