These are the Largest Snake Species in North America and Where They Live

North America is home to a surprising variety of large snakes, from the hefty Eastern Indigo Snake of the Southeast to the massive Boa Constrictors found in parts of Florida. Some are native, while others are introduced species that have adapted well to new environments. These snakes can grow to impressive lengths, and while most are non-venomous and shy around humans, their size and presence still inspire awe and sometimes fear. Learning where these snakes live, what they eat, and how they behave can help demystify them and deepen your appreciation for the incredible diversity of reptilian life across the continent.

The following list ranks these snakes from smallest to largest, offering a comprehensive overview of their sizes and characteristics. This ranking highlights the impressive diversity of snake species in North America and allows us to appreciate the unique adaptations each species has developed in response to its environment.

Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi)

• Size: 3-6 feet
• Range: Central and western North America, extending from southern Canada through the U.S. and into northern Mexico
• Diet: Insects, lizards, small mammals, and birds

Bullsnakes are among the most widespread and adaptable snakes in North America, inhabiting environments that range from grasslands and prairies to open woodlands and agricultural areas. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their defensive behaviors, which include loud hissing, flattening their heads, and rapidly vibrating their tails against dry vegetation to mimic the sound of a rattlesnake’s rattle. Despite these intimidating displays, bullsnakes are non-venomous and pose no danger to humans.

Bullsnakes are highly beneficial to farmers and rural communities, playing a crucial role in controlling rodent populations, including gophers, rats, and mice. Unfortunately, their resemblance to rattlesnakes often leads to them being killed out of fear or due to a misunderstanding. In the wild, bullsnakes face natural threats from predators like hawks, eagles, foxes, coyotes, and even larger snakes.

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum)

• Size: 3-8.5 feet
• Range: Throughout the southern U.S., stretching from coast to coast, and extending into northern Mexico
• Diet: Insects, lizards, small mammals, and birds

Coachwhip snakes are renowned for their speed and agility. They are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. Despite their harmless nature, persistent myths, such as the false belief that they chase or whip people, have contributed to widespread and undeserved fear. As a result, coachwhips are sometimes killed on sight or mistaken for venomous species. In addition to human persecution, they frequently fall victim to roadkill, especially in rural and desert areas where they are commonly found basking or crossing roads in search of food or mates.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)

• Size: 4-6 feet, but could be up to 7 feet
• Range: Southwestern U.S., from California to Texas and into Oklahoma and the western edge of Arkansas
• Diet: Rodents, birds, and lizards

One of North America’s most well-known venomous snakes, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, is both iconic and formidable. Recognized by the distinctive diamond-shaped pattern along its back and the warning buzz of its rattling tail, this snake is highly defensive and can be dangerous if provoked. While it typically avoids human interaction, it may strike if provoked.

The western diamondback faces increasing threats. Habitat loss due to urban expansion, agriculture, and resource extraction is shrinking its natural range. Additionally, it is often killed out of fear or misunderstanding. Rattlesnake roundups, which are organized events where snakes are captured and often killed, pose a significant threat to local populations. Like many reptiles, the western diamondback plays a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems.

Northern Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus)

• Size: 4-7.5 feet
• Range: Eastern U.S., with a range extending from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey through the coastal plains of North and South Carolina, into the mountains of western Virginia and eastern West Virginia, and further south into eastern Tennessee, southeastern Kentucky, and Alabama
• Diet: Small mammals, birds, and their eggs

The northern pine snake is a large, non-venomous constrictor native to the eastern United States, particularly found in sandy, well-drained pine forests, scrublands, and coastal plains. One of their most distinctive behaviors is their loud and startling hissing, often accompanied by body inflation and vibration in dry leaves, which can mimic the warning sound of a rattlesnake. While this defense mechanism may appear threatening, northern pine snakes are harmless to humans and play a beneficial role in controlling rodent populations.

Because they require large, undisturbed tracts of land to thrive, even small-scale habitat disruptions can harm local populations. Their nests and eggs are vulnerable to predators and human disturbance, and road mortality is a growing concern in areas where their habitat overlaps with expanding infrastructure. As a result, northern pine snakes are listed as a species of concern or protected in several states, such as New Jersey, where they receive legal protection.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus)

• Size: 3–6 feet and occasionally up to 8 feet
• Range: The southeastern U.S. range includes eastern Louisiana, southern Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, eastern South Carolina, southern North Carolina, and all of Florida.
• Diet: Small mammals and birds.

The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in North America and one of the heaviest snakes on the continent, with some individuals exceeding eight feet in length and weighing over 10 pounds. It is instantly recognizable by its bold diamond-shaped dorsal pattern and characteristic rattling tail.

These snakes are found primarily in the southeastern United States, inhabiting dry, sandy areas such as pine flatwoods, scrublands, and coastal dunes. They require large, undisturbed tracts of land to thrive, often relying on gopher tortoise burrows for shelter. Unfortunately, eastern diamondbacks are increasingly threatened by habitat loss due to urban development, agriculture, and forestry practices that eliminate the open-canopy habitats on which they depend. Conservationists are working to raise awareness about the ecological importance of the eastern diamondback and to protect the longleaf pine ecosystems it inhabits.

Texas Indigo Snake (Drymarchon melanurus erebennus)

• Size: Up to 8 feet
• Range: South Texas and into northeastern Mexico.
• Diet: Rodents, birds, frogs, and other snakes (including rattlesnakes).

The Texas indigo snake is a glossy, non-venomous snake known for its iridescent blackish-blue coloration and its essential ecological role as a top predator in its native habitat. Growing up to eight feet in length, the Texas indigo snake is among the longest snakes in North America. It is diurnal, active during the day, and is highly mobile, often traveling great distances in search of food or shelter. Its diet is diverse and includes rodents, birds, amphibians, other reptiles, and even other snakes. When threatened, it may hiss or release a foul-smelling musk, but typically relies on its speed to flee rather than confront predators or humans.

Texas indigo snakes are becoming increasingly rare. Habitat degradation, particularly the loss and fragmentation of native South Texas brushlands, poses the greatest threat to their survival. Development, agriculture, road construction, and fencing limit their range and disrupt the large tracts of land they need to hunt, breed, and seek refuge.

Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi)

• Size: Up to 9 feet
• Range: Southeastern U.S., especially Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
• Diet:  Amphibians, birds, mammals, and even venomous snakes.

Eastern indigo snakes are recognized as the longest native snake in the United States and can reach lengths of up to 9 feet. One of the most striking features of the Eastern indigo is its beautiful blue-black scales, which can sometimes exhibit a glossy sheen, making it a favorite among snake enthusiasts and wildlife observers. This snake is known for its gentle and non-aggressive temperament, often coexisting peacefully with humans and other wildlife.

As a non-venomous species, the Eastern indigo plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling the populations of small mammals and other reptiles, including venomous snakes. However, it faces significant threats due to habitat loss caused by urban development, agriculture, and the destruction of its natural environment. Recognizing its declining numbers and the challenges it faces, the Eastern Indigo snake is federally protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Boa Constrictor

• Size: Up to 13 feet
• Range: Native to Central and South America, but found in parts of South Florida as an invasive species.
• Diet: Birds, rodents, lizards, and all sizes of mammals.

The boa constrictor is not native to North America but has established small populations in Florida, primarily due to the exotic pet trade. These powerful snakes can grow to impressive lengths, often reaching up to 13 feet, and are recognized for their distinctive patterns and coloration, which can vary widely among individuals. As non-venomous constrictors, boa constrictors subdue their prey by constriction rather than venom. While they are generally not a danger to humans, their size and strength make them formidable predators.

The presence of boa constrictors in Florida raises ecological concerns. If their populations continue to grow, they could further disrupt local ecosystems. This disruption highlights the importance of managing invasive species and protecting Florida’s biodiversity. Efforts are underway to monitor and control boa constrictor populations in Florida to mitigate their impact on native wildlife. Public awareness campaigns emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to refrain from releasing exotic pets into the wild.

Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus)

• Size: Can exceed 20 feet
• Range: Native to South America, but have occasionally been seen in parts of South Florida as escapees.
• Diet: Large mammals, birds, and reptiles, including caimans.

The green anaconda is recognized as the heaviest snake in the world. Adult green anacondas can reach lengths of over 20 feet and can weigh up to 550 pounds, making them not only massive but also incredibly powerful. These snakes are non-venomous and rely on their strength and size to subdue prey. Green anacondas are renowned for their ability to ambush prey underwater, utilizing their camouflage to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment.

These snakes are native to swamps, marshes, and rivers, although they are predominantly found in South America. However, there have been occasional sightings in Florida, likely linked to the exotic pet trade. These sightings raise significant concerns about the potential establishment of breeding populations in non-native environments. If green anacondas were to establish themselves in Florida (mind you, they are not yet established), they could pose a serious threat to local ecosystems by preying on native species and disrupting the balance of wildlife.

Burmese Python (Python bivittatus)

• Size: 10-16 feet
• Range: Native to Southeast Asia, but found in parts of South Florida as an invasive species.
• Diet: Birds, reptiles, and large mammals (including deer and alligators).

Topping the list of big snakes is the Burmese python. While not native to the United States, the Burmese python is originally from Southeast Asia. However, these pythons have established a breeding population in the Everglades, primarily due to the exotic pet trade and subsequent releases into the wild. These large Burmese pythons have wreaked havoc in the region.

The ecological disruption caused by these giant Burmese pythons in the Everglades is profound. Studies have shown drastic reductions in populations of small to medium-sized mammals, which are vital for maintaining the health of the ecosystem. The absence of these native species can lead to cascading effects, altering food webs and impacting other wildlife that rely on those populations. Efforts to control the Burmese python population in Florida involve a combination of public awareness campaigns, hunting programs, and research initiatives aimed at understanding their impact and finding effective management strategies.

Conclusion

These giant snakes of North America play significant roles in their ecosystems, with some species being beneficial and others potentially detrimental. From the adaptable Bullsnake to the formidable Burmese python, each species contributes uniquely to the biodiversity of its habitat. Understanding their behaviors, ecological roles, and the challenges they face is crucial for conservation efforts. As we continue to learn about these snakes, it becomes increasingly evident that many are under threat from habitat loss, human misunderstanding, and the dynamics of invasive species. By fostering awareness and promoting responsible interactions with these reptiles, we can help protect their populations and the ecosystems in which they live.