A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Written by Colby Maxwell
Updated: September 26, 2023
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Key Points:
  • There are currently 22 recognized species of venomous snakes in the United States, with a total of 37 subspecies across the country.
  • All venomous snakes in the U.S. fall into one of these four categories: rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes.
  • Copperheads and cottonmouths are closely related to rattlesnakes and, together, make up the pit viper family.

The United States is a massive country with a variety of habitats and environments. Within the borders of the U.S., there is a shocking amount of diversity among the wildlife, especially among snakes. The vast majority of snakes in the U.S. are totally harmless to humans, but there are venomous species that live in nearly every state. Today, we are going to take a look at every single venomous snake in the United States and learn where they can potentially be found. Let’s explore a complete list of venomous snakes in the United States!

How Many Venomous Snakes Live in the United States?

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

There are more than 30 species of venomous snakes in the United States.

©Harris Motion Photo/Shutterstock.com

While it may not seem like it, there are significantly more nonvenomous snakes in the U.S. than there are venomous snakes. In fact, that rule holds true across most of the world, with only around 7% of all snake species being vengeful.

Still, there are quite a few venomous snake species, especially in the United States. There are currently 22 recognized species, with a total of 37 subspecies across the country. Each of these 37 subspecies can be divided into four groups of snakes. Let’s explore this further.

What Are the Four Types of Venomous Snakes in the United States?

Every venomous snake in the United States fits into a small category of four groups. These four types of snakes are rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes. If a snake is venomous in the United States, it is one of these four.

Rattlesnakes make up the vast majority of all venomous snakes by sheer number. The exact breakdown varies, but some sources show that there are at least 32 species of rattlesnake with over 83 recognized subspecies. Today, we will be covering the primary species of snake because many of the subspecies aren’t all that different from one another besides location or color variation.

Copperheads and cottonmouths are closely related to rattlesnakes and, together, make up the pit viper family. Pit vipers have small heat-sensing pits on their snouts that help them find prey through body heat. Copperheads and cottonmouths have subspecies within their categories, just not as many as the rattlesnake. Additionally, copperheads and cottonmouths are mostly restricted to the eastern United States.

The coral snake is a loner in the U.S. in terms of evolutionary relationships. Coral snakes are closer to cobras and sea snakes than pit vipers and are quite rare to encounter. Still, they are venomous and considered among the most dangerous in the country.

We have broken down the venomous snakes in the United States by category below. Rattlesnake species make up the bulk of them. Additionally, the exact taxonomic breakdown of certain species is constantly being updated. The copperhead, for example, once included five subspecies but is now only broken into two groups.

Rattlesnakes

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Western diamondback rattlesnakes have the highest fatality rate of any snake in the U.S.

©Alexander Wong/Shutterstock.com

The western diamondback is one of the most common snakes in the western United States and is among the most dangerous. These snakes grow between 4-6 feet and usually come in shades of black and gray. The western diamondback is responsible for the greatest number of bites in the United States and is a contender for the highest fatality rate of any species in the country.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

The eastern diamondback is the largest venomous snake in the United States.

©iStock.com/NajaShots

The eastern diamondback is the largest venomous snake in the United States and is a contender for the largest in the world. Eastern diamondbacks are brown, black, and cream and can grow up to 8 feet in length. These snakes are primarily found along the coastal southeastern United States from Lousiana up into the coastal plains of North Carolina.

Timber Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes While HIking - Timber Rattlesnake

Timber rattlesnakes are the most northerly of all rattlesnake species.

©Joe McDonald/Shutterstock.com

The timber rattlesnake is the most northerly residing venomous snake in the United States and has one of the widest ranges of any rattlesnake. Timber rattlesnakes are usually brown and gray but are known to have dark black heads and tails with occasional copper markings across their backs. They can be found through most of the southeast and midwest, with a northerly range extending well into Vermont and New Hampshire.

Sidewinder Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Sidewinders get their name from their unique form of side-stepping locomotion.

©Roger de Montfort/Shutterstock.com

The sidewinder is a desert snake that gets its name from the movement it displays while moving across hot sand. Sidewinders are generally a light sandy color and grow between 1.5-3 feet, making them a bit smaller than other rattlesnake species. These snakes live in the Mojave and the Sonoran Deserts. There are three subspecies of sidewinder:

  • Mojave Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cerastes)
  • Sonoran Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes cercobombus)
  • Colorado Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes laterorepens).

Mojave Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Mojave rattlesnakes are among the most venomous snakes in the United States.

©iStock.com/Shoemcfly

The Mojave rattlesnake is a resident of the deep southwest, especially around the Mojave Desert. These snakes are among the most venomous in the country and are often considered to be the most venomous rattlesnakes in the world. Most Mojave rattlesnakes grow to around 3.5 feet long.

Santa Catalina Rattlesnake

Santa Catalina rattlesnake

Santa Catalina rattlesnakes don’t have a rattle on their tails.

©iStock.com/Jay Pierstorff

The Santa Catalina rattlesnake is a particular species of rattlesnake that only lives on the island of Santa Catalina, off the coast of California. These snakes don’t have rattles, and they grow to around 2 feet in length.

Rock Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Rock rattlesnakes are usually lighter in color than other rattlesnakes.

©Rusty Dodson/Shutterstock.com

The rock rattlesnake is a smaller species that primarily inhabits limestone and sandstone-filled regions. Rock rattlesnakes are light-colored, often resembling the sandy stones they inhabit. There are two subspecies of rock rattlesnake:

  • Banded Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus klauberi)
  • Mottled Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus lepidus).

Speckled Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Speckled rattlesnakes have a unique speckling pattern across their bodies.

©iStock.com/reptiles4all

The speckled rattlesnake is a desert-dwelling snake that inhabits the southwest regions of the US and northern Mexico. Speckled rattlesnakes are smaller snakes, generally growing to 3.5 feet as adults. These snakes get their name from the distinct speckled pattern they often display. The subspecies of speckled rattlesnakes include:

  • Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchelli phyrrhus)
  • San Lucan Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchelli mitchelli)
  • Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchelli stephensi).

Black-Tailed Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Black-tailed rattlesnakes have some of the lowest bite rates of any rattlesnake species.

©Joe McDonald/Shutterstock.com

The black-tailed rattlesnake is known as a more docile member of the entire group, with bites being quite rare. Black-tailed rattlesnakes grow between 2 and 3.5 feet long and are dark-colored with black tails. These snakes live in the southwestern United States.

Pacific Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Pacific rattlesnakes are split into seven subspecies.

©iStock.com/johnaudrey

The Pacific rattlesnake is one of the most common rattlesnakes in the United States, especially with how many subspecies exist. Pacific rattlesnakes can be found across the west coast and in the desert regions of the United States. There are seven subspecies:

  • Grand Canyon Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus abyssus)
  • Coronado Island Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus caliginis)
  • Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus cerberus)
  • Yellow Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus concolor)
  • Southern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus helleri)
  • Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus)
  • Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus oreganus).

Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake

Twin-spotted rattlesnake

The twin-spotted rattlesnake has a rounder head than most rattlesnakes.

©iStock.com/adogslifephoto

The twin-spotted rattlesnake is a smaller rattlesnake, rarely growing larger than two feet. Twin-spotted rattlesnakes have a distinct rounder head than most other rattlesnakes. They get their name from the two-spotted pattern that travels down their backs. These snakes live in southeastern Arizona and Mexico.

Red Diamond Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Red diamond rattlesnakes are a beautiful red color.

©Creeping Things/Shutterstock.com

The red diamond rattlesnake gets its name from the reddish-brown coloration it is most known for. Red diamond rattlesnakes can grow as large as 5 feet long and are found in southern California and into the Baja Peninsula. Their tails are often striped black and white, giving them a quite distinctive appearance.

Tiger Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Tiger

rattlesnakes are very venomous, despite their small size.

©Vladislav T. Jirousek/Shutterstock.com

The tiger rattlesnake is a smaller rattlesnake with a venom that outpaces its small stature. Tiger rattlesnakes get their name from their black striping pattern that is often spread across their gray bodies. These snakes are only found across the US in central Arizona, although other populations live in Mexico.

Prairie Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Prairie rattlesnakes are among the most widespread rattlesnakes across the U.S.

©iStock.com/HRossD

The prairie rattlesnake is one of the most distributed rattlesnake species in the United States. Prairie rattlesnakes live across the Great Plains region of the country, from northern Mexico to the south of Canada. There are two subspecies in the U.S.:

  • Hopi Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis nuntius)
  • Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis).

Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Ridge-nosed rattlesnakes have a distinctive striped pattern across their snout.

©Matt Jeppson/Shutterstock.com

The ridge-nosed rattlesnake is a smaller rattlesnake that is known for its black and white striped snout, giving it its name. Ridge-nosed rattlesnakes are quite rare snakes, only inhabiting wooded mountain ranges across Arizona and New Mexico. There are two subspecies in the U.S.:

  • New Mexican Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi obscurus)
  • Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi).

Massasauga Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Massasaugas have colors and markings that include tan, gray, or brown with dark brown or black splotches.

©Rusty Dodson/Shutterstock.com

The massasauga rattlesnake is another widely distributed rattler that can be found as far south as Texas and as far north as Canada. The three different subspecies are found across distinct ranges, with the eastern massasauga being the most northerly and widespread. The three subspecies are:

  • Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus)
  • Desert Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii)
  • Western Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus).

Pygmy Rattlesnake

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Pygmy rattlesnakes are the smallest of all rattlesnake species.

©Gerald A. DeBoer/Shutterstock.com

The pygmy (sometimes spelled pigmy) rattlesnake is the smallest species of rattlesnake in the United States. Pygmy rattlesnakes are primarily found in the southeastern United States around coastal plains regions. Their small size and low-potency venom make them among the least dangerous species of rattlesnake around. There are three subspecies of pygmy rattlesnake in the U.S.:

  • Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius barbouri)
  • Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius miliarius) 
  • Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius streckeri)

Cottonmouths

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

The cottonmouth is an aquatic pit viper with a bright white mouth.

©Marcum Havens/Shutterstock.com

Cottonmouths are large aquatic snakes that are quite venomous. These members of the pit viper family are known for their bright white mouths that they flash as a warning to potential predators. The cottonmouth is native to the southeastern United States and has three subspecies. Unlike rattlesnakes, however, these subspecies are more similar to one another and are still grouped under a single species.

Cottonmouths are usually considered to be less venomous than most species of rattlesnake, although they are more dangerous than copperheads. As aquatic snakes, they are most often found in swampy lowland regions near or in water. Rivers, streams, swamps, and wetlands are the primary habitats for these vipers.

There are three subspecies of cottonmouth spread across the southeast:

  • Florida Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous conanti)
  • Western Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous leucostoma)
  • Eastern Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorous piscivorous)

Copperheads

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Copperheads are coppery-colored and are the least deadly of all pit viper species.

©iStock.com/David Kenny

Copperheads are the most commonly encountered venomous snakes in the southeastern United States. They get their name from their distinct copper-colored bodies and brown hourglass patterns across their backs. Other features include golden cat-like slitted eyes, distinct pits around the snout, and a triangular head.

Because copperheads rely on camouflage as their primary method of defense, they are often unseen and accidentally stepped on or touched. As a result, they make up the majority of bites in many states across the southeast. They generally prefer wooded and forested areas where they can blend into the underground and brush.

Thankfully, copperheads are the least venomous of all pit vipers, and bites are rarely fatal.

Historically, copperheads were divided into five subspecies, but recent taxonomic groupings have reduced those five into two groups. The historic groups are still used, however, and include:

  • Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix mokasen)
  • Southern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix)
  • Broad Banded Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus)
  • Trans-Pecos Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster)
  • Osage Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster).

Today, the northern, southern, and Osage copperhead subspecies are considered eastern copperheads. Broad-banded and Trans-Pecos copperheads are now considered broad-banded copperheads.

Coral Snakes

A Complete List of Venomous Snakes in the United States (30+ Species!)

Coral snakes are brightly colored and have banding patterns of black, red, and yellow.

©iStock.com/JasonOndreicka

Coral snakes are different from all other venomous snakes in the United States as they are Elapids, meaning they are closer to cobras and sea snakes than pit vipers. There are close to 50 species of coral snake in the Americas, but there are only three species that live in North America. Coral snakes are brightly colored and have banding patterns of black, red, and yellow.

These snakes are highly venomous and have a primarily neurotoxic venom when compared to pit vipers. Despite having highly toxic venom, coral snakes have a poor venom delivery system. Additionally, they are extremely rare and spend most of their time underbrush and logs.

There are three species of coral snake in the United States:

  • Arizona coral snake (Micruroides euryxanthus)
  • Eastern coral snake (Micrurus tener)
  • Texas coral snake (Micrurus fulvius)

Summary of Venomous Snakes in the United States

Here’s a recap of the venomous snakes present in the U.S.

NumberVenomous SnakeType
1Western Diamondback RattlesnakeRattlesnake
2Eastern Diamondback RattlesnakeRattlesnake
3Timber RattlesnakeRattlesnake
4Mojave Desert SidewinderRattlesnake
5Sonoran Desert SidewinderRattlesnake
6Colorado Desert SidewinderRattlesnake
7Mojave RattlesnakeRattlesnake
8Santa Catalina RattlesnakeRattlesnake
9Banded Rock RattlesnakeRattlesnake
10Mottled Rock RattlesnakeRattlesnake
11Southwestern Speckled RattlesnakeRattlesnake
12San Lucan Speckled RattlesnakeRattlesnake
13Panamint RattlesnakeRattlesnake
14Black-Tailed RattlesnakeRattlesnake
15Grand Canyon RattlesnakeRattlesnake
16Coronado Island RattlesnakeRattlesnake
17Arizona Black RattlesnakeRattlesnake
18Yellow RattlesnakeRattlesnake
19Southern Pacific RattlesnakeRattlesnake
20Great Basin RattlesnakeRattlesnake
21Northern Pacific RattlesnakeRattlesnake
22Twin-Spotted RattlesnakeRattlesnake
23Red Diamond RattlesnakeRattlesnake
24Tiger RattlesnakeRattlesnake
25Hopi RattlesnakeRattlesnake
26Prairie RattlesnakeRattlesnake
27New Mexican Ridge-Nosed RattlesnakeRattlesnake
28Arizona Ridge-Nosed RattlesnakeRattlesnake
29Eastern MassasaugaRattlesnake
30Desert MassasaugaRattlesnake
31Western MassasaugaRattlesnake
32Dusky Pygmy RattlesnakeRattlesnake
33Carolina Pygmy RattlesnakeRattlesnake
34Western Pygmy RattlesnakeRattlesnake
35Florida CottonmouthCottonmouth
36Western CottonmouthCottonmouth
37Eastern CottonmouthCottonmouth
38Northern CopperheadCottonmouth
39Southern CopperheadCopperhead
40Broad Banded CopperheadCopperhead
41Trans-Pecos CopperheadCopperhead
42Osage CopperheadCopperhead
43Arizona Coral SnakeCoral Snake
44Eastern Coral SnakeCoral Snake
45Texas Coral SnakeCoral Snake

Which States in the U.S. Have the Least Snakes?

Two hikes walk across the top of Root Glacier in eastern Alaska.

There are no snakes of any kind found in Alaska.

©Jon C. Beverly/Shutterstock.com

Now that we’ve gone over in detail all of the venomous snake species in the United States and where they might be found, you may be wondering if there’s anywhere you can go in the U.S. if you’d like to avoid these venomous reptiles — especially if you have ophidiophobia (fear of snakes)!

The fact is that there is a minimum of one venomous snake in every state except for Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, and Rhode Island.

The good news is that there’s one state where there are absolutely no snakes at all: Alaska. Unsurprisingly, this state is just too cold for any snake species to survive in. In fact, there is only one reptile inhabiting Alaska, and that’s the sea turtle. However, the state has no shortage of animals, being home to more than 110 mammal species and 530 different types of birds.

Hawaii has no native snakes and is dedicated to preventing introduced species that could be harmful to its flora and fauna. The only snake that is present on land in the state is the smallest snake on the planet: the Brahminy blind snake, which is 6 inches long and poses no threat to humans. Hawaii’s other snake is the yellow-bellied sea snake and this species is only found in the ocean surrounding its islands.

Outside of the U.S., there are several countries where you won’t encounter any venomous or nonvenomous snakes. These snake-free destinations include New Zealand, Ireland, Greenland, and Iceland. You can find out more by checking out A Complete Guide to the Places on Earth with No Snakes.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Audrey Snider-Bell/Shutterstock.com

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About the Author

Colby is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering outdoors, unique animal stories, and science news. Colby has been writing about science news and animals for five years and holds a bachelor's degree from SEU. A resident of NYC, you can find him camping, exploring, and telling everyone about what birds he saw at his local birdfeeder.

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