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