Snakes in San Joaquin 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 San Joaquin County

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Western Rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus

▲ Venomous

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

California King Snake

Lampropeltis californiae

Harmless

Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans

Harmless

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Long-nosed Snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei

Harmless

Western Glossy Snake

Arizona occidentalis

Harmless

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Giant Garter Snake

Thamnophis gigas

Harmless

Coast Night Snake

Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus

Harmless

Aquatic Garter Snake

Thamnophis atratus

Harmless

Striped Racer

Masticophis lateralis

Harmless

Common Sharp-tailed Snake

Contia tenuis

Harmless

Sierra Garter Snake

Thamnophis couchii

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in San Joaquin County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in San Joaquin County, California?

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

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

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

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

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

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in San Joaquin 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.

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