Are There Rattlesnakes in New York?
Yes, timber rattlesnakes live in parts of New York, but they are quite rare and limited to specific regions. These snakes occur only in small populations in the southern and western portions of the state. Most of New York, including the New York City area and the Adirondacks, has no rattlesnakes.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake 路 Scott Allen Davis CC BY
Panamint Rattlesnake 路 Matt Berger CC BY
Red Diamond Rattlesnake 路 Amy Huie CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- June, July, August
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
583 verified observations on iNaturalist of rattlesnake have been recorded in New York, most often in June, July, August.
When rattlesnake are recorded in New York
Yes, timber rattlesnakes live in parts of New York, but they are quite rare and limited to specific regions. These snakes occur only in small populations in the southern and western portions of the state. Most of New York, including the New York City area and the Adirondacks, has no rattlesnakes.
Are they in New York?
Yes, timber rattlesnakes live in parts of New York, but only in limited regions. They are found in small, scattered populations in the southern and western parts of the state, particularly in rocky forested areas of the Hudson Valley, the Shawangunk Mountains, and the western Southern Tier. Most of New York has no rattlesnakes. The New York City area, Long Island, the Adirondacks, and most of the Finger Lakes region have no established rattlesnake populations. Populations in New York are considered vulnerable, and the species is protected in some areas. Timber rattlesnakes are the only rattlesnake species in New York. For comprehensive information, check ourRattlesnake in New Yorkguide.
How dangerous is it?
A timber rattlesnake bite is medically serious and requires emergency care, but deaths are extremely rare with prompt treatment. Timber rattlesnakes produce hemotoxic venom that destroys tissue and causes severe swelling. About 80 percent of bites occur on the lower legs and feet when people step on or near a snake. Symptoms develop within minutes and include pain, swelling, and discoloration. Serious complications can develop without treatment, including tissue damage and temporary nerve damage. Antivenom is highly effective when given soon after a bite. Healthy adults who receive prompt hospital care rarely face life threatening complications. Good news, rattlesnake bites in New York are extremely rare, averaging less than five per year statewide, mostly occurring in warm months when the snakes are most active. For more on rattlesnake in New York, see ourNew York rattlesnake guide.
How to recognize one
Timber rattlesnakes in New York are large, heavy bodied snakes with distinctive triangular heads. They are usually light tan, gray, or black with dark chevron or V shaped bands running the length of their bodies. A rattle at the tail tip produces a buzzing sound when vibrated. Timber rattlesnakes have heat sensing pits along their lower jaw. Adults typically reach two to four feet in length, though some individuals grow larger. They hide in rocky areas, under flat rocks, in rocky ledges, and in caves, particularly on south facing slopes in forested regions. They may rest under logs, leaf litter, or debris on the forest floor. The distinctive rattle is the most reliable way to identify a rattlesnake. You can also browseNew York wildlife.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
Stay calm and remain still. Remove any rings or tight bracelets from the bitten hand or arm immediately, as swelling develops quickly. Keep the bitten area below heart level and avoid movement. Do not attempt to kill or capture the snake. Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or try to cut the wound or suck venom. Seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or driving to the nearest emergency room. In remote areas, know the location of the nearest hospital. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Antivenom and supportive medical care are most effective when administered quickly after a bite. Time is critical to good outcomes. See all of ourwildlife guides.
How to prevent encounters
If hiking or working in areas where timber rattlesnakes occur, wear closed toe boots and long pants. Watch where you place your hands and feet, especially on rocky slopes and near rock formations. Avoid reaching under rocks or into crevices. Listen for the rattle, which is your warning to back away. Make noise while hiking so snakes can move away before you reach them. Do not handle snakes or attempt to capture them. Avoid hiking alone in remote rocky areas during warm months. If you encounter a timber rattlesnake, simply back away slowly and give it plenty of space. The snake wants to avoid you as much as you want to avoid it.
Where in New York and when
Timber rattlesnakes in New York are limited to specific regions. The Hudson Valley, including areas around the Shawangunk Mountains, has populations. The southern Tier in the western part of the state has small populations. Isolated populations may occur in other rocky forested areas in southern and western New York. The species is absent from Long Island, the Adirondacks, the Finger Lakes region, and most of the state. Seasonally, timber rattlesnakes emerge from winter dens in spring, typically April through May. They are most active in warm months, June through September. They retreat to dens in fall, usually September through October, and remain dormant through winter. ForNew York wildlifeinformation, explore our comprehensive guides.
Harmless lookalikes
Bullsnakes, gopher snakes, and water snakes are sometimes mistaken for timber rattlesnakes in New York. Bullsnakes and gopher snakes lack a rattle and a triangular head and are completely harmless. When threatened, they may flatten their bodies and hiss, mimicking a rattlesnake's behavior. Water snakes near rivers and ponds are sometimes confused with rattlesnakes by those unfamiliar with local species. Racer snakes, kingsnakes, and other harmless species also occur in New York. Most New York snakes are beneficial and eat large quantities of rodents and insects. The reassuring fact is that the snake you encounter is far more likely to be a harmless species. Learning the differences helps reduce unnecessary fear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are timber rattlesnakes found throughout New York? No, they are limited to small populations in the southern and western portions of the state. Can I encounter a rattlesnake while hiking in the Adirondacks? No, rattlesnakes do not live in the Adirondacks. How common are rattlesnake bites in New York? Bites are extremely rare, averaging less than five per year in the entire state. Should I worry about rattlesnakes while hiking in most of New York? No, most of the state has no rattlesnakes. What should I do if I hear a rattle while hiking? Back away slowly and give the snake space to retreat. Visitour wildlife guidesfor information about actual snakes in your area.
Plan your trip
Best time to see rattlesnake in New York: June, July, August
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Are they in New York?+
Yes, timber rattlesnakes live in parts of New York, but only in limited regions. They are found in small, scattered populations in the southern and western parts of the state, particularly in rocky forested areas of the Hudson Valley, the Shawangunk Mountains, and the western Southern Tier. Most of New York has no rattlesnakes. The New York City area, Long Island, the Adirondacks, and most of the Finger Lakes region have no established rattlesnake populations. Populations in New York are considered vulnerable, and the species is protected in some areas. Timber rattlesnakes are the only rattlesnake species in New York. For comprehensive information, check ourRattlesnake in New Yorkguide.
How dangerous is it?+
A timber rattlesnake bite is medically serious and requires emergency care, but deaths are extremely rare with prompt treatment. Timber rattlesnakes produce hemotoxic venom that destroys tissue and causes severe swelling. About 80 percent of bites occur on the lower legs and feet when people step on or near a snake. Symptoms develop within minutes and include pain, swelling, and discoloration. Serious complications can develop without treatment, including tissue damage and temporary nerve damage. Antivenom is highly effective when given soon after a bite. Healthy adults who receive prompt hospital care rarely face life threatening complications. Good news, rattlesnake bites in New York are extremely rare, averaging less than five per year statewide, mostly occurring in warm months when the snakes are most active. For more on rattlesnake in New York, see ourNew York rattlesnake guide.
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