Venomous snakebite is rarely fatal among healthy adults. Commercial snakebite kits, which suggest making lacerations in the area of the bite and applying suction and tourniquets are not recommended. Bites from venomous species are a more serious matter and you should always seek immediate medical assistance. Bites from nonvenomous snakes are generally inconsequential however, it is prudent to review when you last had a tetanus immunization. It is always a good idea to become familiar with the venomous snakes in your area, including the outdoor places you plan to visit. If you should be bitten, obviously the most important first thing is determining if the snake is of a venomous variety. If you encounter a snake but can keep your distance, the snake will nearly always refrain from striking. The copperhead is mainly found along the lower Hudson Valley south of Kingston and scattered through the Catskills. This species is the subject of a cooperative research program between researchers at SUNY-ESF and NYSDEC. One is located northeast of Syracuse and the other is west of Rochester. The massasauga (listed as "Endangered") occurs in only two locations, both large wetlands. Its populations have been severely reduced, primarily due to bounties and commercial capture for snakeskin products and the pet trade. The timber rattlesnake (listed as "Threatened" by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation) enjoys the widest range it is found mainly in the southeastern part of the state, except Long Island and New York City, with scattered populations as far north as Lake George and also along the Southern Tier in western New York. These are the timber rattlesnake, the massasauga (erroneously called "pygmy rattler"), and the copperhead. There are only three species of venomous snakes living in the wilds of New York (many other kinds may be found in the homes of private individuals and, occasionally, escapes occur!). Venomous Snakes in New York Distribution and Identification Each is described quite well by their common names. Other kinds that occur all across New York in appropriate habitat are the green, redbelly, brown, and ringneck snakes all four of these are small, slender, and completely benign species that feed on insects, spiders, earthworms and slugs. It is an impressive animal that overpowers its bird and small mammal prey by constriction. The largest species in New York is the black rat snake, reaching lengths of eight feet! These largely black-colored snakes are found primarily along cliffs and rocky slopes but are absent from most of the Adirondacks. These characteristics are undoubtedly responsible for its being called "spotted adder" in some regions, an unfortunate name because it brings to mind the truly venomous snakes of Europe and Asia. The milk snake is a boldly patterned serpent (brown or reddish blotches on a light grey to tan body) that vibrates its tail when annoyed. Its name is derived from the decidedly false belief that it will milk cows! It is, however, frequently encountered in barns in search of its rodent prey (it also eats other snakes). The milk snake has given rise to more misconceptions than perhaps any other species. This confusion is understandable as our water snake is certainly an aggressive species with a nasty disposition and it does bear a superficial resemblance to the cottonmouth. This species is frequently called or mistaken for a cottonmouth (water moccasin) this latter species is a large venomous snake that does not occur within our state borders. It is the only large (up to 42 inches) water snake in our range. This is most pronounced in young individuals (adults may appear solid black). As an adult, it is a stout animal typically dark brown to black with lighter-colored bands and splotches along its length. The water snake is found in and around almost any waterbody or wetland in the state. They may reach lengths of two feet, but are typically smaller. These snakes, like many other species, are variable in color and pattern the basic color is dark brown or green with three yellowish stripes down their sides and back. Garter snakes use a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands to marshes to fields and exist quite well around human habitations. The most widespread and frequently encountered snakes in New York state are the garter snake and the water snake. All snakes form part of the diet of other predators such as hawks and foxes and thereby serve to link higher and lower feeding levels. Other snakes are important in the control they exert on insect and other invertebrate populations.
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