Snakes in Chesapeake County

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  Northern Cottonmouth

  Agkistrodon piscivorus

  ▲ 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 Chesapeake County

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Rough Greensnake

Opheodrys aestivus

Harmless

Brown Watersnake

Nerodia taxispilota

Harmless

Eastern Ratsnake

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

Harmless

Plain-bellied Watersnake

Nerodia erythrogaster

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Northern Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorus

▲ Venomous

DeKay's Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

Mudsnake

Farancia abacura

Harmless

Western Ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Harmless

Common Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis saurita

Harmless

Common Wormsnake

Carphophis amoenus

Harmless

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Eastern Hognose Snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Chesapeake County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Chesapeake County, Virginia?

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

How many snake species live in Chesapeake County, Virginia?

20+ snake species have verified records in Chesapeake County, Virginia, of which 3 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Chesapeake County, Virginia?

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

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Chesapeake County, Virginia?

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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