Remember that all snakes are protected in Great Falls Park. These snakes are excellent climbers, and use their light green color to blend in with shrubs and trees while they hunt for insects. Rough green snakes are slightly larger, ranging from 7-32 inches in length, and slender. Brown snakes reach a maximum of 13 inches in length. The brown snakes are reclusive, and prefer the damp environments found along the River Trail and in the swampy habitats in the park. Northern brown snakes and rough green snakes are two of the most difficult species to spot in the wild at Great Falls. They can reach a length of over six feet, and are capable of climbing trees. They will defend themselves aggressively if disturbed, by striking at whatever threatens them and releasing a foul smelling liquid to discourage predators.īlack rat snakes are one of the most commonly observed species in Great Falls. Water snakes prey on fish, frogs, and salamanders. They are often confused with the venomous cottonmouth, which is not found in Great Falls Park. Northern water snakes, like the one in the photo to the right, are often seen around the Potomac. These snakes will usually not strike if someone walks nearby, but will bite if stepped on or picked up. Their venom is usually not fatal to humans, although any snake bite needs to be treated. They move on to larger mice, frogs, and birds as they reach adulthood. Unlike many snakes, copperheads give birth to live young. The top of their head is always a solid copper color. Their main predators in the park are opossums.Ĭopperheads are members of the pit viper family, and share the classic wedge shaped head and cat's eye pupil of the majority of venomous snake species in the United States. Copperheads and non-venomous rat snakes will vibrate their tails in leaf litter to make a buzzing noise, which helps to scare away potential predators. Earth tones and the hourglass pattern on the snake's back help disguise them in the wild. These snakes are usually not aggressive, and rely on camouflage to hide. The copperhead is the only venomous snake found within Great Falls Park.

Brown milksnake copperhead