Rhode Island snakes: ID chart

13 snakes. Last checked November 3, 2026.

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The snakes are listed from A to Z, each with a photo where we have one and a short note on where it lives in Rhode Island. The chart prints on letter or A4 paper; on screen, open any name on the Rhode Island snakes page for photos, range and sources.

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

Venomous

Common Gartersnake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Non-venomous

Common Wormsnake

Carphophis amoenus

Non-venomous

Dekay's Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Non-venomous

Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Non-venomous

Eastern Ratsnake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

Non-venomous

Eastern Ribbonsnake

Thamnophis sauritus

Non-venomous

Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Non-venomous

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Non-venomous

Northern Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Non-venomous

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Non-venomous

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Non-venomous

Smooth Greensnake

Opheodrys vernalis

Non-venomous

A picture cannot confirm what an animal is or that it is safe. Never handle a wild animal. Sources: Rules and Regulations Governing Importation and Possession of Wild Animals (250-RICR-40-05-3), § 3.17 Appendix A (Rhode Island Department of State (Code of Regulations); Rhode Island DEM rule); Snakes of Rhode Island (DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife factsheet) (Rhode Island DEM, Division of Fish & Wildlife); Test Your Knowledge of Rhode Island’s Wildlife (Rhode Island DEM); Venomous Snakes (Outdoor Workers) (CDC / NIOSH); Rhode Island Wildlife Action Plan, Chapter 1: Rhode Island’s Fish and Wildlife (Rhode Island DEM, Division of Fish & Wildlife). stateswildlife.com/rhode-island/snakes/