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