Find more information on our Reptiles and Amphibians page.
Snakes
Are Water Moccasins found in Pennsylvania?
Water Moccasins or Cottonmouths are not native to PA. They are found primarily in the southern states. Their range only goes as far north as southern Virginia. There are only three venomous snakes native to PA: the Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake and Eastern Massasauga.
Do you need a permit to possess a Timber Rattlesnake or to keep one as a pet?
It is legal to possess a live Timber Rattlesnake in Pennsylvania under certain circumstances. The person in possession of the snake would have to get a Venomous Snake Permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission prior to obtaining the snake. The snake would then have to be legally collected from the wild in Pennsylvania during the open season and in compliance with size and possession limits. The possession limit for Timber Rattlesnakes is one. This is the only way to legally acquire a Timber Rattlesnake in Pennsylvania.
A Timber Rattlesnake obtained from the wild in Pennsylvania without a permit would be illegal to possess. Timber Rattlesnakes may not be imported into Pennsylvania from other states or countries. It is illegal to breed Timber Rattlesnakes (or most other native reptiles and amphibians) in captivity in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission does not recommend keeping venomous reptiles as pets.
Do you need a permit to purchase/sell/possess a venomous exotic snake?
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations only pertain to native species of PA. In other words, our regulations do not cover any species not found in PA. Therefore, you would not need a permit from our agency. However, you may want to contact your local municipal government to see if they have any ordinances in effect that regulate the possession of “dangerous animals” or exotic pets.
How do you tell the difference between a venomous snake and a harmless one?
All three venomous snakes native to PA are pit vipers. Two facial characteristics common to all pit vipers are vertically elliptical pupils (like a cat’s eyes in bright light) and facial pits (indentations on the “cheeks” which aid in heat detection and locating prey). Facial pits are not found on nonvenomous snakes native to the Commonwealth.
In addition, rattlesnakes have rattles or the remnants of rattles beginning at the base of the tail. The Eastern Copperhead has a single row of scales on the underside of the tail between the anal opening and the tip of the tail. Our nonvenomous snakes have two rows of scales under the tail.
Can you determine the age of a rattlesnake by counting the rattles?
No. A rattlesnake develops a new rattle on its tail every time the snake sheds its skin. A healthy snake can shed its skin multiple times per year, each time adding a rattle to its tail. There is no visual method used to determine the age of a rattlesnake.
Do Timber Rattlesnakes have venom when they are first born?
Yes. A neonate (newborn) Timber Rattlesnake possesses enough venom to subdue its prey and obtain its first meal.
How do you keep snakes away from your home and yard?
There is no known effective snake repellent that can be used safely without danger to humans and/or pets. But a few simple housecleaning measures usually keep snakes away from buildings and reduce the likelihood of a snake entering your home. These include:
- Place piles of firewood, stone and rubbish far away from the building foundation.
- Maintain a zone of mowed lawn around and and up to the foundation.
- Remove dense ground cover plantings from the foundation area.
- Eliminate potential food sources such as mice, rats, flying squirrels and voles from the building.
