Know the dangerous ones
Venomous snakes in El Paso County, Colorado
2 venomous snake species have verified records in El Paso County. Learn to recognize each one, and know what to do if you are bitten.
Field entries
Crotalus viridis Prairie RattlesnakeVenomousCrotalus viridis
How to identify
Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Often seenFull profile →
Sistrurus tergeminus Western MassasaugaVenomousSistrurus tergeminus
How to identify
Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Occasionally seenFull profile →
Looking for all snakes here, not just the venomous ones? See all snakes in El Paso County.