Snakes in Luzerne County

• 
  Timber Rattlesnake

  Crotalus horridus

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.

Every snake recorded in Luzerne County

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

DeKay's Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Harmless

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Harmless

Eastern Ratsnake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

Harmless

Gray Ratsnake

Pantherophis spiloides

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Smooth Greensnake

Opheodrys vernalis

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Luzerne County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, including Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania?

10+ snake species have verified records in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, of which 2 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania?

The Common Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Luzerne 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.

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