Missouri
Snakes in Franklin County
19 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Franklin 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 Franklin County
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximus
Harmless
Western Worm Snake
Carphophis vermis
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis holbrooki
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Lined Snake
Tropidoclonion lineatum
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Franklin County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Franklin County, Missouri?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Franklin County, Missouri, including Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Franklin County, Missouri, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Franklin County, Missouri?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Franklin County, Missouri, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Franklin County, Missouri?
- The Western Ratsnake is the most frequently reported snake in Franklin County, Missouri, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Franklin 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.