Snakes You Could Possibly See in Broome County, New York

Let's get this out in the open right away. I am not a fan of snakes. Hate is a strong word, so I won't say I hate snakes, I am happy if they just go their own way and I go the other way. I'm not even sure why I'm writing about something I have no fondness for.

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My wife thinks that's comical. I don't see the humor in it at all. What did Harrison Ford say in the first 'Indiana Jones' movie? I think it was "Why did it have to be snakes?" Those are my sentiments exactly.

From time to time I even have nightmares about being surrounded by snakes. I think I have an issue with these slithering reptiles, whether they are venomous or not.

Putting my insecurities aside, what snakes are commonly found in Broome County and surrounding areas? Well, let's find out...from a distance.

According to the Binghamton University Education Nature Preserve website, there are several types of snakes you may find throughout the Broome County area in addition to the BU Nature Preserve, which comprises 190 acres of land,  including a 20-acre wetland.

The most common is the Garter Snake. I find them lounging in the sunshine near the small Goldfish pond in my backyard. Other snakes that can be found in the BU Nature Preserve as well as throughout Broome County include the Ringneck, Milk Snake, Northern Water Snake, Red-Bellied Snake, and Smooth Green Snake.

The Binghamton University Education Nature Preserve website notes that it's possible these snakes might be found as well in Broome County and beyond - the Black Racer, Rat Snake,  Brown Snake, Eastern Ribbon Snake, and the venomous Timber Rattlesnake.

For more information about reptiles and amphibians found in the BU Nature Preserve and throughout Broome County, visit the Binghamton University Education Nature Preserve website.