Snakes in Kanawha County

• 
  Timber Rattlesnake

  Crotalus horridus

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  Eastern Copperhead

  Agkistrodon contortrix

  ▲ Venomous

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

Every snake recorded in Kanawha County

Gray Ratsnake

Pantherophis spiloides

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

▲ Venomous

Eastern Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

▲ Venomous

Common Wormsnake

Carphophis amoenus

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Rough Greensnake

Opheodrys aestivus

Harmless

Red-bellied Snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Kanawha County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Kanawha County, West Virginia?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Kanawha County, West Virginia, including Timber Rattlesnake, Eastern Copperhead. Most snakes in Kanawha County, West Virginia, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Kanawha County, West Virginia?

11 snake species have verified records in Kanawha County, West Virginia, of which 2 are venomous.

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

The Gray Ratsnake is the most frequently reported snake in Kanawha County, West Virginia, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Kanawha County, West 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.

Nearby counties