Illinois
Snakes in Pope County
15 species have been documented here, 3 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Pope County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Northern CottonmouthAgkistrodon piscivorusVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Eastern CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrixVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Every snake recorded in Pope County
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Northern Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Venomous
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
Gray Ratsnake
Pantherophis spiloides
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Black Kingsnake
Lampropeltis nigra
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Pope County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Pope County, Illinois?
- Yes. 3 venomous snake species have verified records in Pope County, Illinois, including Timber Rattlesnake, Northern Cottonmouth, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Pope County, Illinois, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Pope County, Illinois?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Pope County, Illinois, of which 3 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Pope County, Illinois?
- The Common Watersnake is the most frequently reported snake in Pope County, Illinois, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Pope 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.