Colorado
Snakes in El Paso County
11 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in El Paso County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Western MassasaugaSistrurus tergeminusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Every snake recorded in El Paso County
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Plains Garter Snake
Thamnophis radix
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Plains Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus
Harmless
Western Massasauga
Sistrurus tergeminus
Venomous
Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans
Harmless
Western Milksnake
Lampropeltis gentilis
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in El Paso County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in El Paso County, Colorado?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in El Paso County, Colorado, including Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga. Most snakes in El Paso County, Colorado, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in El Paso County, Colorado?
- 11 snake species have verified records in El Paso County, Colorado, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in El Paso County, Colorado?
- The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in El Paso County, Colorado, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in El Paso County, Colorado?
- 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.