California
Snakes in Butte County
17 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Butte County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Western RattlesnakeCrotalus oreganusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Butte County

Common Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
Harmless

Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless

Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
Venomous

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless

Sierra Garter Snake
Thamnophis couchii
Harmless

Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless

North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless

Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless

California King Snake
Lampropeltis californiae
Harmless

Giant Garter Snake
Thamnophis gigas
Harmless

Striped Racer
Masticophis lateralis
Harmless

Aquatic Garter Snake
Thamnophis atratus
Harmless

Northern Rubber Boa
Charina bottae
Harmless

Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous

California Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata
Harmless

Coast Night Snake
Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus
Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Butte County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Butte County, California?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Butte County, California, including Western Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Butte County, California, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Butte County, California?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Butte County, California, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Butte County, California?
- The Common Sharp-tailed Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Butte County, California, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Butte County, California?
- 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.