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