Are there Venomous Snakes in Maine?

Good news. The answer is no. Maine is one of the only states in the country with no venomous snakes. The other two states are Alaska and Hawaii. So while you still need to keep your head on a swivel for bears and moose, fortunately snakes are not an issue when you’re out on the trails in Maine.

What you might see instead

If you encounter a snake in your yard or while hiking, it is almost certainly one of Maine’s nine harmless species. The most common ones include:

Common Garter Snake: Often found in gardens and meadows; usually has three yellow stripes.
Northern Water Snake: Frequently mistaken for a “moccasin” (which does not live in Maine). They can be large and defensive if cornered, but they are not venomous.
Milk Snake: Sometimes mistaken for a rattlesnake because they may vibrate their tail in dry leaves to make a buzzing sound when threatened.
Red-bellied Snake: A small, secretive snake often found under logs or rocks.