Seventeen different kinds of snakes live in Ontario. Nine of these are so rare they are considered species at risk.
The most common snake in Ontario is the eastern garter snake, which is found throughout the province. The only venomous snake is the massasauga, a threatened species, which is found in small localized areas of southern Ontario.
Some of Ontario's snakes, such as the brown snake and the Lake Erie watersnake, bear live young. Others lay eggs, including the eastern fox snake and the blue racer.
All of Ontario's snakes are carnivorous and some have very specialized diets. The eastern hog-nosed snake preys primarily on toads, the northern ringneck snake on salamanders, and the queen snake on crayfish. Young milksnakes will even consume other snakes.
Various birds, raccoons, skunks and feral cats will prey on snakes in Ontario.
Conflicts happen
Many people fear snakes, although almost all Ontario snakes are not dangerous. Rarely, snakes may get into buildings or homes.
Please keep in mind…
Wild animals have the same basic needs as humans – food, water and shelter. Sometimes, humans and wild creatures come into conflict when animals are trying to meet their basic needs. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we’re willing to make small changes to how we think and act.
People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. We all share responsibility for preventing and handling human-wildlife conflicts. If you must take action against wildlife, please consider all your options and follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Conflicts with Snakes
How Can I Prevent Conflicts?
Snake-proof your home
• Snakes usually enter buildings at ground level, so sealing all ground-level holes or cracks can prevent their entry.
• Seal all cracks and holes in building foundations and exterior walls, including warped siding. Use one-centimetre mesh hardware cloth, caulk, mortar or a concrete patch to make the seal.
• Snakes can find easy access to garage areas through open garage doors or under poorly fitting doors. Cover door bottoms with metal flashing or another material.
• Reduce shelter (e.g., tall grass, wood piles) on your property to reduce habitat for snakes and their prey (e.g., rodents).
• Rodent populations can be further reduced by keeping food inaccessible. Clean up spilled seed under bird feeders.
If a snake is living in your home
• A snake can be trapped and moved outside, or a one-way door can be installed that will allow the snake to exit but not re-enter.
• A live trap can be made from a one-metre piece of 10-centimetre PVC pipe. Temporarily cap one end and close off the other end with a cap that has a three-centimetre hole drilled through the center. Place a hand warmer and a soft cotton rag in the far end of the tube. Anchor the trap. A tracking patch (e.g., flour) in front of the trap will confirm that a snake has entered. Place a piece of duct tape over the hole before moving the snake and trap outside and releasing the snake.
How Can I Handle a Conflict?
If you are bitten by a rattlesnake
• Rattlesnake bites are extremely rare in Ontario. On average, four people are bitten by rattlesnakes each year. No one has died of a rattlesnake bite in Ontario for many decades.
• All rattlesnake bites should be considered life threatening. Time is of the essence.
• Get medical help immediately. Call the Poison Control Centre at 1-800-268-9017.
• If a person or pet is bitten, keep the victim calm, restrict movement, and keep the affected area below the heart level to reduce flow of venom toward the heart.
• Wash the bite area with soap and water.
• Remove any rings or constricting items; the affected area will swell.
• Cover the bite with a clean, moist dressing to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• To treat for shock, keep the victim quiet and maintain his or her body temperature. If the victim is cold, wrap them in a blanket; if hot, cool them off by fanning.
Lethal action is a last resort
• A landowner may humanely kill or trap snakes that are damaging or about to damage their property. Firearm regulations and bylaws must be followed.
• If the snake is an endangered or threatened species, as is the massasauga, landowners must contact their local Ministry of Natural Resources office before taking action, unless they are acting in self-defence.
For more information and assistance…
To locate a local wildlife control agent…
• Speak with your neighbours, family, and friends.
• Look for "animal control" in your phone book or online.
For information on snakes…
• Call your local Ministry of Natural Resources office or the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.
• Check out the Natural Heritage Information Centre.
For information on rattlesnakes refer to this website: Eastern Massassauga Recovery Team 
Return to Living with Wildlife - Species Fact Sheets list
