Snow snake (folklore)

Lore & Background

The snow snake is a subject of American folklore, particularly among lumberjacks and rural communities. Standard accounts describe it as a highly venomous, white-colored serpent that lives in the snow, with occasional details mentioning blue or pink eyes. Its white coloration makes it nearly indiscernible against freshly laid snow, leading to its use in regional practical jokes where unexplained markings in the snow were attributed to snow snakes. The name may derive from a Native American winter sport of the same name.

A unique variation appears in a 1910 article by J. E. Rockwell in The Outer's Book, which describes snow snakes as freezing in winter rather than thriving. Lumberjacks would place logs onto the backs of frozen snow snakes; in spring, the thawed snakes would approach a river for a drink, inadvertently carrying the logs downstream. Another deviation is the 'shovel-tailed snow snake,' featured on a postcard advertising the 'Friendly' Buckhorn Tavern in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. This image shows a snake-like effigy carved from a tree branch with speckled patches and a spade-shaped tail.

Reader's Guide

The snow snake holds significance as a classic example of a fearsome critter in American folklore, reflecting the imaginative storytelling of lumberjacks and rural communities. Its lore illustrates how folk tales can serve both as entertainment and as a means of explaining natural phenomena, such as markings in snow. The creature's white coloration and winter activity set it apart from typical reptiles, emphasizing the adaptability of folklore to local environments. The variation by J. E. Rockwell offers a contrasting narrative where the snake freezes, showcasing the diversity of oral traditions. The shovel-tailed snow snake postcard from the Buckhorn Tavern highlights how such creatures were commercialized and displayed in taxidermy, blending folklore with local business promotion. The snow snake's legacy persists as a symbol of winter mischief and regional identity, and its name may connect to Indigenous cultural practices, though this remains uncertain. Its inclusion in reference works alongside other mythical snakes like the hoop snake and joint snake underscores its place in a broader tradition of American folk zoology.

Did You Know?

• The snow snake is a fearsome critter that is only active during winter months.
• Its white coloration makes it nearly indiscernible against freshly laid snow.
• A 1910 article by J. E. Rockwell describes snow snakes as freezing in winter, not thriving.
• The name 'snow snake' may have been derived from a Native American winter sport.