Snakes in Alexander County

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.

• 
  Timber Rattlesnake

  Crotalus horridus

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

• 
  Northern Cottonmouth

  Agkistrodon piscivorus

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.

Every snake recorded in Alexander County

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Gray Ratsnake

Pantherophis spiloides

Harmless

Diamondback Watersnake

Nerodia rhombifer

Harmless

Black Kingsnake

Lampropeltis nigra

Harmless

Plain-bellied Watersnake

Nerodia erythrogaster

Harmless

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Rough Greensnake

Opheodrys aestivus

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

Western Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis proximus

Harmless

Plains Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Harmless

Northern Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorus

▲ Venomous

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Alexander County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Alexander County, Illinois?

Yes. 3 venomous snake species have verified records in Alexander County, Illinois, including Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake, Northern Cottonmouth. Most snakes in Alexander County, Illinois, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Alexander County, Illinois?

10+ snake species have verified records in Alexander County, Illinois, of which 3 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Alexander County, Illinois?

The Common Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Alexander County, Illinois, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Alexander County, Illinois?

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.

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