Home Onlyfans Profile 18

5 Shocking Snake Sightings In New York City And The One Native Species You're Most Likely To Meet

• minute read
Contents

New York City, a concrete jungle known for its skyscrapers and bustling streets, is also a secret haven for wildlife, including a surprising array of snakes. As of December 12, 2025, the conversation around urban wildlife has heated up following a series of highly publicized exotic snake sightings across the boroughs, proving that the city's parks and even its residential areas host more than just pigeons and rats. The discovery of large, non-native species like pythons alongside the quiet persistence of native species has residents and wildlife experts alike paying closer attention to the ground beneath their feet.

The reality of snakes in NYC is a fascinating blend of natural ecology and human carelessness. While the vast majority of snakes encountered are harmless and play a vital role in pest control, recent incidents—such as the high-profile hunt for three escaped pythons in Queens—underscore a recurring problem with illegal exotic pets. This article will dive into the most recent, verified snake encounters, distinguish between the native reptiles thriving in the city's green spaces, and provide critical information on what New Yorkers need to know about these often-misunderstood creatures.

The Urban Herpetofauna: Native Snakes You Might Actually See

Despite the sensational headlines, the most common snakes in New York City are small, secretive, and entirely harmless. These native species are crucial to the local ecosystem, primarily feeding on slugs, earthworms, and insects, making them a gardener’s friend. The city's extensive park system, from the sprawling forests of Van Cortlandt Park to the pockets of green in Central Park and Marine Park, provides essential habitat for these quiet residents.

The Unassuming King of NYC: DeKay’s Snake (Northern Brown Snake)

The single most common and reliably found snake species within the five boroughs is the DeKay's Snake, also known as the Northern Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi). These tiny reptiles rarely exceed 10 to 13 inches in length and are often mistaken for large earthworms due to their slender, brownish-gray bodies.

  • Size: Small, typically under a foot long.
  • Habitat: Remarkably adaptable, found in gardens, under logs, rocks, and even in vacant lots. They are one of the few species that truly thrive in highly urbanized environments.
  • Diet: Exclusively feeds on soft-bodied invertebrates like slugs and worms.
  • Status: Non-venomous and completely harmless to humans and pets.

Other Native New York State Species in the City's Outskirts

While less common in Manhattan's core, other native New York State snakes can be found in the larger, less disturbed parks of the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. These sightings are often near the city's borders where natural habitats are more continuous:

  • Garter Snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis): The most widespread and frequently encountered snake across New York State. They are easily identified by the three light stripes running down a darker body. They are non-venomous.
  • Northern Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon): Often found near water bodies in parks like Van Cortlandt Park. They are non-venomous but can be aggressive if cornered and are often mistaken for the venomous Cottonmouth (which is not native to New York).
  • Queensnake (Regina septemvittata): A particularly exciting find, a small breeding population of Queensnakes was recently verified in a New York location in January 2025, indicating that conservation efforts or habitat changes are allowing this species to persist. This small, non-venomous snake primarily eats crayfish.

Exotic Escapes: The Shocking Truth Behind NYC's Giant Snake Sightings

The most alarming snake encounters in NYC are almost always the result of escaped or illegally released exotic pets. New York City law strictly prohibits the ownership of front-fanged venomous snakes and large constrictors, yet these rules are frequently violated, leading to dangerous public incidents.

The September 2025 Queens Python Hunt

In a high-profile incident that dominated local headlines in September 2025, three large pythons were spotted loose in Queens, New York. This event highlighted the challenges faced by wildlife rescue and city agencies:

  • The Pythons: The species were identified as large constrictors, likely Burmese or Reticulated Pythons, which can grow to immense sizes.
  • Rescue Effort: Only one of the three snakes, affectionately named "Kevin the python" by the rescue group, was successfully captured. The other two remain at large or their fate is unknown, creating a significant public safety concern.
  • Other Exotic Reports: Beyond the pythons, there was also a recent report of a Boa Constrictor sighting, another large, non-native constrictor, underscoring the prevalence of illegal exotic pet ownership.

Venomous Context: Are Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads in the Five Boroughs?

A common fear among New Yorkers is encountering a venomous snake. It is critical to understand the distinction between New York State and New York City. While three species of venomous snakes are native to New York State, their presence in the dense, core boroughs of NYC is extremely rare or non-existent.

The Three Venomous Snakes of New York State

New York State is home to three species of venomous snakes, all of which are pit vipers. These species are generally found in specific, often remote, rocky habitats outside of the city proper.

  1. Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): A large, highly venomous snake with a distinct rattle. They are a protected species in New York and are primarily found in the rocky, wooded areas of the Hudson Highlands, the Adirondacks, and the Catskills. While increased sightings were reported in areas like Hancock, NY, in July 2025, due to heat and water saturation, these areas are far north of the city.
  2. Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix): Known for its hourglass-shaped markings and coppery-red head, the Copperhead is less venomous than the rattlesnake but still requires medical attention if a bite occurs. They are found in rocky, wooded areas, primarily in the lower Hudson Valley and parts of Long Island, but are generally absent from the core boroughs.
  3. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus): The smallest of the three, this species is highly endangered and restricted to a few remote wetland areas in the western part of the state, posing no threat to NYC residents.

The key takeaway is that encountering a venomous snake in Central Park, Brooklyn, or the Bronx is incredibly unlikely. Any large snake found is far more likely to be a harmless native species or an escaped exotic pet.

What to Do If You Find a Snake in NYC (Safety and Removal)

Encountering a snake, especially a large or unfamiliar one, can be startling. Knowing the proper protocol is essential for both public safety and the snake's well-being. The NYC Department of Parks & Recreation advises residents to observe wildlife from a distance.

Safety Protocol for Snake Encounters

  • Do Not Approach or Handle: Never attempt to pick up or harass any snake. Even non-venomous snakes will bite if they feel threatened.
  • Keep Pets Away: Ensure dogs and other pets are kept at a safe distance.
  • Identify from a Distance: Try to get a photo from a safe distance for identification purposes. Remember, the vast majority are the small, harmless DeKay’s Snake.

Who to Call for Snake Removal

If you find a snake in your home, yard, or a public area, especially a large, non-native, or potentially venomous one, do not attempt removal yourself. NYC has specific resources for wildlife control:

  1. For Immediate Emergencies: Call 911 if the snake is indoors, large (like a python), or poses an immediate threat to life.
  2. NYC Parks Department: For non-emergency wildlife concerns in a park, contact the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation's Wildlife Unit.
  3. Professional Wildlife Removal Services: Numerous private companies specialize in the humane and safe removal of snakes in the NYC area. Services like Magic Touch Exterminating and Victory Wildlife Control NYC offer emergency snake removal. These professionals are equipped with the proper tools, such as snake tongs and locked containers, to safely transport the animal.
  4. For Injured Animals: Contact a local animal rescue organization, such as a wildlife rehabilitation center, which may be able to dispatch a trained volunteer.

The presence of snakes in New York City is a reminder of the wild ecosystems that persist even in the most urbanized environments. While the sightings of escaped pythons are alarming and require vigilance, the real story is the quiet, beneficial work of the native species like the DeKay’s Snake, which helps maintain the ecological balance of the city's green spaces. By understanding the difference between native, exotic, and venomous species, New Yorkers can coexist safely and respectfully with their scaly neighbors.

5 Shocking Snake Sightings in New York City and the One Native Species You're Most Likely to Meet
snakes new york city
snakes new york city

Detail Author:

  • Name : Ian Gutkowski
  • Username : wlesch
  • Email : lang.jaida@williamson.com
  • Birthdate : 1989-07-06
  • Address : 418 Francisca Curve Apt. 815 Jastbury, MD 95652-3089
  • Phone : 424-750-2356
  • Company : Franecki and Sons
  • Job : Manicurists
  • Bio : Rerum deleniti voluptates maiores perspiciatis doloremque quis nobis. Itaque quos aut eum. Alias ut iusto maiores reprehenderit ducimus atque.

Socials

facebook:

  • url : https://facebook.com/adamsj
  • username : adamsj
  • bio : Sapiente eius nam unde nam tempora qui omnis.
  • followers : 2024
  • following : 2533

tiktok:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/jessyca.adams
  • username : jessyca.adams
  • bio : Sed non eos excepturi et eum enim rerum. Esse aut omnis amet fuga et. Natus blanditiis eum cupiditate. Placeat perferendis non et et sit veritatis voluptatem.
  • followers : 3833
  • following : 1189

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/adams1979
  • username : adams1979
  • bio : Rem adipisci explicabo qui velit. Amet qui ut sit corporis est.
  • followers : 6279
  • following : 2374

linkedin:

Random Posts