It is listed as ENDANGERED by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is protected by law in the state. Indiscriminate killing of snakes has also been a problem in local areas. It has been found only in the southern third of the Lower Peninsula. Wetlands drainage and development in preferred habitat has limited distribution to only a few small populations. Habitat for the copper-bellied water snake has declined dramatically. Fish and Wildlife Service as a nationally "threatened" species. It has also recently been listed by the U. Its population is so low that it is listed as an "endangered" species in Michigan. This snake is extremely rare in Michigan. Range and Status: The snake can be found throughout the Lower Peninsula, and is locally common where suitable wetland habitat exists.Ĭopper-bellied Water Snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) The head is black, though the scales above and below the mouth are white. Northern Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis)ĭescription: A very slender black or brown snake with three bright yellow or white stripes down the back. They inhabit both peninsulas and survive even in urban areas. Range and Status: This species is the most common Michigan snake. The belly is pale white, green, or yellow. Most are gray, brown, or greenish with three yellowish stripes down the back, and there may be black spots between the stripes, making the snake look "checkered". Range and Status: This species is locally common in the eastern and southern Lower Peninsula.Įastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)ĭescription: A medium sized striped snake with variable coloration. Some specimens have dark spots between the stripes. They are listed as a "species of special concern" by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and are protected by state law.īutler's Garter Snake (Thamnophis butleri)ĭescription: A small black, brown, or olive snake with three distinct yellow stripes down the back and a yellowish belly. Range and Status: Black Rat Snakes occur in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, but are rare and declining. Young rat snakes are patterned with dark blotches on a gray background, and traces of this juvenile coloration are often visible in adult specimens. Check them out below, thanks to the Michigan DNR.īlack Rat Snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsoleta)ĭescription: A large shiny black snake with a white chin and throat. Only 18 species are found in Michigan, but they are an important and conspicuous part of our state's fauna. Despite being legless, snakes inhabit most environments on Earth that are ice free for at least part of the year.ĭeserts, oceans, forests, grasslands, lakes, rivers, marshes, mountains, farms, and cities - all are homes to some of the 2400 known species of snakes. DETROIT – Whether they like them or fear them, people find snakes fascinating.
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