Pennsylvania’s Most Snake-Infested Areas Exposed – Is Your Town on the List?

Pennsylvania, a state known for its rolling hills, forests, and wildlife, is home to a variety of creatures. Among them are snakes, which can be found slithering through both rural and suburban areas.

While most snakes in Pennsylvania are harmless, certain regions in the state have a notably higher number of snake sightings. For residents and visitors, understanding where these slithering reptiles are most concentrated can help ensure safety and preparedness.

In this article, we take a look at some of the most snake-infested areas in Pennsylvania. If you’re a resident of these regions—or planning a trip—keep reading to learn which areas should have you on the lookout.

1. Poconos Region

The Pocono Mountains, a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing, is a hot spot for snakes. The area’s dense forests, streams, and rocky terrain provide the perfect habitat for several species of snakes, including timber rattlesnakes, northern water snakes, and black rat snakes.

Rattlesnakes, in particular, are known to inhabit parts of the Poconos. Timber rattlesnakes, though not overly aggressive, are venomous and can be dangerous if provoked. Hikers and campers in this area should always be cautious when walking through tall grasses or wooded areas and watch where they step.

2. Allegheny National Forest

Located in the northwestern part of the state, the Allegheny National Forest offers a rugged wilderness that is home to a variety of snakes. The forest’s diverse ecosystem, featuring forests, wetlands, and riverbeds, is ideal for snakes like the eastern garter snake, the black racer, and the aforementioned timber rattlesnake.

Outdoor enthusiasts who visit the Allegheny National Forest are advised to stay vigilant. As snakes can often blend into their surroundings, it’s essential to keep an eye on the trail and avoid stepping on or near rocks, logs, or other areas where snakes may hide. The forest is home to both venomous and non-venomous species, so awareness is key.

3. Lancaster County

Lancaster County, known for its beautiful farmlands and charming Amish communities, also harbors a significant snake population. The region’s mix of woodlands, fields, and streams creates a great environment for many species of snakes. While the county is not as heavily populated by venomous snakes as the Poconos, residents may still encounter non-venomous varieties like the eastern rat snake and garter snake.

California’s Snakes-Infested: Discover Which Towns Are Most Prone to Slithering Visitors

Timber rattlesnakes are sometimes spotted in more rural and forested areas, especially during their active months in late spring and early fall. Given the region’s mix of agricultural and wooded areas, it’s important for both farmers and recreational visitors to be cautious in the fields and forested paths.

4. Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley, located in eastern Pennsylvania, is another area where snake sightings are common, particularly in more rural and wooded regions. While snakes like the northern water snake and garter snake can be found in many areas, rattlesnakes are occasionally spotted in parts of the valley, though they are not as abundant.

Residents in Lehigh Valley should be particularly aware when walking through wooded parks or near streams. These areas attract a variety of wildlife, and snakes can often be found basking in the sun or searching for prey. The Lehigh Valley is an attractive area for hiking, so visitors should always be prepared to encounter snakes while out on trails.

5. Southeastern Pennsylvania (Chester County and Bucks County)

Southeastern Pennsylvania, including areas like Chester County and Bucks County, is home to a variety of snake species due to its mix of suburban, rural, and wooded environments. The region’s climate and varied landscape provide a perfect habitat for non-venomous snakes like the eastern garter snake, as well as the more dangerous timber rattlesnake.

In more rural parts of these counties, residents and visitors should be cautious when walking through wooded areas or near bodies of water, where snakes like the northern water snake thrive. Timber rattlesnakes have been known to make their home in the region’s forests, though they tend to avoid populated areas.

6. Schuylkill County

Schuylkill County, located in central Pennsylvania, is a more rural region known for its forests and hills. This area is a prime location for the timber rattlesnake, as well as other species like the eastern rat snake and garter snake. Timber rattlesnakes, being venomous, can be dangerous, so hikers and outdoor enthusiasts need to be cautious in the forested and mountainous terrain.

If you plan to visit Schuylkill County’s outdoor recreational areas, such as the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary or other protected natural spaces, it’s important to stay alert. Snakes can often be found sunbathing on warm rocks or coiled in shaded areas, so careful attention to the surroundings is essential.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

While encountering a snake in Pennsylvania is not uncommon, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety:

• Stay on Established Trails: When hiking or walking through areas known for snakes, stay on well-worn paths and avoid tall grass, rocks, or fallen logs, which can provide hiding spots for snakes.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Always wear sturdy shoes or boots that can protect your feet and ankles if you encounter a snake. Avoid sandals or open-toed shoes when walking through areas with dense vegetation.
• Watch Where You Step: Snakes often hide in tall grass or under rocks, so be sure to watch where you step, especially in wooded areas or near water sources.
• Don’t Approach or Handle Snakes: If you encounter a snake, it’s best to keep your distance. Even non-venomous snakes can bite if they feel threatened.
• Educate Yourself: Learn to identify the venomous species in your area, such as the timber rattlesnake, and understand their behaviors. Most snakes will avoid humans if given the chance.

Pennsylvania offers beautiful landscapes, but with its many forests, fields, and streams comes a higher likelihood of encountering snakes, especially in certain regions.

While the presence of snakes is natural and often beneficial for the environment, understanding where snake populations are most concentrated is key for residents and visitors alike.

Areas like the Poconos, Allegheny National Forest, Lancaster County, and parts of Southeastern Pennsylvania are some of the most snake-infested regions in the state. By staying informed and cautious, you can safely enjoy the great outdoors while respecting the wildlife around you.

About The Author