Snakes in Merced County

• 
  Western Rattlesnake

  Crotalus oreganus

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  Prairie Rattlesnake

  Crotalus viridis

  ▲ Venomous

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

Every snake recorded in Merced County

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Western Rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus

▲ Venomous

Giant Garter Snake

Thamnophis gigas

Harmless

California King Snake

Lampropeltis californiae

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Aquatic Garter Snake

Thamnophis atratus

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Common Sharp-tailed Snake

Contia tenuis

Harmless

Sierra Garter Snake

Thamnophis couchii

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Merced County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Merced County, California?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Merced County, California, including Western Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Merced County, California, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Merced County, California?

10+ snake species have verified records in Merced County, California, of which 2 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Merced County, California?

The Gopher Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Merced County, California, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Merced 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.

Nearby counties