Virginia
Snakes in Nelson County
17 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Nelson County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Eastern CopperheadAgkistrodon contortrixVenomousHeavy body, triangular head, vertical pupils, and a heat-sensing pit between each eye and nostril.
Every snake recorded in Nelson County
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous
Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous
Eastern Ratsnake
Pantherophis alleghaniensis
Harmless
Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless
Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless
Smooth Earthsnake
Virginia valeriae
Harmless
Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless
Red Cornsnake
Pantherophis guttatus
Harmless
Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Mole Kingsnake
Lampropeltis rhombomaculata
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Nelson County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Nelson County, Virginia?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Nelson County, Virginia, including Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Nelson County, Virginia, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Nelson County, Virginia?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Nelson County, Virginia, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Nelson County, Virginia?
- The Ring-necked Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Nelson County, Virginia, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Nelson 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.