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.
Timber rattlesnakes are the other poisonous species in Maryland. They are only found in the mountains. There are two color phases of timber rattlesnakes. Yellow backs with dark brown or black spots are the more common variety. Dark brown or black is the other color.