Pennsylvania
Snakes in Chester County
13 species have been documented here, 1 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Chester 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.
Every snake recorded in Chester County
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless
Queensnake
Regina septemvittata
Harmless
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Common Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis saurita
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Chester County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Chester County, Pennsylvania?
- Yes. 1 venomous snake species has verified records in Chester County, Pennsylvania, including Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Chester County, Pennsylvania, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Chester County, Pennsylvania?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Chester County, Pennsylvania, of which 1 is venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Chester County, Pennsylvania?
- The Common Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Chester County, Pennsylvania, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Chester County, Pennsylvania?
- 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.