8 Types of Snakes in Maine
Maine is home to nine snake species, but only one is venomous, and it's rarely seen. Most snakes you'll spot are harmless garter, water, or milk snakes. This guide helps you identify common species, where to find them, and when to look.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- June, July, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
8 types of snakes recorded in Maine
8 snake species have a verified observation record in Maine across snakes (suborder Serpentes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
7,093 verified observations on iNaturalist of snake have been recorded in Maine, most often in June, July, May.
When snake are recorded in Maine
Maine is home to nine snake species, but only one is venomous, and it's rarely seen. Most snakes you'll spot are harmless garter, water, or milk snakes. This guide helps you identify common species, where to find them, and when to look.
What types of snakes are found in Maine?
Maine's snake list includes the eastern garter snake, northern water snake, milk snake, smooth green snake, red-bellied snake, northern brown snake, ring-necked snake, and the eastern ribbonsnake. The only venomous species is the timber rattlesnake, now considered extremely rare or possibly extirpated. You are most likely to encounter garter snakes and water snakes.
In Maine, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How can I identify the most common snakes in Maine?
Look for key field marks. Eastern garter snakes have three light stripes running down a dark body. Northern water snakes are thick-bodied with dark bands and a checkered pattern. Milk snakes have a blotched pattern and a pale Y or V on the back of the head. Smooth green snakes are solid bright green. Red-bellied snakes have a plain brown back and a pink or red belly.
See ourSnakes guidefor the next step.
Where in Maine are snakes most often seen?
Snakes are most frequently noticed in southern Maine, including York County, Cumberland County, and along the coast. Habitats near water, such as ponds, streams, and marshes, hold high densities of water snakes and garter snakes. Rocky ledges and old field edges also produce good sightings. For more on Maine wildlife, see ourMaine wildlife guide.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time to see snakes in Maine?
Snakes are active from April through October. The best time for sightings is late spring to early summer, when they bask in the morning sun to warm up. Warm afternoons after a rain often trigger movement. Spring is also mating season, making snakes more visible.
Are there any lookalike snakes in Maine?
Yes, the northern water snake and milk snake are often confused. Water snakes are heavier, have keeled scales, and a more aggressive posture. Milk snakes are slender with smooth scales and a distinct blotched pattern. Another common mix up is the eastern garter snake and the eastern ribbonsnake. Ribbonsnakes have a longer tail and a white spot in front of the eye.
What should I do if I encounter a snake in Maine?
Stay calm and give it space. Most snakes will move away on their own. Do not attempt to handle or kill the snake. If you suspect a venomous timber rattlesnake, back away slowly. Report any rattlesnake sightings to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Where can I find snake identification gear and apparel?
After you've learned to identify Maine's snakes, you might want to show off your interest. Easy Street Markets offers snake themed t shirts that make great conversation starters.
Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt
A striking design featuring a rattlesnake silhouette. Perfect for field trips.Check Price and Availability
Green Viper Snake T-Shirt
Bold green viper graphic for herpetology fans.Check Price and Availability
Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt
A fun, vintage style snake design that appeals to all ages.Check Price and Availability
Explore more snake apparel at oursnake t shirt collection.
What are some common questions about snakes in Maine?
**Are there poisonous snakes in Maine?** The only venomous snake is the timber rattlesnake, but it is considered extirpated. Sightings are almost nonexistent.
**What is the largest snake in Maine?** The northern water snake can reach up to 55 inches, but most are 24-42 inches.
**Do snakes swim in Maine?** Yes, northern water snakes are excellent swimmers and often seen in lakes and rivers.
**How can I keep snakes away from my property?** Reduce hiding spots like wood piles and tall grass. Seal holes in foundations.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of snakes are found in Maine?+
Maine's snake list includes the eastern garter snake, northern water snake, milk snake, smooth green snake, red-bellied snake, northern brown snake, ring-necked snake, and the eastern ribbonsnake. The only venomous species is the timber rattlesnake, now considered extremely rare or possibly extirpated. You are most likely to encounter garter snakes and water snakes. In Maine, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How can I identify the most common snakes in Maine?+
Look for key field marks. Eastern garter snakes have three light stripes running down a dark body. Northern water snakes are thick-bodied with dark bands and a checkered pattern. Milk snakes have a blotched pattern and a pale Y or V on the back of the head. Smooth green snakes are solid bright green. Red-bellied snakes have a plain brown back and a pink or red belly. See ourSnakes guidefor the next step.
Where in Maine are snakes most often seen?+
Snakes are most frequently noticed in southern Maine, including York County, Cumberland County, and along the coast. Habitats near water, such as ponds, streams, and marshes, hold high densities of water snakes and garter snakes. Rocky ledges and old field edges also produce good sightings. For more on Maine wildlife, see ourMaine wildlife guide. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time to see snakes in Maine?+
Snakes are active from April through October. The best time for sightings is late spring to early summer, when they bask in the morning sun to warm up. Warm afternoons after a rain often trigger movement. Spring is also mating season, making snakes more visible.
Are there any lookalike snakes in Maine?+
Yes, the northern water snake and milk snake are often confused. Water snakes are heavier, have keeled scales, and a more aggressive posture. Milk snakes are slender with smooth scales and a distinct blotched pattern. Another common mix up is the eastern garter snake and the eastern ribbonsnake. Ribbonsnakes have a longer tail and a white spot in front of the eye.
What should I do if I encounter a snake in Maine?+
Stay calm and give it space. Most snakes will move away on their own. Do not attempt to handle or kill the snake. If you suspect a venomous timber rattlesnake, back away slowly. Report any rattlesnake sightings to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Where can I find snake identification gear and apparel?+
After you've learned to identify Maine's snakes, you might want to show off your interest. Easy Street Markets offers snake themed t shirts that make great conversation starters. ### Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt A striking design featuring a rattlesnake silhouette. Perfect for field trips.Check Price and Availability ### Green Viper Snake T-Shirt Bold green viper graphic for herpetology fans.Check Price and Availability ### Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt A fun, vintage style snake design that appeals to all ages.Check Price and Availability Explore more snake apparel at oursnake t shirt collection.
What are some common questions about snakes in Maine?+
**Are there poisonous snakes in Maine?** The only venomous snake is the timber rattlesnake, but it is considered extirpated. Sightings are almost nonexistent. **What is the largest snake in Maine?** The northern water snake can reach up to 55 inches, but most are 24-42 inches. **Do snakes swim in Maine?** Yes, northern water snakes are excellent swimmers and often seen in lakes and rivers. **How can I keep snakes away from my property?** Reduce hiding spots like wood piles and tall grass. Seal holes in foundations. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in Maine