Oregon
Snakes in Josephine County
15 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Josephine 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 Josephine County
Aquatic Garter Snake
Thamnophis atratus
Harmless
Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
Venomous
Northwestern Garter Snake
Thamnophis ordinoides
Harmless
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
California Mountain Kingsnake
Lampropeltis zonata
Harmless
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Common Sharp-tailed Snake
Contia tenuis
Harmless
Striped Whipsnake
Masticophis taeniatus
Harmless
California King Snake
Lampropeltis californiae
Harmless
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Northern Rubber Boa
Charina bottae
Harmless
Sierra Garter Snake
Thamnophis couchii
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Josephine County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Josephine County, Oregon?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Josephine County, Oregon, including Western Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Josephine County, Oregon, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Josephine County, Oregon?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Josephine County, Oregon, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Josephine County, Oregon?
- The Aquatic Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Josephine County, Oregon, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Josephine County, Oregon?
- 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.