Snakes in Madison County

• 
  Eastern Massasauga

  Sistrurus catenatus

  ▲ Venomous

  Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.

• 
  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 Madison County

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Gray Ratsnake

Pantherophis spiloides

Harmless

DeKay's Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Prairie Kingsnake

Lampropeltis calligaster

Harmless

Western Ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Harmless

Plain-bellied Watersnake

Nerodia erythrogaster

Harmless

Common Wormsnake

Carphophis amoenus

Harmless

Eastern Massasauga

Sistrurus catenatus

▲ Venomous

Graham's Crawfish Snake

Regina grahamii

Harmless

Diamondback Watersnake

Nerodia rhombifer

Harmless

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Western Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis proximus

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Madison County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Madison County, Illinois?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Madison County, Illinois, including Eastern Massasauga, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Madison County, Illinois, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Madison County, Illinois?

10+ snake species have verified records in Madison County, Illinois, of which 2 are venomous.

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

The Common Watersnake is the most frequently reported snake in Madison County, Illinois, based on verified wildlife observations.

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