I found this snake in my basement this morning. any idea what kind of snake it is? I live in western pa.
It would help if I could see the head clearly, but based on the pattern and location it seems to be a milk snake.
Typical Northern water snake pattern; N waters are also found in your area. However, I have never seen so much white or such bright red. It definitely could be a milk snake of some sort, but I'm leaning toward a NWS. Tap it with something. Does it strike? N waters are typically highly aggressive, milks much more placid.