Snake FinderField Guide · Worldwide

Know the dangerous ones

Venomous snakes in Los Angeles County, California

5 venomous snake species have verified records in Los Angeles County. Learn to recognize each one, and know what to do if you are bitten.

Field entries

  1. Western Rattlesnake
    Crotalus oreganus
    Western Rattlesnake

    Crotalus oreganus

    Venomous

    How to identify

    Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

    Commonly seenFull profile →
  2. Mojave Rattlesnake
    Crotalus scutulatus
    Mojave Rattlesnake

    Crotalus scutulatus

    Venomous

    How to identify

    Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

    Commonly seenFull profile →
  3. Prairie Rattlesnake
    Crotalus viridis
    Prairie Rattlesnake

    Crotalus viridis

    Venomous

    How to identify

    Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

  4. Sidewinder
    Crotalus cerastes
    Sidewinder

    Crotalus cerastes

    Venomous

    How to identify

    Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

  5. Red Diamond Rattlesnake
    Crotalus ruber
    Venomous

    How to identify

    Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

    Occasionally seenFull profile →

Looking for all snakes here, not just the venomous ones? See all snakes in Los Angeles County.