Top 5 snakes found in Canadian forests and how to identify them

Walk through any Canadian forest and you might expect to see deer, squirrels, or maybe a bear if you’re in the wild north. What you might not expect but should is a snake sliding quietly through the leaves. Yes, Canada has snakes. Not just a few here and there. They live in forests, wetlands, grasslands, and even around farms. While most are harmless, it’s still smart to know which ones you’re looking at.

Here’s a list of five snakes commonly found in Canadian forests and how you can spot them without having to get too close.

Let’s start with the one nearly everyone in southern Canada has seen at least once. The Eastern garter snake is common in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and even parts of Alberta. They’re probably the most familiar snake to Canadians, partly because they live so close to people. You’ll find them in parks, gardens, forests, and near water.

They’re easy to recognize: long and thin, usually around two to three feet long, and they almost always have three light-colored stripes running down their back and sides. These stripes can be yellow, greenish, or even white, depending on the region. The rest of the body is usually dark brown or black.

They’re non-venomous and generally mind their own business. If they feel threatened, they’ll try to escape, but they may also release a foul-smelling liquid as a defense. It’s not dangerous, just stinky. If you see one, let it be. It’s doing a great job keeping the insect and rodent population under control.

A close cousin of the Eastern garter snake, this one has a bit more flair. Found mostly in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and parts of Alberta, the red-sided garter snake stands out thanks to the bold red markings along its sides, between the usual yellow stripes. Against the darker background of its body, those red splashes really pop.

If you’ve ever heard about the massive snake mating gatherings in Narcisse, Manitoba, this is the snake they’re talking about. Every spring, thousands of them emerge from their winter dens all at once. It’s a wild sight—and one that draws tourists and researchers from around the world.

Again, they’re completely harmless. You’ll often find them near ponds or forest edges, basking in the sun or slipping through tall grass. They’re fast but not aggressive, and they’re very good at avoiding trouble.

Now, here’s a snake that causes a bit of confusion. The Eastern milksnake is often mistaken for a rattlesnake, mainly because it has a habit of shaking its tail when it feels threatened. It doesn’t have a rattle, but when that tail hits dry leaves, it can sound convincing enough to scare people.

Milksnakes are found mostly in southern Ontario and Quebec. They like barns, old sheds, and rocky areas, but you’ll also find them in woodlands and fields. Their pattern is beautiful: reddish-brown blotches along the back, outlined in black, with a gray or tan background.

Unlike rattlesnakes, they’re non-venomous and pose no threat. In fact, they’re excellent to have around since they feed on rodents and even other snakes. Farmers used to think they were bad luck, but most now know better—they’re more of a helper than a pest.

If you ever spot this one, consider yourself lucky. The northern ring-necked snake is small, secretive, and surprisingly beautiful. It’s found in southern Ontario and parts of Quebec, but you won’t see it often. These snakes live under logs, rocks, or leaf piles and rarely show themselves during the day.

They’re usually under a foot long, with a smooth, dark gray or slate-colored back. What makes them stand out is the thin yellow or orange ring around the neck hence the name. Flip one over (gently, if you're a herpetologist), and you’ll see a bright yellow or orange belly. Sometimes they even curl their tails and show their bellies when threatened a little bluff meant to scare predators.

They eat small prey like worms, insects, and tiny amphibians. No threat to humans at all. Most people will walk right past without ever realizing they’re there.

The only snake on this list you should be a little cautious around. Found in British Columbia’s Okanagan region and dry interior valleys, the Western rattlesnake is one of the few venomous snakes in Canada. That said, it’s not out to get you.

These snakes have a thick body, flat triangular head, and a rattle at the end of the tail that gives off a very distinct warning sound when they feel threatened. Their color varies, but you’ll often see a gray, brown, or tan body with darker blotches along the back.

If you hear that rattle, freeze. Look around slowly, locate the snake if you can, and back away. Do not run, do not approach it with a stick, and definitely don’t try to take a selfie. They don’t want to bite you—most bites happen when people accidentally step on them or try to handle them.

Rattlesnakes play an important role in the local ecosystem. Rodents can cause a lot of damage, and these snakes help keep their numbers in check. If you respect their space, they’ll leave you alone. ( source of images Pinterest )

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is intended for general educational purposes only. For wildlife encounters or concerns, please consult certified herpetologists, wildlife professionals, or local authorities.