Missouri
Snakes in McDonald County
15 species have been documented here, 3 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in McDonald 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.
Northern CottonmouthAgkistrodon piscivorusVenomousHeavy 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 McDonald County
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis holbrooki
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Northern Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Venomous
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in McDonald County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in McDonald County, Missouri?
- Yes. 3 venomous snake species have verified records in McDonald County, Missouri, including Eastern Copperhead, Northern Cottonmouth, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in McDonald County, Missouri, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in McDonald County, Missouri?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in McDonald County, Missouri, of which 3 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in McDonald County, Missouri?
- The DeKay's Brownsnake is the most frequently reported snake in McDonald County, Missouri, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in McDonald 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.