New York state is home to 17 species of snakes, more than half of which can be found in the Finger Lakes region.
Snakes play a critical role in their environments, primarily by their position within the food chain, as predators and within natural communities, according to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Snakes, while effective predators of various pests, in turn feed other animals including bird of prey like hawks, eagles and owls as well as mammals including foxes and raccoons, according to Britannica.
Here’s more on all the snakes to look for in the Finger Lakes region:
The most common snakes in New York
Of course New York’s most common snakes reside in the Finger Lakes (as well as most other parts of the Empire State) – the water snake and the garter snake. Both snakes are the most frequent and widely encountered snakes and are harmless to people, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
The garter snake lives in a wide variety of habitats – from woodlands to marshes to fields – and are variable in color and pattern but are usually brown or green, according to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Garter snakes typically grow up to 2 feet long.
The water snake is found in and around nearly any waterbody or wetland in the state. It’s up to 42 inches long and is typically dark colored with lighter bands.
Other snakes found in NY’s Finger Lakes region
These snakes are found within the Finger Lakes region, according to the DEC:
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: What snakes live in New York’s Finger Lakes region?
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
