Thanks to Ottawa’s relatively cool climate, most snake species are non-venomous. There’s only one native poisonous snake species in Ontario – the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. However, seeing a snake in your house or yard can cause quite a scare.
Are there poisonous snakes in Ottawa?
The Massasauga is a stout-bodied rattlesnake, usually about 50 to 70 centimetres long. It is Ontario’s only venomous snake, though it will only bite in self-defence if it is threatened or harassed.
What snakes are common in Ontario?
The wonderful world of Ontario snakes
- Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus)
- Eastern Foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus)
- Butler’s Gartersnake (Thamnophis butleri)
- Dekay’s Brownsnake (Storeria dekayi)
- Red-bellied Snake (Storeria occipitomaculata)
What is Ontario’s largest snake?
Gray Ratsnake
The Gray Ratsnake, is also commonly known as the Black Ratsnake or the Eastern Ratsnake. It is non-venomous and is Ontario’s largest snake, reaching up to 2 metres in length. This elegant snake has a shiny black body with a white chin and throat.
Are there milk snakes in Ottawa?
The eastern milksnake is found from the Carolinian zone in southern Ontario to as far east as Brockville and Ottawa and north into Sudbury, with historical sightings further north into Sault Ste. Marie.
Are there snakes in Ottawa River?
There are many species of snakes and turtles in the Ottawa River.
Are there lynx in Ottawa?
Of course, lynx cats have never been prevalent in the Ottawa Valley, and any sightings over time have been extremely rare. The lynx is a solitary cat that typically sticks to the remote northern boreal forest within Canada.
What happens if a garter snake bites you?
Bite. While most species are classified as harmless (non-venomous), their bite can cause minor swelling or itching in humans, and anyone bitten by a garter snake should clean the bite thoroughly. It is not ultimately a cause for concern.
What Ontario snake looks like a cobra?
the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
The most significant threats to the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake are habitat loss and fragmentation, and persecution by people. The impressive cobra imitation of this harmless snake is so convincing that people often think it is dangerous. Road mortality is an increasing threat for this species.
What is the most common snake to find in your backyard?
Garter Snakes
Garter Snakes
They are native to both North and Central America and are the most common snakes found in gardens and yards. They’re also called grass snakes and are distinguished by 1 or 3 long, yellow to red stripes that are often checkered.
Are there anacondas in Canada?
In Newfoundland and Labrador, Anaconda is in production at its Point Rousse Project and in the exploration and development stage at its Argyle Project, both located on the Baie Verte Peninsula.
What snakes swim in Ontario?
The northern watersnake eats fish and amphibians, hunting for its prey along the water’s edge or underwater. It is an excellent swimmer and can be found up to three metres below the surface of the water and several kilometres from shore.
What eats snakes in Ontario?
Snakes need our help
In addition to natural predators like fishers and red shouldered hawks, these snakes are often killed on our roads, and their natural habitats are disappearing. Snakes are an important part of our ecosystem and should never be killed.
Are there rattlesnakes in Ottawa?
Thanks to Ottawa’s relatively cool climate, most snake species are non-venomous. There’s only one native poisonous snake species in Ontario – the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake.
Will a milk snake bite you?
Understanding that the milksnake is non-venomous is important. If startled or cornered, this snake may strike in self defense; however, no snake will deliberately attack a human.
How common are snakes in Ontario?
Currently, the only snake species in Ontario not at risk are Dekay’s brownsnake, common gartersnake, northern watersnake, ring-neck snake and smooth greensnake.
Are there wolves in Ottawa?
Through management of the National Forest we provide wildlife with the habitat needed for survival. Bear, Deer, Wolves, Coyotes, Fox, Eagles, Owls and many more species call the Ottawa National Forest Home.
Do snakes in Ontario bite?
Between 1971 and 1998 an average of 2 bites were reported each year in Ontario. The number ranges from 0 to 9 bites per year. Many bites occur as a result of people engaging in risky behaviour such as trying to capture the rattlesnake. No person has died from a rattlesnake bite in Ontario in more than 40 years.
What wild animals are in Ottawa?
The Ottawa National Forest is home to many species of wildlife. Our terrain and vegetation provides excellent cover and food for Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Grey Wolves, Coyote, Eagles, Hawks, Rabbits, Waterfowl Birds, Ruffed Grouse, and many more species of smaller birds and animals.
Are there black bears in Ottawa?
— Due to the secluded nature of the Ottawa National Forest, visitors may experience an encounter with a black bear, whether on the trail, in a developed campground, or in the wilderness areas.
Are there bears around Ottawa?
Residents can call the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222 or 911 if a bear is endangering safety. Black bears are found in forested areas across Ontario. They usually avoid people, but are attracted by food and are more likely to approach people when food is scarce.