Northern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus septentrionalis)

Status: Special Concern

Ribbonsnakes are black with three yellow stripes (one down the back and one on either side of its body). These snakes are often confused for gartersnakes but there are a few subtle differences. Ribbonsnakes have a distinct white crescent in front of the eye, a yellow chin and a white belly. They also often have a maroon colour on the side of its body. These snakes are highly aquatic and can grow 50-85 cm in length.

Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus)

Status: Threatened

The Eastern foxsnake is Ontario’s third largest snake and can reach a length of up to 1.8m. These snakes are yellow/light brown with dark blotches extending down the body and an orange/copper coloured head. It’s belly is light coloured with alternating dark blotches resembling a checkered pattern.

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
(Heterodon platirhinos)

Status: Threatened

Eastern hog-nosed snakes are highly variable in colour and pattern and can grown to a maximum length of 85 cm. Some individuals can have blotches down their back on a lighter background while others may be solid in colour. They are thick bodied snakes with a distinctive up turned snout. These snakes have a unique defensive mechanism and will flare out their necks when feeling threatened. They may also roll over and play dead as part of their defense display.

The Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus)

Status: Threatened

The Eastern Massasauga is Ontario’s only venomous snake species. This snake is thick bodied and most adults reach a length of 55-75 cm. It is brown with saddle shaped blotches running down the back and three dark lines running down the side of its triangular shaped head.

The most identifiable feature of the Massasauga is its rattle, which grows as the snake sheds.

*Other snake species that are not currently listed as species-at-risk are present within Shawanaga First Nation and and are listed below:

  • Eastern Gartersnake

  • Dekay’s brownsnake

  • Eastern milksnake

  • Northern watersnake

  • Red-bellied snake

  • Smooth greensnake

  • Northern Ring-necked snake