West Virginia
Snakes in Nicholas County
15 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Nicholas 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.
Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Nicholas County

Gray Ratsnake
Pantherophis spiloides
Harmless

Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless

Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless

Common Watersnake
Nerodia sipedon
Harmless

North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless

Eastern Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Venomous

Common Wormsnake
Carphophis amoenus
Harmless

Queensnake
Regina septemvittata
Harmless

Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
Venomous

DeKay's Brownsnake
Storeria dekayi
Harmless

Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
Harmless

Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless

Rough Greensnake
Opheodrys aestivus
Harmless

Red-bellied Snake
Storeria occipitomaculata
Harmless

Eastern Hognose Snake
Heterodon platirhinos
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Nicholas County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Nicholas County, West Virginia?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Nicholas County, West Virginia, including Eastern Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Nicholas County, West Virginia, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Nicholas County, West Virginia?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Nicholas County, West Virginia, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Nicholas County, West Virginia?
- The Gray Ratsnake is the most frequently reported snake in Nicholas County, West Virginia, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Nicholas 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.