Overview
Missouri has around 40 snake species across its Ozark forests, prairies, and river bottoms, and only five are venomous. The great majority are harmless and beneficial.
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 Missouri.
Key Species to Know
Black Rat Snake
Pantherophis obsoletus
A large, mostly black non-venomous constrictor, often the biggest snake people meet in Missouri. A skilled climber that hunts rodents around barns and woods; harmless despite its size.
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
A slender, harmless snake with three pale stripes down a dark body. Common in gardens and near water; gentle and quick to flee.
Northern Water Snake
Nerodia sipedon
A non-venomous water snake with dark bands and blotches, frequently mistaken for a cottonmouth and needlessly killed. Harmless but will flatten and bite if cornered.
Prairie Kingsnake
Lampropeltis calligaster
A tan-to-gray non-venomous snake with dark-edged brown blotches, often found in fields and old farmland. Harmless and a valuable rodent-hunter.
Copperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
A pit viper with hourglass-shaped chestnut bands over a tan body, superbly camouflaged in leaf litter. Missouri's most common venomous snake; generally mild.
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.
Seasonal Guide
- Snakes are most active in spring and fall, and on warm summer evenings.
- Watch your footing around rocky glades, bluffs, and woodpiles in the Ozarks.
- Most bites occur when people try to handle or kill a snake — give it room and it will leave.
Safety Reminder
Identify snakes from a safe distance only, and never handle one to get a photo. If someone is bitten, treat it as a medical emergency and contact emergency services immediately — do not wait to identify the snake or attempt folk remedies. App results are reference information, not medical advice.
Identify it instantly
Found something and not sure what it is? Point your camera with Spotter and get a species identification in seconds — with detailed reference info and species notes.