Snakes in Jackson County

• 
  Northern Cottonmouth

  Agkistrodon piscivorus

  ▲ 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.

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

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

Every snake recorded in Jackson County

Northern Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorus

▲ Venomous

Gray Ratsnake

Pantherophis spiloides

Harmless

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Rough Greensnake

Opheodrys aestivus

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

DeKay's Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Harmless

Prairie Kingsnake

Lampropeltis calligaster

Harmless

Western Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis proximus

Harmless

Plain-bellied Watersnake

Nerodia erythrogaster

Harmless

Black Kingsnake

Lampropeltis nigra

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Western Ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Harmless

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Harmless

Smooth Earthsnake

Virginia valeriae

Harmless

Diamondback Watersnake

Nerodia rhombifer

Harmless

Mississippi Green Watersnake

Nerodia cyclopion

Harmless

Common Wormsnake

Carphophis amoenus

Harmless

Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Jackson County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Jackson County, Illinois?

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

How many snake species live in Jackson County, Illinois?

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

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

The Northern Cottonmouth is the most frequently reported snake in Jackson County, Illinois, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Jackson 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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