Michigan is home to a wide variety of wildlife—including snakes, one of the most misunderstood and feared creatures in the state. With over 95% of Michigan made up of rural land, encounters with snakes are not uncommon. Some snake species in Michigan are venomous, while many are completely harmless. Still, all snakes should be treated with caution.

If you spot a snake in your home or yard, especially in the Grand Rapids area, contact Critter Control of Grand Rapids for safe and professional snake removal.

There are approximately 18 different snake species found in Michigan, ranging from large to small and brightly colored to more camouflaged. Snakes can thrive in a wide range of environments, including urban and suburban areas.

Here’s a quick look at some of the most common snakes you may encounter in your Grand Rapids backyard—and what to do if you find one.

 

Harmless snakes you may come across:

brown snake with a yellow belly and a white back stripe sitting on a branch

Eastern Garter Snake:

Averaging about 18 to 26 inches, this snake is ubiquitous, and partial to stone walls and gardens. They range from green, brown, or black with a distinctive yellow or white stripe.

Photo by: Regan Dsouza

 

Dk brown snake with a grey body and brown pattern curled on rocksBrown snake

Also known as “De Kay’s snake’, this non-venomous species is brown to grey with a light center stripe and cascading spots. They average about a foot in length, are quite small, and love to be in urban areas. This is the most common snake to find living alongside humans and loves moist habitats.

Photo by: Floreduquartier on iNaturalist

 

up close photo of the eastern hog-nose snake, which is a light peach and brown color and has a district up-turned, pointed snoutEastern Hog-nosed Snake

A thicker, stout snake, its most noticeable feature is its pointy nose (ergo “hog-nose”). They are mildly venomous to their prey but are harmless to humans, although some may have a localized allergic reaction.
Extra caution must be taken around them.

Photo From: Wikipedia

brown snake with large, dark splotch pattern swimming through shallow water

Northern Water Snake

Also known as the “common water snake”, this species averages just under 3 feet, but can get up to over 4ft. They can be brown, grey, reddish, or brown/black with a crisscross pattern which can often make it mistaken for a cottonmouth snakes, which are not found in Michigan.

Photo by: Conhawn on iNaturalist

 red snake with white and black crisscross striped curled onto a tree trunk

Eastern Milk Snake

This snake comes in many different sizes, ranging from 14” up to 6’ long! They have smooth scales that alternate in colors of red, black, and yellow or white, black and red.  They typically like forests, swamps, and open woodland.

Photo by: Kup on iNaturalist

 

 

The only dangerous snake in Michigan:

grey snake with crisscross white pattern tightly curled up on a flat rock

 

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake

This shy species gets to around 2 feet in length, with a blotchy or spotted pattern made up of black, grey, and tan. They avoid humans, and most bites are a result of handling or accidentally walking on one while hiking.
They’re venom destroys tissue, so the utmost caution must be observed while in habitats they reside in.

 

 

Stay Safe Around Michigan Snakes—Call the Experts When Needed

While most snakes in Michigan are not venomous, it's always best to be cautious when encountering one, especially near your home. Whether you're dealing with a harmless garter snake or suspect something more dangerous, it's never worth the risk to handle it yourself.

If you spot a snake in or around your home in Grand Rapids, don't wait. Contact Critter Control of Grand Rapids for fast, safe, and effective snake removal. Our local wildlife experts know exactly how to identify and handle Michigan snakes, so you can protect your home and peace of mind.

Call now or contact us online today.