Kentucky
Snakes in Harlan County
7 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Harlan 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 Harlan County
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Gray Ratsnake
Pantherophis spiloides
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Harlan County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Harlan County, Kentucky?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Harlan County, Kentucky, including Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Harlan County, Kentucky, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Harlan County, Kentucky?
- 7 snake species have verified records in Harlan County, Kentucky, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Harlan County, Kentucky?
- The Ring-necked Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Harlan County, Kentucky, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Harlan County, Kentucky?
- 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.