Missouri
Snakes in Carter County
17 species have been documented here, 3 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Carter 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.
Pygmy RattlesnakeSistrurus miliariusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Every snake recorded in Carter County
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis holbrooki
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Pygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius
Venomous
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximus
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Rough Earthsnake
Virginia striatula
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Carter County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Carter County, Missouri?
- Yes. 3 venomous snake species have verified records in Carter County, Missouri, including Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Carter County, Missouri, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Carter County, Missouri?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Carter County, Missouri, of which 3 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Carter County, Missouri?
- The Common Watersnake is the most frequently reported snake in Carter County, Missouri, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Carter County, Missouri?
- 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.