Snake
Eyes
Pennsylvania's poisonous snakes have a vertical "slit" pupils, while the non-poisonous species have round pupils.
Pictured above left is the eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus). This snake is on Pennsylvania's endangered list and is a candidate species on the federal list. Those who have spent time observing the species generally characterize it as retiring and shy; a snake that will only strike when provoked to do so. Development of open fields (used as feeding and birthing sites), fragmentation of habitats, degradation of wetland areas (which are used as annual hibernation sites), impacts from gas and oil extraction, and outright eradication by humans, has negatively impacted the snake in many portions of its range, including locations in Pennsylvania. WPC is presently studying the habitat and conservation needs of this shy species. Read more about the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
Pictured above right is an eastern garter snake, which is not poisonous. Garter snakes inhabit many areas, including city environments, and might be seen by some of WPC's volunteer gardeners in urban areas. Read more about snakes.
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