Believe it or not, snakes aren’t the villains of campfire stories—they’re neighbors in danger of disappearing.
When we think about snakes, it’s easy to conjure up images from Hollywood movies or scary folk tales. However, many of these scaly creatures are misunderstood, and some are in great peril. Their habitats are shrinking, and they’re facing threats from all sides. Several states have taken action to protect these fascinating reptiles, passing laws that make it a crime to harm, harass, or collect them. These laws serve as a crucial shield for some of the nation’s most vulnerable species, helping to prevent their populations from plummeting.
The United States has a surprisingly diverse population of snakes, from the tiny and elusive to the large and powerful. It’s a testament to the variety of ecosystems we have, from arid deserts to lush swamps. While some are well-known, such as rattlesnakes or copperheads, many others remain relatively unknown. However, whether they’re famous or not, many of these snakes play a vital role in their local environments, keeping rodent populations in check and helping to maintain a healthy ecological balance.
San Francisco Garter Snake
This little guy is a true showstopper. With its striking stripes of red, orange, and turquoise, the San Francisco garter snake is one of the most beautiful snakes in the country. It’s found only in a small area of San Mateo County, California, and its population has been hit hard by habitat loss. It’s a sad reality, but it highlights the importance of these protections.
Eastern Indigo Snake
Known for its glossy, bluish-black scales, the eastern indigo snake is the longest native snake species in the U.S., with some individuals reaching over eight feet in length. This gentle giant is non-venomous and plays a crucial role in its southeastern habitat, sometimes even preying on other venomous snakes. The snake’s numbers have declined due to habitat destruction and the pet trade. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, eastern indigo snakes remain in the wild, with most populations fragmented.
Eastern Massasauga
The eastern massasauga is a small rattlesnake with a significant conservation issue. Found in isolated pockets from New York to Missouri, this venomous snake is a poster child for conservation efforts. Its preferred wetland habitats have been drained and developed, and it’s also vulnerable to being hit by cars.
Northern Pinesnake
With its distinct pattern of dark blotches on a lighter background, the northern pinesnake is a striking sight. It’s a non-venomous species that lives in pine barrens and sandy uplands from New Jersey to South Carolina. This snake is a powerful burrower, using its pointed snout to dig into the ground. These snakes have a remarkable home range; some individuals travel over a mile in a single season to find mates or food.
Florida Pine Snake
Much like its northern cousin, the Florida pine snake is a burrowing species that depends on healthy pine forests. It’s a large, powerful snake that helps control rodent populations. Florida’s rapid population growth and development have put immense pressure on this species. A conservation report noted that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is the greatest threat to its survival.
Copperbellied Watersnake
Found in scattered populations across the Midwest, the copperbelly watersnake has a striking, bright orange or red belly. It’s a non-venomous snake that lives in wetlands and swamps. This species has faced numerous challenges, including habitat destruction and pollution. Indiana has lost 85% of their historical wetlands, directly impacting the population of this snake.
Scarlet Kingsnake
Don’t let the name fool you. The scarlet kingsnake is a non-venomous snake that brilliantly mimics the venomous coral snake. This little mimic is a boon for gardeners because it preys on slugs, insects, small rodents, and other pests. Its populations are stable in some areas but are declining in others due to habitat fragmentation and collection for the pet trade.
Key Ringneck Snake
This tiny snake, no bigger than a pencil, is a Florida Keys original. With its small size and distinctive red or orange ring around its neck, it’s a shy species that spends most of its time under leaf litter or decaying logs. Unfortunately, its island habitat is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise and development, which presents an existential threat. A USGS study projected that a sea-level rise of just a few inches could have very devastating effects on the habitat of this snake.
Eastern Ribbonsnake
The eastern ribbonsnake is a slender, semi-aquatic snake with three distinct yellow stripes running down its back. It is a champion swimmer and lives near ponds, streams, and marshes. The draining of wetlands and pollution have impacted their populations. While it is not as imperiled as some other species, its conservation status serves as an excellent reminder that even common animals require a helping hand.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
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I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
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We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
