The Different Types of Snakes Including The Top Venomous Snakes In Canada

Types of Snakes in Canada

Did you know there are about 26 different types of snakes that call Canada home? Because snakes are exothermic and sensitive to temperatures, most species in Canada inhabit the southern part of the country, where temperatures are warm. Some species of snakes lay eggs while others give birth to live young. See the full list of snake species in Canada. 

Snakes very rarely come into the open and prefer to stay in concealed habitats. Although most people are scared of snakes, they do not attack humans unless provoked and they do not breed in homes. Snakes are actually beneficial to the environment – they help regulate rodent and insect populations, so they act as a natural form of pest control. 

Types of Venomous Snakes in Canada

Of the twenty-six native species of snakes in the country, only four are venomous. Most types of venomous snakes prefer warmer climates, making Canada unfriendly to all but the hardiest species. These varieties include:

Massasauga rattlesnake

The massasauga rattlesnake lives in Ontario’s Georgian Bay. Measuring between 50 and 70 cm, this species can be hostile towards animals and people. Their venomous bites cause acute pain and can be fatal. According to ontario.ca it has been over 50 years since someone Ontario has died from a massasauga bite and only two deaths have ever been reported in the province. 

Northern Pacific (western) rattlesnake

Located in British Columbia, Northern Pacific rattlesnakes have venom that destroys blood cells. These venomous snakes blend well with grass and dirt because of their dark brown bodies and irregular markings.

Other Dangerous Snake Species

There are two other venomous snake species in Canada. In Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, prairie rattlesnakes are venomous. Although their bites are rarely fatal to humans, they can cause serious disorientation. The desert night snake found mainly in BC’s southern Okanagan valley is mildly venomous, which is used to subdue prey but is not toxic to humans.

Non-Venomous Snakes in Canada

Of the 22 non-venomous snake species in Canada, garter snakes are the most widespread, found throughout the country, including the Northwest Territories. Bull snakes, on the other hand, are limited to the southern regions. If you are experiencing snake activity around your home, contact Orkin Canada for safe and effective removal.

How can You Tell if a Snake is Safe or Dangerous?

Identifying whether a snake is venomous is crucial for ensuring your safety. There are several harmless types of snakes in Canada that mimic dangerous ones. For example, the gopher snake will vibrate its tail in dried leaves and grasses to disguise itself as a rattlesnake. 

Look for the following characteristics to tell the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes: 

• Tail: Rattlesnakes have a rattle at the end of their tail, which they rattle as a warning to intruders, while non-venomous snakes do not have rattles – their tails are more tapered at the end.
• Shape of head: Venomous snakes have triangular or diamond shaped heads while non-venomous snakes have oval-roundish heads.
• Venomous snakes often have ridged (raised) scales with specific patterns, while most non-venomous snakes have smooth scales with no specific patterns. 
• Behaviour: Non-venomous snakes are generally not aggressive and tend to be docile, while venomous snakes are aggressive and will exhibit warning or attacking behaviours, such as rattling their tails.
• Shape of eye pupils: Non-venomous snakes have round pupils, while venomous snakes typically have slit-like pupils.

Venomous snake bites can be fatal. Do not attempt to handle or remove the snake yourself. Homeowners concerned about any type of venomous snake on their property should contact the experts at Orkin Canada for correct identification and safe removal.

Discover more about snakes by visiting our Snakes Pest Library page.