Endangered Resources

Reptiles & Amphibians

Amphibians

Lizards

Snakes

Turtles

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Snakes of Wisconsin

Photo of an Eastern Garter Snake, a locally common species.

For centuries, snakes have been misunderstood, under-appreciated, and even heavily persecuted. However, most of us are enthralled with them and our natural curiosity seeks to better understand them. Snakes occur throughout most of the world and vary in length from 5 inches to more than 30 feet. They are closely related to lizards but do not have eyelids or ear openings. Snakes are ectothermic, relying on their surroundings to control their body temperatures. Wisconsin has 21 types of snakes including 19 non-venemous species and 2 venomous species, four of which are endangered and one of which is threatened with extinction.


Species information from the book Snakes of Wisconsin:

Non-venomous Snakes*
Prairie Ringneck Snake
Northern Ringneck Snake
Eastern Hognose Snake
Smooth Green Snake
Yellow-bellied or Blue Racer
Black Rat Snake or Pilot Snake
Western Fox Snake ("Pine")
Bullsnake
Eastern Milk Snake

Butler's Gartersnake THR
Eastern Plains Gartersnake
Northern Ribbon Snake END
Western Ribbon Snake END
Common Gartersnake
Brown Snake or DeKay's Snake
Northern Redbelly Snake
Queen Snake END
Northern Water Snake

Venomous Snakes
Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake END
Timber Rattlesnake

To learn more about these species and their habitats, order your copy of the Snakes of Wisconsin book today!

* There is one species (the western worm snake) that is not listed here. It was officially accepted as a state species after the Snakes of Wisconsin book came out.

Last Revised: May 15, 2006