Watch where you step! Ohio is home to 3 venomous snake species
CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - There are three snake species identified in Ohio that are capable of producing a venomous bite; a fact that few Ohioans may not have known.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has identified the three as the Northern Copperhead, the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and the Eastern Timber Rattlesnake.
Northern Copperhead
The copperhead, which is usually up to 3 feet long, gained the name from its copper-colored head.
It is the most encountered venomous snake in the state of Ohio and is most active April through October.
The species is typically non-aggressive, but will take defense when it is threatened.
The bite from a copperhead is capable of producing severe illness, and in some cases, death.
Massasauga
The massasauga is one of two rattlesnakes that are native to Ohio.
The endangered species has been spotted in 22 Ohio counties.
It is identified as a medium-sized rattlesnake with a gray or brown body.
The dangerous rattlesnake is most commonly seen in marshes and wetlands
Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is an endangered species in Ohio and is only known to have habitats in the southern portion of the state.
A timber rattlesnake can exceed more than 6 feet in length, and are either yellowish or black and brown depending on the snake's phase.
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