Snakes in Shelby County

• 
  Northern Cottonmouth

  Agkistrodon piscivorus

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  Timber Rattlesnake

  Crotalus horridus

  ▲ Venomous

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

Every snake recorded in Shelby County

Northern Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorus

▲ Venomous

DeKay's Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Harmless

Western Ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Plain-bellied Watersnake

Nerodia erythrogaster

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

Rough Greensnake

Opheodrys aestivus

Harmless

Diamondback Watersnake

Nerodia rhombifer

Harmless

Rough Earthsnake

Virginia striatula

Harmless

Banded Watersnake

Nerodia fasciata

Harmless

Western Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis proximus

Harmless

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Harmless

Prairie Kingsnake

Lampropeltis calligaster

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Shelby County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Shelby County, Texas?

Yes. 3 venomous snake species have verified records in Shelby County, Texas, including Northern Cottonmouth, Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Shelby County, Texas, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Shelby County, Texas?

10+ snake species have verified records in Shelby County, Texas, of which 3 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Shelby County, Texas?

The Northern Cottonmouth is the most frequently reported snake in Shelby County, Texas, based on verified wildlife observations.

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

Nearby counties