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