Snakes in Monterey 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 Monterey County

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Western Rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus

▲ Venomous

California King Snake

Lampropeltis californiae

Harmless

Sierra Garter Snake

Thamnophis couchii

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Aquatic Garter Snake

Thamnophis atratus

Harmless

Common Sharp-tailed Snake

Contia tenuis

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Two-striped Garter Snake

Thamnophis hammondii

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Striped Racer

Masticophis lateralis

Harmless

California Mountain Kingsnake

Lampropeltis zonata

Harmless

Coast Mountain Kingsnake

Lampropeltis multifasciata

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Northern Rubber Boa

Charina bottae

Harmless

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Coast Night Snake

Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus

Harmless

Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus

Harmless

Long-nosed Snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Monterey County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Monterey County, California?

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

How many snake species live in Monterey County, California?

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

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

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

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Monterey 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