Illinois
Snakes in Monroe County
19 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Monroe County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Eastern CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrixVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Monroe County

Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous

Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless

Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless

North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless

Gray Ratsnake
Pantherophis spiloides
Harmless

Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless

Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless

DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless

Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximus
Harmless

Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless

Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless

Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless

Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster
Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous

Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless

Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless

Black Kingsnake
Lampropeltis nigra
Harmless

Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless

Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Monroe County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Monroe County, Illinois?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Monroe County, Illinois, including Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Monroe County, Illinois, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Monroe County, Illinois?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Monroe County, Illinois, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Monroe County, Illinois?
- The Eastern Copperhead is the most frequently reported snake in Monroe County, Illinois, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Monroe 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.