Snake FinderField Guide · Worldwide

Know the dangerous ones

Venomous snakes in Orange County, California

5 venomous snake species have verified records in Orange 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. 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.

  3. Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
    Crotalus pyrrhus
    Venomous

    How to identify

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

  4. 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.

    Occasionally seenFull profile →
  5. Speckled Rattlesnake
    Crotalus mitchellii
    Speckled Rattlesnake

    Crotalus mitchellii

    Venomous

    How to identify

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

    Rarely seenFull profile →

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