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Snakes (Serpentes/Ophidia)
All snakes are members of the suborder Serpentes, a monophyletic clade deeply embedded within the phylogeny of the Squamata (lizards). There are more than 3500 species of snakes. They are distinguished from legless lizards by morphologic features of the skull and dentition that first appear in the fossil record during the Middle Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous periods. It is hypothesized that changes to the cranium preceded the loss of limbs. The suborder Serpentes is divided into two infraorders: the smaller infraorder Scolecophidia and the larger infraorder Alethinophidia.
Species which have been verifiably observed in the Park are marked with the symbol:
Non~venomous Snakes
of Alabama
Very few snakes of any kind have been observed in Harmon Park. We do not know all of the reasons for this, but speculate that the unusually large population of predatory birds is a major contributing factor. Only 9 snakes were observed during the three & a half year period spanning January, 2021 to August, 2024 (all non-venomous and harmless to humans, livestock, and pets): 4 black racers, 2 tiny ring-necked snakes, 2 water snakes, and 2 rat snakes.
For many species, individuals can vary widely in appearance, with different patterning and coloration. The photographs below are singular representations of the species and cannot be solely relied upon for positive identification!
NEVER approach a snake in Harmon Park, whether you believe it to be venomous or not. Do not attempt to get close to a snake to take a picture. Do not attempt to kill a snake. Keep to the paved and mowed walking paths and clearings and keep out of tall grass, brush, woods, and habitat areas. While a snake may be present on paved or cleared spaces, it would be much more easily seen and avoided.
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, follow these guidelines outside of Harmon Park as well.
If you observe a snake in your own yard or home and are concerned that it poses a threat to you or your family, call someone with proper training in the handling of venomous snakes for free help: Click HERE for a directory!
80% of snake bites happen when someone tries to capture or kill a snake.
Colubridae
Eastern Worm Snake
(Carphophis amoenus)
N. A./Eastern Black Racer
(Coluber constrictor)
Mud Snake
(Farancia abacura)
Eastern Scarlet Snake
(Cemophora coccinea)
Ring-Neck Snake
(Diadophis punctatus)
Rainbow Snake
(Farancia erytrogramma)
Rough Earth Snake
(Haldea striatula)
Eastern Hognose Snake
(Heterodon platirhinos)
Southern Hognose Snake
(Heterodon simus)
Scarlet Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis elapsoides)
Brown/Mole Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis rhombomaculata)
Plain-bellied Water Snake
(Nerodia erythrogaster)
Eastern Rat Snake
(Pantherophis alleghaniensis)
Red Corn Snake
(Pantherophis guttatus)
Queen Snake
(Regina septemvittata)
Common Brown Snake
(Storeria dekayi)
Smooth Earth Snake
(Virginia valeriae)
Black Kingsnake
(Lampropeltis nigra)
Common Coachwhip
(Masticophis flagellum)
Northern Water Snake
(Nerodia sipedon)
Gray Rat Snake
(Pantherophis spiloides)
Rough Green Snake
(Opheodrys aestivus)
N.A. Red-bellied Snake
(Storeria occipitomaculata)
Common Garter Snake
(Thamnophis sirtalis)
Eastern Ribbon Snake
(Thamnophis saurita)
Venomous Snakes of Alabama
The
Six species of venomous snakes can be found in the central Alabama region, where Harmon Park is located. The photographs below are singular representations of the species and should not be relied upon for positive identification as one snake of a species can look markedly different than another of the same species!
NEVER approach a snake in Harmon Park, whether you believe it to be venomous or not. Do not attempt to get close to a snake to take a picture. Do not attempt to kill a snake. Keep to the paved and mowed walking paths and clearings and keep out of tall grass, brush, woods, and habitat areas. While a snake may be present on paved or cleared spaces, it would be much more easily seen and avoided.
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, follow these guidelines outside of Harmon Park as well.
If you observe a snake in your own yard or home and are concerned that it poses a threat to you or your family, call someone with proper training in the handling of venomous snakes to help: Click HERE for a directory!
80% of snake bites happen when someone tries to capture or kill a snake.
Viperidae
Eastern Copperhead
(Agkistrodon contortrix)
Northern Cottonmouth
(Agkistrodon piscivorus)
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
(Crotalus adamanteus)
North American Pygmy
Rattlesnake
(Sistrurus miliarius)
Timber Rattlesnake
(Crotalus horridus)
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