"Photographic expertise, coupled with the extensive field experiences of the authors, makes this book a significant contribution to popular and semi-popular herpetological literature."--Jim Harding, Michigan State University

This volume provides an up-to-date guide to the identification, range, habitat, and status of snakes found within eastern and central North America, from west Texas, to western Manitoba, to the eastern seaboard. Species accounts are grouped by family (Blind Snakes, File Snakes, Boas and Pythons, Colubrid Snakes, and two families of venomous snakes) and illustrated with 251 color photos showing species, subspecies and most natural intergrades and color phases. The descriptive text combines details of appearance, naturally occurring color morphs, behavior, range/habitat, prey, and look-alikes with the authors' personal field observations. Enhancing the text are 98 distribution maps. For ease of use, photos, range maps, and descriptive text are presented on the same page. Introductory chapters explain snake taxonomy and habitats, and they survey the legal and safety issues that should govern any attempts to handle these animals.

For the general reader curious about the identity of a backyard visitor, the resource manager or naturalist seeking an engaging and informative handbook, or the herpetologist seeking an authoritative single volume devoted only to snakes, the Bartletts' guide provides a handy, detailed, readable, and richly illustrated guide.

Richard D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett are coauthors of numerous books, including Florida’s Snakes: A Guide to Their Identification and Habits and A Field Guide to Florida Reptiles and Amphibians.

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If you're interested in reptiles and amphibians and are looking for a comprehensive guide for yourself or someone on your holiday gift list, this series would be useful. It is particularly useful for Florida readers because of the up-to-date information it contains about the exotic species you're likely to encounter if you do much wildlife watching around the state.
--The Lakeland Ledger

Anyone with a strong interest in snakes will want to get this book.
--Wildlife Activist

…an attractively designed, affordable and very useful set of guides to the native and introduced herpetofauna of eastern North America.
--Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society

…highly recommended for general outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
--Southeastern Naturalist