If youโre planning a trip to the Gulf of Mexico, you may be wondering what animals you should expect to encounter. Whether out of fear or interest, you may want to learn about the different snakes that live in the Gulf of Mexico.
This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about snakes in and around the Gulf of Mexico. Ready to learn more? Letโs dive in!
Are there sea snakes in the Gulf of Mexico?

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Although it may seem strange, the Gulf of Mexico is completely devoid of sea snakes! In fact, there arenโt even any sea snakes that are native to the Atlantic Ocean, which means that theyโre a rare sight in these waters altogether.ย
However, since all of Earthโs oceans are connected, itโs easy for species to end up in places they arenโt naturally found. Certain species of snakes have been able to completely colonize new islands in the past by traversing waters they arenโt native to.ย
Have Sea Snakes Been Spotted in the Gulf of Mexico?
While it is possible for sea snakes to enter the Gulf of Mexico, have any snakes actually been spotted here? The answer is, yes!
The yellow-bellied sea snake is a venomous species of sea snake that is found everywhere in the world, except for the Atlantic Ocean. However, while they arenโt native to the gulf region, individuals have been spotted here.ย
Snakes Found Near the Gulf of Mexico
While snakes are not native to the Gulf of Mexico, there are many different species of snakes that live on the surrounding land. Below, youโll find four common species that you may spot when perusing the coastal areas near the Gulf of Mexico.ย
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

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The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is a common snake in the United Statesโ southeastern region. It is a type of pit viper, which means it relies on venom rather than constriction to kill its prey. Not only is it a venomous snake, but it is actually the largest venomous snake in the United States! Itโs also one of the heaviest.
You can identify this snake by it triangular head and unique tail, which has a noisy rattle. The eastern diamondback rattlesnake is also known for its brown and grey diamond pattern, which is where it gets its name.ย ย
Coachwhip

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The coachwhip is a species of snake that can only be found in the United States and Mexico. As a result, they are a common sight along the coast, although they wonโt stray too close to the saltwater itself.ย
There are six different subspecies of coachwhip. The eastern coachwhip is the most common around the gulf area. Theyโre fairly nonaggressive snakes, and theyโd much rather flee from you than bite or otherwise attack. Interestingly, their name stems from a myth about them chasing down people and whipping them!
Black Racer

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The black racer snake, also known as the racer, is one of the fastest snakes in the western hemisphere. Theyโre also one of the longest, reaching up to around 5 feet in length.ย
Although their extreme speed may make them seem like a threat, the black racer, like the coachwhip, actually doesnโt have much interest in chasing down or hurting humans. In fact, theyโd much rather use their speed to escape than to attack!
The black racer is found only in North America and Central America. There are 11 different subspecies spread throughout these countries.ย
Cottonmouth

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Lastly, another one of the most common snakes that live near the Gulf of Mexico is the cottonmouth. Like the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, this is a venomous species that youโll need to exercise caution around if you happen to stumble across one. However, unlike with the rattlesnake and its tell-tale rattler, it can be more challenging to identify a cottonmouth.
These snakes get their name from the inside of their mouth, which is a bright white color. Theyโre common in damp, wet environments, such as swamps and rivers. As a result, while these may not be a species of snake that lives in the Gulf of Mexico, theyโre still extremely common in the surrounding areas. If youโre hiking in the forested areas nearby, make sure to pay a close eye on where you step. These snakes can easily blend in with their environment. An accidental run-in can be dangerous for both you and them! As a result, itโs important to be cautious.
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