Snakes
Snakes commonly found in Minnesota
Common garter snake
The common garter snake and it's cousin, the plains garter snake, are medium-sized snakes reaching up to 3 feet in length. They are black with three, yellow lengthwise stripes on their back and sides. These are the most common snakes found around buildings. If handled, these snakes may try to bite and will usually defecate on the person or thing picking them up. Learn more about common garter snakes.
Fox snake
Fox snakes can reach over 5 feet in length. They are not common in urban areas but are found around farms and houses in rural areas. This snake usually won't come into a house, but can be found in sheds, barns, or other buildings where rodents are present. Learn more about fox snakes.
Redbelly snake
The redbelly snake is a small snake rarely more then a foot long. It is brown or gray on top with a bright salmon-red belly. This snake spends most of its time under logs, rocks, or leaf litter. It is commonly found when cleaning up yard debris and woodpiles. This beautiful and docile snake can be handled without risk. It rarely bites, and its tiny teeth are unlikely to penetrate skin. Learn more about redbelly snakes.
Bullsnake
The bullsnake (also called gopher snake) is the largest snake in Minnesota, growing to over 6 feet. They are usually seen in rural areas. They can be found in yards with pocket gopher or ground squirrel activity. They spend a majority of their time underground. A bullsnake's first line of defense is to escape down a gopher hole. Learn more about bullsnakes and find them in the Rare Species Guide.
Uncommon venomous snakes
There are only two species of venomous snakes in Minnesota. They are rare, occur only in the southeastern counties of Minnesota, and are protected under state regulations.
Massasauga
The massasauga, an extremely rare snake, is listed as "endangered" in Minnesota, with few recorded sightings in the state. All records are from along the Mississippi River south of Wabasha. No sightings have been reported in recent years.
Both species of venomous snake are dangerous but their bites are rarely fatal. No one has died from a venomous snakebite in Minnesota for over 100 years. If seen, these snakes should be left alone. Learn more about massasaugas and find them in the Rare Species Guide..
Timber rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is found in the blufflands region along the Mississippi River from Red Wing south. This species is listed as "threatened" in Minnesota.
The fox snake and bullsnake are sometimes confused with timber rattlesnakes because they will defend themselves and will vibrate their tails. The tail vibrations can sound like a rattle if the tail is in dry leaves. These two species are harmless and beneficial. They eat destructive rodents such as mice and should not be killed. Both species live in the southern half of the state.
The Department of Natural Resources has a rattlesnake relocation team. If you live in southeastern Minnesota and encounter a rattlesnake in your yard, call 507-280-5070. They will provide advice and/or assistance regarding the rattlesnake. Learn more about timber rattlesnakes and find them in the Rare Species Guide.
