State field guides · Data updated October 2026

Snakes by state

Which snakes live near you, which ones are venomous, and how to tell them from their harmless lookalikes. Each guide starts with the dangerous species, then lists every snake recorded in the state.

Snake coiled in dry grass, blending with the stems
A snake at rest in grass. Most snakes people meet are harmless and would rather stay hidden.

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How to use these guides

Each state guide opens with a short answer: how many snake species live there and how many are venomous, taken from the state wildlife agency or a university extension service. The venomous species come next, each with the harmless snakes most often mistaken for it.

Below that you will find every species recorded in the state, grouped as common, uncommon or rare, along with a quick color key, a region-by-region summary naming the main cities, and notes on climate, food webs and invasive reptiles. Species with a full profile on this site link straight to it.

A photo and a range map narrow things down, but they cannot confirm an identification on their own. If you are unsure whether a snake is venomous, keep your distance and let it move on. If someone is bitten, call 911; Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222. See our safety disclaimer.

Data updated October 2026 · How we build these pages · Data sources