6 Black Snakes in Michigan

Of approximately 4000 snake species worldwide, 150 are found in North America, and Michigan is home to 18 of them. Snakes are an important part of their ecosystems, keeping populations of their prey species at sustainable levels. Snakes come in all colors, and black ones are assumed to be the most dangerous despite the fact that most black snakes are nonvenomous. Continue reading to learn about six black snakes in the state of Michigan.

6. Northern Ribbon Snake

The nonvenomous Northern ribbon snake (Thamnophis saurita septentrionalis) is a subspecies of common ribbon snake (Thamnophis saurita). These snakes are slender and black or brown with three bright yellow or white stripes running down their backs. They measure 18 to 26 inches long and primarily prey on worms, small insects, frogs, and fish.

Northern ribbon snakes live near marshes, lakes, ponds, and streams. Between October and April, they hibernate, then mate in the spring, and give birth in late summer. They are ovoviviparous and have 3 to 26 snakelets, which mature in two to three years.

5. Copperbelly Water Snake

Copperbelly water snakes (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) are considered an Endangered species in Southern Michigan near the Indiana border because of hunting and habitat loss. These snakes measure 30 to 40 inches on average and weigh up to 1.14 pounds, with females being larger. Their dorsal side is jet black, and their ventral side is orange, hence their common name.

Copperbelly water snakes are found in lowland swamps and wetlands. These environments are necessary for the species’ survival, as these snakes prey on frogs, tadpoles, small fish, and salamanders, and use crayfish burrows for hibernation during the winter.

4. Blue Racer

Almost every one of the lower 48 states is home to one of the eleven subspecies of Eastern racer (Coluber constrictor). Blue racers (Coluber constrictor foxii) thrive throughout the Great Lakes region, including Michigan. These snakes have blue-black dorsal scales, light blue lateral scales, and creamy white ventral scales. They measure 4 to 6 feet long and weigh approximately 1.23 pounds.

Although the IUCN has not assessed the conservation status of blue racers, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada lists the species as Endangered in Canada, and the state of Wisconsin lists them as a species of special concern. This is because blue racers have been unable to adapt to human activity, so habitat destruction is a major threat to this species. These snakes are diurnal foragers; juveniles prey on crickets and insects, while adults prey on rodents, birds, and other snakes.

3. Northern Ringneck Snake

The Northern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus edwardsii) is nocturnal and seldom seen. Even the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has trouble determining its population numbers. These are small snakes, typically solid black, blue, or gray, with a distinctive, brilliant yellow ring around their neck and ventral scales that match the ring. They are slender, measuring 9 to 15 inches long and weighing less than 1 ounce.

Northern ringneck snakes live in wet, shady woodlands; they are also found near the edges of wetlands and open areas in the mountains. They prey on salamanders, insects, earthworms, frogs, slugs, small lizards, and small snakes. Their saliva contains a mild venom used to subdue their prey. However, this venom is not harmful to humans.

2. Butler’s Garter Snake

The Butler’s garter snake (Thamnophis butleri) is a small snake that measures 15 to 27 inches long and weighs approximately 5.29 ounces. Their bodies are black, with three yellow, orange, or cream-colored stripes spanning the length of their backs. They live in moist habitats such as meadows, marshes, and lake borders in the Eastern and Southern Lower Peninsula. Butler’s garter snakes are usually solitary, but they will hibernate in groups, often with other garter snake species.

Butler’s garter snakes are carnivores. Earthworms are their primary prey, but they will also prey on leeches, frogs, and salamanders. Milk snakes, American crows, hawks, owls, raccoons, skunks, weasels, shrews, foxes, and cats are among the predators that hunt Butler’s garter snakes. To escape from predators, they violently thrash their bodies to confuse and scare them.

1. Black Rat Snake

The largest snake species in Michigan is the black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus). Black rat snakes have broad, hefty bodies that measure 6 feet or longer and weigh between 1.1 and 4.9 pounds. Their breeding season begins in May, with females laying 12 to 20 eggs 5 weeks later, hatching after 65 days.

Black rat snakes become a dark, glossy black as they mature. Their underbelly is white, and it spreads to their chin and lips as they age. They prey on rats and mice.