NEW YORK STATE - As New Yorkers escape the city for the trails of the Catskills, the Hudson Highlands, and the Adirondacks, the Empire State wilderness is coming alive. New York is home to 17 species of snakes. Still, for the thousands of hikers hitting the trails this spring, the news is mostly good: only three are venomous.
However, dangerous encounters do happen. With popular hiking spots like Breakneck Ridge and Harriman State Park seeing record visitor numbers, the overlap between human hikers and reptile residents is at an all-time high.
While most snakes you'll see—like the ubiquitous Garter Snake or the harmless Milk Snake—are safe, three species demand your respect. Here is the definitive guide to the venomous snakes of New York State.
1. The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
- Danger Level: High (Largest venomous snake in NY)
- Status: Threatened
- Where they hide: Rugged terrain in the Lower Hudson Valley (Harriman, Bear Mountain), the Catskills, the Southern Tier, and the foothills of the Adirondacks (Lake George/Champlain area).
The Timber Rattlesnake is a symbol of New York's wild history. They are the State largest venomous snake, capable of reaching lengths over 4 feet. While they have a potent venom, they are generally docile and will rattle to warn you before striking.
- ID Tip: A heavy body with dark chevron (V-shaped) bands and a distinct rattle at the end of a velvet-black tail. In NY, they often appear in a "black phase" (mostly dark) or a "yellow phase" (yellow/brown with dark bands).
- Important: Because they are a "Threatened" species, killing or harassing them is illegal.
2. The Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)
- Danger Level: Moderate
- Where they hide: Lower Hudson Valley and the Catskills. Note: They are rarely found north of the Catskills or in Western NY.
If you are hiking the rock scrambles of the Hudson Highlands (like Breakneck Ridge or Anthony's Nose), keep your eyes on where you place your hands. Copperheads love the rocky, sun-baked ledges that hikers use for breaks. They rely on their incredible camouflage to hide in plain sight against the rocks and leaf litter.
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ID Tip: Look for the "Hershey's Kiss" pattern—dark brown hourglass or saddlebag shapes on a tan or coppery body. Their heads are a distinct coppery-red color, with no markings on top.
3. The Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)
- Danger Level: High (but encounters are virtually impossible for the average hiker)
- Status: Endangered
- Where they hide: Extremely Localized. Found only in two specific wetlands in Western/Central New York (specifically Cicero Swamp near Syracuse and Bergen Swamp near Rochester).
The Massasauga is NewYork'ss "ghost" snake. It is the smallest of the three venomous snakes and is critically endangered in the state. Unless you are trudging through specific protected wetlands in Western NY, you will likely never see one.
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ID Tip: Small (usually under 2 feet), with a row of dark, saddle-shaped blotches down the back and a tiny rattle that creates a high-pitched buzz.
The Myth: The Water Moccasin
Let's be clear: There are no Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) in New York.
Every summer, people swimming in the Hudson River or the Finger Lakes panic over "Water Moccasins." They are not there. The range of the Cottonmouth ends hundreds of miles south.
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What you are seeing: It is almost certainly a Northern Water Snake. These non-venomous snakes are thick-bodied, aggressive when cornered, and can be found in nearly every waterway in the state. They will flatten their heads to mimic vipers, but they are harmless.
Safety & First Aid
In New York, the Timber Rattlesnake is "Threatened," and the Massasauga is "Endangered." It is illegal to kill, collect, or harass these animals.
What to do if bitten:
- Call 911 immediately. —Newk hospitals in areas prone to snake bitesare equipped with CroFab antivenom.
- Stay Calm. A racing heart pumps venom faster.
- Remove Constriction. Take off rings, watches, and tight boots immediately.
- Do NOT use a tourniquet, cut the wound, or apply ice.
A Note for Hikers: Most bites in New York occur when people try to pick up or kill the snake. The safest way to enjoy the trails is to leave the wildlife alone.
Video: NYS DEC - Timber Rattlesnake Research & Safety A look at how New York State monitors its rattlesnake population and how to stay safe in snake country.
