4 Types of SNAKES That Live in Prince Edward Island! (ID Guide)

There are A LOT more snakes in Prince Edward Island than you might think!

Common Snakes in Prince Edward Island

And what’s interesting is that they are all incredibly unique and have adapted to fill many habitats and niches.

You’ll see that the snakes that live in Prince Edward Island are very different from each other.

For example, some species are venomous, while others use constriction to immobilize their prey. Or the fact that certain snakes are rarely seen because they spend most of their time underground, but others are comfortable living EXTREMELY close to humans.

Today, you’re going to learn about the 4 types of snakes in Prince Edward Island!


#1. Smooth Greensnake

  • Opheodrys vernalis

smooth green snake - common snakes in Prince Edward Island

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Adults are SLENDER and typically range from 35 to 50 centimeters in length.
  • Coloration is uniformly light green with a yellow or white underside and a red tongue with a black tip.
  • Juveniles may be olive-green, blue-gray, or even brown until they shed their skin for the first time.

Also called Grass Snakes, these bright green snakes can be found in marshes, meadows, pastures, savannas, open woods, and along stream and lake edges. They prefer moist areas near permanent water sources.

Smooth Greensnake Range Map

smooth green snake range map

They prey almost exclusively on insects and spiders and don’t use constriction; instead quickly striking and swallowing their prey alive.

Smooth Greensnakes hibernate during the winter in Prince Edward Island, seeking shelter in old mammal burrows and abandoned anthills. They often hibernate communally with other small snakes. They emerge in the spring, typically in April, and are active until October.

YouTube video

Smooth Greensnakes rely on their EXCELLENT camouflage to avoid predators. They’re also agile and can flee quickly if they must.


#2. Maritime Garter Snake

  • Thamnophis sirtalis pallidulus


maritime gartersnake

Identifying Characteristics:

  • Adults can reach 102 centimeters in length!
  • Coloration varies but is typically dark green, brown, or black. The stripes that are common on other garter snake species are missing or poorly developed.
  • Features a yellowish chin, upper jaw, and belly. Some individuals may display a checkered or speckled patterning on the back.
  • Subspecies of the Common Garter Snake.

Maritime Garter Snakes adapt well to humans in eastern Prince Edward Island!

They are habitat generalists and can be found almost everywhere! Look for them in forests, shrublands, fields, rocky areas, wetlands, shorelines, and urban and agricultural areas. They’re commonly spotted when moving rocks or logs, where they hide underneath for protection and thermoregulation.

maritime garter snake range map

To survive the harsh northern winters in Prince Edward Island, these garter snakes hibernate below the frost line. They’ll utilize mammal and crayfish burrows, rock crevices, underground cavities, ant mounds, and manmade structures such as foundations. Interestingly, they often hibernate communally with other snakes!

This species isn’t considered threatened and can live to be TWENTY years old! They’re relatively common and can tolerate moderately disturbed human habitats well. However, populations near roads frequently have high road mortality rates.


#3. Red-bellied Snake

  • Storeria occipitomaculata

Red-bellied Snake - Storeria occipitomaculata ​

Identifying Characteristics:  

  • A small woodland species that grows between 10 to 25 cm (4-10 in) long.
  • Colors vary from orange, gray, black, and brown.
  • Their bright red or orange belly stands out from other species.   

This species is probably the “cutest” snake in Prince Edward Island!

Red-bellied Snakes are small, docile, and have a bright red belly, which makes them VERY easy to identify.

Look for them under logs and leaf litter. They are also commonly found burrowed inside abandoned ant mounds. They are typically diurnal but can be hard to find due to their secretive nature.

Red-belled Snake Range Map

red bellied snake range map

The colors represent the different subspecies of Storeria occipitomaculata.

Red-bellied Snakes have a unique behavior called “lip-curling,” where they curl their lips upward and flick their tongue when eating or feeling threatened. This behavior helps them catch their prey and also scares off potential predators.  

Unfortunately, people often kill this species out of fear. This is incredibly sad because these snakes are harmless and valuable to the ecosystem. In addition to this senseless slaughter, many are killed while crossing roads.   


#4. Ring-necked Snake

  • Diadophis punctatus  

Ring-necked Snake - Diadophis punctatus ​

Identifying Characteristics:  

  • These snakes are usually solid olive, brown, bluish-gray, or smoky colored. Look for a distinctive yellow or red neckband.   
  • The snake’s head color is usually slightly darker than the rest of the body, tending towards black rather than gray or olive.  
  • Adults are usually between 25-38 cm (10-15 in) long.  

It can be hard to find these snakes in Prince Edward Island!

That’s because Ring-necked Snakes are VERY secretive and spend most of their time hiding in areas with lots of cover. In addition, they are nocturnal and rarely seen during the day.

Ring-necked Snake Range Map

The colors represent the different subspecies of Diadophis punctatus.

If you come across one, you may see its unique defense posture. Red-bellied Snakes will curl their tails and expose their bright red-orange bellies when they feel threatened in hopes of scaring you away.

Ring-necked Snakes mostly eat small salamanders, earthworms, and slugs. Not much is known about their population status because they are so hard to find!


Do you need additional help identifying snakes in Prince Edward Island?

Try this field guide!


Which of these SNAKES have you seen before in Prince Edward Island?

Leave a comment below!

Also, if you enjoy this article, make sure to check out these other Prince Edward Island guides!