Using a photo from the city, the state herpetologist identified it as a northern watersnake, a much more common, nonvenomous snake.
A copperhead sighted at Blue Hills in 2017 Don Lyman for The Boston Globe
After authorities in Attleboro warned residents about reports a rare venomous snake, state wildlife officials said the snake was likely misidentified and is actually a much more common, nonvenomous serpent.
The snake, which city officials believed to be a copperhead, was reported along the Ten Mile River near Milk Street, Attleboro officials shared on Facebook Wednesday afternoon. The snake reportedly bit two dogs, the city said.
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. Using a photo from the city, the state herpetologist identified it as a northern watersnake.
“(MassWildlife) believes this is more likely a case of misidentification,” said Nicole McSweeney, MassWildlife’s assistant director of outreach and education.
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.” Attleboro is located in Bristol County.
Copperheads are often mistakenly identified as milksnakes, timber rattlesnakes, and northern watersnakes, according to MassWildlife. Watersnakes are much more common, not venomous, and darker in color.
Northern watersnakes are also rarely seen away from water, according to the state agency, and they will only try to bite if they believe they are cornered or under attack.
MassWildlife said it contacted the City of Attleboro about the case of mistaken identity, but the city still had its warning about the alleged copperhead posted online as of Thursday evening. The city did not return a request for comment.
Molly Farrar is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on education, politics, crime, and more.
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