Help needs - identify snake

[massguy]

Hi I am new to this forum.

Recently found this snake in my front yard and curious as to what action to take ..let it be, get snake removal service or simply use products to repel them away from front yard. I live in western massachusetts, have kids who play in the yard so obvious concerns


- what snake is this
- is it poisonous or even harmful
- is it worth hiring a snake removal service and get it (or them??) removed


thanks in advance

[Andy_G]

Completely harmless water snake, and a really nice one too. Repellant products only work in regards to emptying your wallet. Using someone to remove this animal is totally up to you but it poses no danger to anyone so it may be once again a waste of money. Snakes are found where there are food sources or places to hide. Keeping your yard free of debris and keeping the grass neatly cut will help keep snakes away but it may not completely eliminate them passing through.

[Bandit]

Completely harmless water snake, and a really nice one too. Repellant products only work in regards to emptying your wallet. Using someone to remove this animal is totally up to you but it poses no danger to anyone so it may be once again a waste of money. Snakes are found where there are food sources or places to hide. Keeping your yard free of debris and keeping the grass neatly cut will help keep snakes away but it may not completely eliminate them passing through.Andy hit the nail on the head. Nonvenomous Water Snake.

[craigafrechette]

Nothing at all to worry about. Please let it be.

The only species here in MA (I'm in North Central MA) are Timber rattlesnakes and Northern copperhead.

Those are EXTREMELY rare and almost never seen outide rocky, forrested areas.

So, unless you see one of those two, they are harmless and should be left alone.

[eminart]

That's a gorgeous Northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon). Harmless fish and amphibian eater, as the others said.

[Veronica]

Nice photo!
I actually just got bit by one of those hahaha. Completely my own fault... I knew better than to try to catch it but... the temptation was too great.
(I saw a few more too, and everyone was saying "cottonmouth" despite the fact that the nearest cottonmouths are over 100 miles east of where we were)