Snakes in San Francisco County

• 
  Prairie Rattlesnake

  Crotalus viridis

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  Red Diamond Rattlesnake

  Crotalus ruber

  ▲ Venomous

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

Every snake recorded in San Francisco County

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Aquatic Garter Snake

Thamnophis atratus

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

California King Snake

Lampropeltis californiae

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Northern Rubber Boa

Charina bottae

Harmless

Northwestern Garter Snake

Thamnophis ordinoides

Harmless

Red Diamond Rattlesnake

Crotalus ruber

▲ Venomous

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in San Francisco County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in San Francisco County, California?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in San Francisco County, California, including Prairie Rattlesnake, Red Diamond Rattlesnake. Most snakes in San Francisco County, California, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in San Francisco County, California?

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

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

The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in San Francisco County, California, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in San Francisco 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