California
Snakes in Shasta County
17 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Shasta 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 Shasta County

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless

Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless

Sierra Garter Snake
Thamnophis couchii
Harmless

Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless

Aquatic Garter Snake
Thamnophis atratus
Harmless

Common Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
Harmless

Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
Venomous

North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless

California King Snake
Lampropeltis californiae
Harmless

Northern Rubber Boa
Charina bottae
Harmless

Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless

California Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata
Harmless

Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous

Striped Racer
Masticophis lateralis
Harmless

Striped Whipsnake
Masticophis taeniatus
Harmless

Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Shasta County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Shasta County, California?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Shasta County, California, including Western Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Shasta County, California, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Shasta County, California?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Shasta County, California, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Shasta County, California?
- The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Shasta County, California, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Shasta 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.