SNAKES
Black Snakes
Black snakes grow up to 80 inches long (6.5 feet) and the body is shaped like a loaf of bread. They are harmless but intimidating to look at. They are very helpful in eliminating rats and mice.
Copperhead
The Northern Copperhead is the only venomous snake found in the DC Metropolitan area. They are a rich, reddish brown color with darker hourglass-shaped markings lining its back. Its head is bright copper in color with a pink belly. It can grow up to 3 feet in length. They are found in rocky, wooded areas and feed on small rodents.
Garter Snakes
The eastern garter snake is a common terrestrial snake known for the three white or yellow stripes that run down the length of its back. These snakes feed during the day on earthworms, millipedes, spiders, insects, salamanders, small fish, frogs and toads.
Garter snakes are non-venomous, but can be fairly aggressive and will readily strike and bite, sometimes causing an allergic reaction in humans.
Water Snakes
The northern water snake is an aquatic snake that lives in lakes, swamps, streams and other waterways throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Water snakes have a heavy body with a large rounded head. They have a pattern on their back of black or reddish blotches. They can be aggressive when threatened but are non-venomous.