FG-0035 · Wildlife · 6 species
Identifying Snakes in Alabama
By Derek Gauger · Updated
Overview
Alabama is one of the most snake-rich states in the country, with around 40 species across its rivers, forests, and coastal plain. Only six are venomous, and knowing the ones you might actually meet takes the fear out of a walk in the woods.
Identify from a distance — a photo from several feet away is all you need. This guide covers the snakes you are most likely to encounter in Alabama.
Key species to know
FG-0035.01
Gray Rat Snake
Pantherophis spiloides
A large, non-venomous constrictor with dark blotches on a gray ground color and a tendency to climb. Often found near barns and outbuildings hunting rodents.
Habitat: Woodlands, farmland, and suburbs statewide.
FG-0035.02
Eastern Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
A slender, harmless snake with three pale stripes running down a dark body. One of the most common and gentle backyard snakes.
Habitat: Gardens, meadows, and damp areas near water.
FG-0035.03
Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
A pit viper with hourglass-shaped chestnut bands over a tan body, superbly camouflaged in leaf litter. Venomous but generally mild and reliant on stillness.
Habitat: Wooded areas, creek bottoms, and suburban edges.
Venomous. Watch where you step and reach in leaf litter and woodpiles.
FG-0035.04
Cottonmouth
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A thick-bodied semi-aquatic pit viper, dark with a pale facial stripe, that gapes to show a white mouth when threatened. Venomous and often confused with water snakes.
Habitat: Swamps, river sloughs, and lake edges.
Venomous. Give a wide berth to any thick-bodied snake near water and never handle it.
FG-0035.05
Timber Rattlesnake
Crotalus horridus
A large, heavy-bodied rattlesnake with dark chevron crossbands and a rattle. Venomous but usually reluctant to strike; gives a buzzing warning when disturbed.
Habitat: Forested hills, rocky slopes, and river bottoms.
Venomous. Keep well back and never attempt to handle or kill it.
FG-0035.06
Eastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A small, brightly ringed snake with red, yellow, and black bands, the red and yellow touching. Venomous but secretive and rarely seen.
Habitat: Sandy pine woods in the southern part of the state.
Venomous. Never handle any small banded snake — confirm from a distance.
Through the seasons
- Snakes are most active in spring and fall, and on warm summer evenings.
- Watch your footing around rock piles, woodpiles, and river banks.
- Most bites occur when people try to handle or kill a snake — give it room and it will leave.
Questions
- How many venomous snakes are in Alabama?
- Six: the copperhead, cottonmouth, eastern coral snake, eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake, and pigmy rattlesnake.
- What is the best way to identify a snake safely?
- From a distance. Take a photo from several feet away and use an app like Spotter to identify the species — never pick up or corner a snake for a closer look.
From Field Notes
Not sure what you found?
Take a photo with Spotter for the name, field marks, look-alikes and safety notes in seconds.
In this guide
- Species
- 6
- Region
- Alabama