Nevada
Snakes in Washoe County
17 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Washoe County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Western RattlesnakeCrotalus oreganusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Washoe County
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
Venomous
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Northern Rubber Boa
Charina bottae
Harmless
Striped Whipsnake
Masticophis taeniatus
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Sierra Garter Snake
Thamnophis couchii
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
California King Snake
Lampropeltis californiae
Harmless
Long-nosed Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei
Harmless
Western Patch-nosed Snake
Salvadora hexalepis
Harmless
Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless
Ground Snake
Sonora semiannulata
Harmless
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Desert Nightsnake
Hypsiglena chlorophaea
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Washoe County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Washoe County, Nevada?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Washoe County, Nevada, including Western Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Washoe County, Nevada, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Washoe County, Nevada?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Washoe County, Nevada, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Washoe County, Nevada?
- The Gopher Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Washoe County, Nevada, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Washoe County, Nevada?
- 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.