Illinois
Snakes in Lake County
10 species have been documented here, 1 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Lake County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Eastern MassasaugaSistrurus catenatusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Every snake recorded in Lake County
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Plains Garter Snake
Thamnophis radix
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Eastern Foxsnake
Pantherophis vulpinus
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Eastern Massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus
Venomous
Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Lake County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Lake County, Illinois?
- Yes. 1 venomous snake species has verified records in Lake County, Illinois, including Eastern Massasauga. Most snakes in Lake County, Illinois, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Lake County, Illinois?
- 10 snake species have verified records in Lake County, Illinois, of which 1 is venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Lake County, Illinois?
- The Common Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Lake County, Illinois, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Lake 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.