Young black rat snakes are usually less than 12 inches in length, have a gray or tan back with black or dark brown spots distributed randomly from its neck to tail. When startled, black rat snakes will rattle their tail, mimicking rattlesnakes. Though black rat snakes can bite, they are nonpoisonous. Its belly is pink or orange in color. Garter snakes have brown to greenish colored backs, with three tan stripes running from the head to tail.
Some garter snakes have small dark spots instead of stripes.
A few other species have been found in buildings in Maryland. There are only two species of poisonous snakes native to Maryland. Copperheads are found statewide. They have cream, beige or orange colored backs, with dark brown hour-glass shaped bands going from side to side. Young copperheads have a yellow tipped tail.