Snakes in West Virginia

West Virginia is home to about 21 native snake species, and only 2 of them are venomous. The overwhelming majority of snakes in the Mountain State are harmless and pose no danger to people. In a state defined by forested hills and hollows, the snakes you are most likely to encounter are shy, non-venomous species that prefer to slip away rather than confront a person.

West Virginia's snake diversity is driven by its rugged Appalachian landscape. Steep forested ridges, rocky outcrops, hardwood forests, mountain streams, and remote hollows give snakes the dens, basking ledges, and prey they need. The mix of warm valley bottoms and cooler high ridges lets species sort themselves by elevation, and the abundance of rocky, wooded terrain makes the state especially good habitat for snakes that den communally in winter.

The 2 venomous species recorded in West Virginia are the Eastern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. The copperhead is widespread, favoring wooded, rocky hillsides and forest edges throughout much of the state. The timber rattlesnake lives on remote forested ridges and higher elevations and is closely managed as a species of concern. Both are secretive and avoid people, and the timber rattlesnake in particular is increasingly uncommon.

The snakes West Virginians usually see are harmless: common garter snakes in gardens and clearings, the eastern ratsnake (black rat snake) in woods and barns, eastern milk snakes around fields and old buildings, northern watersnakes along creeks and rivers (regularly mistaken for copperheads or cottonmouths), DeKay's brownsnake in damp cover, and ring-necked snakes under logs and rocks. Snakebites are very rare here and almost always happen when someone handles or tries to kill a snake. Never assume a wild snake is safe to handle. For any bite, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.