Know the dangerous ones
Venomous snakes in Jefferson County, Alabama
4 venomous snake species have verified records in Jefferson County. Learn to recognize each one, and know what to do if you are bitten.
Field entries

Agkistrodon contortrix Eastern CopperheadVenomousAgkistrodon contortrix
How to identify
Heavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Often seenFull profile →
Agkistrodon piscivorus Northern CottonmouthVenomousAgkistrodon piscivorus
How to identify
Heavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Occasionally seenFull profile →
Crotalus horridus Timber RattlesnakeVenomousCrotalus horridus
How to identify
Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Rarely seenFull profile →
Sistrurus miliarius Pygmy RattlesnakeVenomousSistrurus miliarius
How to identify
Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Rarely seenFull profile →
Looking for all snakes here, not just the venomous ones? See all snakes in Jefferson County.