California
Snakes in Lake County
13 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Lake 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 Lake County
Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
Venomous
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Aquatic Garter Snake
Thamnophis atratus
Harmless
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
California King Snake
Lampropeltis californiae
Harmless
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Striped Racer
Masticophis lateralis
Harmless
Common Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
California Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata
Harmless
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Lake County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Lake County, California?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Lake County, California, including Western Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Lake County, California, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Lake County, California?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Lake County, California, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Lake County, California?
- The Western Rattlesnake is the most frequently reported snake in Lake County, California, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Lake 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.