Authorities in Attleboro warned residents about a possible venomous snake, originally reported as a copperhead. However, state wildlife officials, including the herpetologist at MassWildlife, identified the snake as a northern watersnake, which is nonvenomous. No confirmed copperhead populations exist in Attleboro, and residents were warned about a snake that is much more common and darker in color. Copperheads are endangered in Massachusetts, residing in Norfolk and Hampden counties, and are often misidentified. MassWildlife contacted Attleboro about this case of mistaken identity, but the city continued warning residents as of Thursday evening.
The state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, or MassWildlife, said Thursday it hasn't confirmed any copperhead snakes in Attleboro, where the venomous vipers have never been reported.
Copperheads are extremely rare, distinctive, and venomous, according to MassWildlife's fast facts about the snake. They're endangered in Massachusetts and limited to small, localized populations in Norfolk and Hampden counties.
Watersnakes are much more common, not venomous, and darker in color. Northern watersnakes are also rarely seen away from water.
(MassWildlife) believes this is more likely a case of misidentification, said Nicole McSweeney, MassWildlife's assistant director of outreach and education.
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