Texas
Snakes in King County
16 species have been documented here, 4 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in King County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Eastern MassasaugaSistrurus catenatusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Western Diamond-backed RattlesnakeCrotalus atroxVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Western MassasaugaSistrurus tergeminusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in King County
Eastern Massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus
Venomous
Great Plains Ground Snake
Sonora episcopa
Harmless
Ground Snake
Sonora semiannulata
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans
Harmless
Long-nosed Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei
Harmless
Texas Blind Snake
Rena dulcis
Harmless
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
Venomous
Great Plains Ratsnake
Pantherophis emoryi
Harmless
Checkered Garter Snake
Thamnophis marcianus
Harmless
Western Massasauga
Sistrurus tergeminus
Venomous
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Plain-bellied Watersnake
Nerodia erythrogaster
Harmless
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Plains Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in King County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in King County, Texas?
- Yes. 4 venomous snake species have verified records in King County, Texas, including Eastern Massasauga, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in King County, Texas, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in King County, Texas?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in King County, Texas, of which 4 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in King County, Texas?
- The Eastern Massasauga is the most frequently reported snake in King County, Texas, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in King County, Texas?
- 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.