Alabama
Snakes in Jefferson County
21 species have been documented here, 3 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Jefferson County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Eastern CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrixVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Northern CottonmouthAgkistrodon piscivorusVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Jefferson County
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Gray Ratsnake
Pantherophis spiloides
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Black Kingsnake
Lampropeltis nigra
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless
Northern Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Venomous
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Queensnake
Regina septemvittata
Harmless
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Red Cornsnake
Pantherophis guttatus
Harmless
Western Worm Snake
Carphophis vermis
Harmless
Scarlet Kingsnake
Lampropeltis elapsoides
Harmless
Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster
Harmless
Common Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis saurita
Harmless
Mole Kingsnake
Lampropeltis rhombomaculata
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Jefferson County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Jefferson County, Alabama?
- Yes. 3 venomous snake species have verified records in Jefferson County, Alabama, including Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Jefferson County, Alabama, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Jefferson County, Alabama?
- 20+ snake species have verified records in Jefferson County, Alabama, of which 3 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Jefferson County, Alabama?
- The Common Watersnake is the most frequently reported snake in Jefferson County, Alabama, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Jefferson County, Alabama?
- Keep your distance and do not try to catch or kill it. Most bites happen when people handle or corner a snake. If someone is bitten, contact local emergency services or poison control immediately.