Identifying animals is often easier with photo references. Photos can help you limit possible identifications to just one or two likely species.
Click or tap a tab below to see reference photos for each group of snakes. The groups are based on visual similarities between animals, and are not a biological classification.
(Please note: preview images may not show the key identifying feature. Click or tap to see complete image. If you only see one tab—a known though uncommon bug—please reload the page.)
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Striped
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Small and Thin
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Blotched and/or Banded
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Large Black
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Thick with Rattle
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Small/Thin Juvenile
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Blotched and/or Banded Juvenile
Common Gartersnake and Eastern Ribbonsnake
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Red-bellied Snake, DeKay's Brownsnake, Ring-necked Snake, Smooth Greensnake
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Eastern Milksnake, Common Watersnake
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Eastern Ratsnake, North American Racer, Common Watersnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
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Note: the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake is unconfirmed in Vermont.
Timber Rattlesnake
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DeKay's Brownsnake
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Common Watersnake, Eastern Ratsnake, North American Racer
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This information is also available as a downloadable PDF.
