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