Canada might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about large snakes, but it’s home to several impressive serpent species. From the eastern forests to the western mountains, these slithering creatures have adapted to survive in Canada’s diverse environments. While not as massive as their tropical cousins, Canadian snakes still reach impressive lengths and play vital roles in their ecosystems as predators and prey.
This article focuses on wild snake species naturally found in Canada. Measurements represent maximum recorded lengths, and individual snakes may vary in size. Always observe wild snakes from a safe distance and never attempt to handle them without proper training.
1. Blue Racer (Coluber Constrictor Foxii)
Swift and sleek, the blue racer earns its name from its incredible speed and distinctive bluish-gray coloration. Adults typically reach 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length.
Found exclusively on Pelee Island in Lake Erie, this endangered snake faces serious conservation challenges. Blue racers hunt during daylight hours, chasing down mice, frogs, and even other snakes across open grasslands.
2. Bullsnake (Pituophis Catenifer Sayi)
Prairie powerhouses, bullsnakes can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) long, making them among Canada’s most substantial serpents. Their yellowish bodies feature distinctive brown or black blotches.
When threatened, these non-venomous giants put on quite a show – hissing loudly, vibrating their tails, and flattening their heads to mimic rattlesnakes. Saskatchewan and Alberta farmers appreciate bullsnakes for their voracious appetite for rodents.
3. Gopher Snake (Pituophis Catenifer)
Masters of adaptation, gopher snakes thrive in British Columbia’s varied landscapes from dry grasslands to mountain forests. These muscular constrictors regularly reach 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length.
Related to bullsnakes, they share similar defensive behaviors and rodent-hunting prowess. Their cream or tan bodies with dark blotches provide excellent camouflage as they patrol their territories for prey, including pocket gophers and ground squirrels.
4. Northern Rubber Boa (Charina Bottae)
Don’t let their smaller size fool you – reaching about 80 centimeters (2.5 feet), rubber boas are still among Canada’s larger snake species. Their smooth, rubbery skin and uniform brown coloration give them their distinctive name.
Found only in British Columbia’s southern interior, these gentle constrictors are known for their docile nature. Unlike other large Canadian snakes, rubber boas are primarily nocturnal, hunting at night for small mammals and nestling birds.
5. Northern Pacific (Western) Rattlesnake
Canada’s only venomous snake that qualifies as “large,” the northern Pacific rattlesnake averages 1.2 meters (4 feet) in length. Their distinctive rattles and heat-sensing pits make them fascinating predators.
Limited to southern British Columbia’s dry valleys, these rattlesnakes play crucial roles in controlling rodent populations. Despite their intimidating reputation, they prefer avoiding human contact, using their rattles as warning systems when feeling threatened.
6. Red-Sided Garter Snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis Parietalis)
Famous for forming the world’s largest snake breeding aggregations in Manitoba’s limestone dens, red-sided garter snakes typically reach 1 meter (3 feet) in length. Their black bodies feature distinctive red and yellow stripes along their sides.
Each spring, tens of thousands emerge from communal hibernation dens near Narcisse, creating a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity. Remarkably adaptable, these snakes survive farther north than any other North American serpent, even enduring Manitoba’s harsh winters.
