Snakes in Ventura 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 Ventura County

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Western Rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus

▲ Venomous

Two-striped Garter Snake

Thamnophis hammondii

Harmless

Striped Racer

Masticophis lateralis

Harmless

California King Snake

Lampropeltis californiae

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Coast Night Snake

Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus

Harmless

California Mountain Kingsnake

Lampropeltis zonata

Harmless

Western Patch-nosed Snake

Salvadora hexalepis

Harmless

Coast Mountain Kingsnake

Lampropeltis multifasciata

Harmless

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans

Harmless

Western Glossy Snake

Arizona occidentalis

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Sierra Garter Snake

Thamnophis couchii

Harmless

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Brahminy Blindsnake

Indotyphlops braminus

Harmless

Western Threadsnake

Rena humilis

Harmless

Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus

Harmless

Northern Rubber Boa

Charina bottae

Harmless

California Lyresnake

Trimorphodon lyrophanes

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Ventura County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Ventura County, California?

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

How many snake species live in Ventura County, California?

20+ snake species have verified records in Ventura County, California, of which 2 are venomous.

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

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

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Ventura 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.

Nearby counties