States Wildlife

Oklahoma Snakes: Identification Guide With Pictures

Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.

On this page
  1. Venomous snakes
  2. The other 40 snakes
  3. Lookalikes
  4. When they are active
  5. If you are bitten or stung
  6. How to report
  7. About this list
  8. Sources

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation: Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.

This page lists 48 snakes: 47 from Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH) Herpetology, hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma's Checklist of Oklahoma Amphibians and Reptiles — Snakes; venom status cross-checked with ODWC Field Guide accounts and ODWC "How to Avoid Unwanted Snake Encounters" and 1 named in other official sources. 8 are venomous by official accounts: Copperhead, Cottonmouth, Western diamondback rattlesnake, Timber rattlesnake, Prairie rattlesnake, Massasauga, Pygmy rattlesnake and Broad-banded Copperhead. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation gives a total of 49; the 48 here are the snakes official sources name one by one.

Venomous snakes in Oklahoma

Official sources label these snakes venomous in Oklahoma. Venomous snakes in Oklahoma has more on each one.

Broad-banded Copperhead
Photo: Meghan Cassidy · CC BY-SA 4.0 · iNaturalist · resized

Broad-banded Copperhead

Venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous. … The broad-banded copperhead is one of two copperhead species thought to occur in Oklahoma.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Copperhead
Photo: USFWSmidwest · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Copperhead

Agkistrodon contortrix

Venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Adults usually about 2 to 3 feet (24-36 in); record about 53 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Vertical (cat-like) pupils and a heat-sensing pit between eye and nostril
  • Heavy-bodied; keeled scales
  • Head shape alone is not a reliable way to identify copperheads
Where in Oklahoma
Forty-six species of snakes are native to Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “And the copperhead is one of those venomous species.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Copperhead guide

Cottonmouth
Photo: Geoff Gallice from Gainesville · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Cottonmouth

Agkistrodon piscivorus

Venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Typically 30 to 48 inches (about 3 to 4 feet); recorded up to 75 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Heat-sensing pit between nostril and eye; no rattle
  • Head much wider than the neck, with a dark bar from the eye to the jaw; vertical (cat-eye) pupils
  • Gapes to show the white lining of its mouth when threatened
What the sources say

Venom: “Cottonmouths are highly venomous snakes and should be observed with caution.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Northern cottonmouths are usually associated with water and they are good swimmers. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Cottonmouth guide

Massasauga
Photo: User:Rstanton13 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized

Massasauga

Sistrurus catenatus

Venomous per Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH) Herpetology, hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma

Size
Usually 18 to 30 inches long (New York DEC: 18 to 40 inches, average 27.5). The western massasauga in Arizona reaches only about 22 inches.
How to recognize it
  • A segmented rattle (a single button in newborns) and vertical, catlike pupils. In Michigan it is the only snake with both.
  • Nine large plates on top of the head (the timber rattlesnake has many small scales there)
  • A heat-sensing pit on each side of the head between the eye and nostril; the head is flat and much wider than the neck
What the sources say

Venom: “! Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) N … N - venomous” (Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH) Herpetology, hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma)

Full Massasauga guide

Prairie rattlesnake
Photo: Cecelia Alexander · CC0 1.0 · iNaturalist

Prairie rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

Venomous per Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH) Herpetology, hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma

Size
Usually about 3 to 4 feet; Montana gives 15 to 60 inches and NPS says up to 5 feet. Arizona gives a maximum of 28 to 64 inches (excluding rattle) depending on subspecies; in Colorado it is rarely over 39 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Rattle (or a button in newborns) at the tail tip
  • Head much broader than the neck, many small scales on top of the head, heat-sensing pit between eye and nostril
  • Vertical (cat-like) pupils
What the sources say

Venom: “! Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) N … N - venomous” (Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH) Herpetology, hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma)

Full Prairie rattlesnake guide

Pygmy rattlesnake
Photo: Jolieokefenokee · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Pygmy rattlesnake

Sistrurus miliarius

Venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Adults usually 12-24 inches (30-61 cm); record 31-33 inches. Newborns about 5-6 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Tiny rattle at the end of a slender tail; buzz sounds like an insect
  • Pit viper: heat-sensing pit between nostril and eye, vertical (cat-like) pupils, keeled scales; nine large plates on top of the head
  • Large head scales (other rattlesnakes have small scales on the head)
Where in Oklahoma
They are largely absent from patches of prairie in the eastern part of the state. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “These venomous rattlesnakes are cryptically colored and usually lie motionless on the forest floor.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Western pygmy rattlesnakes are nearly always associated with forest habitats, including eastern deciduous forest and riparian woodlands. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Pygmy rattlesnake guide

Timber rattlesnake
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Timber rattlesnake

Crotalus horridus

Venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Most adults 36 to 60 inches (3 to 5 feet); record 74.5 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Black tail ending in a rattle
  • Heat-sensing pit between nostril and eye
  • Large, thick head distinct from the neck; cat-like vertical pupil
What the sources say

Venom: “It is critical to keep in mind that timber rattlesnakes are highly venomous and should not be handled or disturbed.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: The west to east distribution of timber rattlesnakes in the United States extends from central Oklahoma nearly to Maine, and north to south from northern New York to central-east Texas. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Timber rattlesnake guide

Western diamondback rattlesnake
Photo: Gary Stolz (original) · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Western diamondback rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

Venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Danger to people
“Being near the top of the food chain is one, but having one of the most deadly bites in the world gives the snake all the reason to act fearsome.” Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
Size
Usually about 3.5 to 4.5 feet; Texas says it can reach seven feet. Arizona's maximum is 66 inches excluding the rattle; Saguaro National Park gives a range of 30 to 90 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Rattle at the end of the tail
  • Broad triangular head on a slender neck; vertical pupils
  • Thin light stripe from behind the eye down to the upper lip
Conservation
ODWC field guide status: Species of Greatest Conservation Need
What the sources say

Venom: “The young are born complete with fangs and venom, armed and dangerous at birth, a good thing since the mother abandons them upon delivery.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Living in various habitats ranging from desert flats to river bottoms, the western diamondback spans across most of the southwest part of the United States, including most of Oklahoma. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Western diamondback rattlesnake guide

The other 40 snakes

From A to Z. Some harmless snakes mimic venomous ones: leave every snake alone.

Black ratsnake
Photo: Chrissy McClarren and Andy Reago · CC0 1.0 · iNaturalist

Black ratsnake

Pantherophis obsoletus

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Adults 42 to 72 inches (3.5 to 6 feet), occasionally to 86 inches (MDC); Michigan adults frequently exceed 6 feet, record over 8 feet.
How to recognize it
  • Body shaped like a loaf of bread in cross section (flat belly meets the sides at an angle)
  • Weakly keeled scales, divided anal plate, squarish head
  • Freezes when approached; may kink its body like a crooked stick
90 records by month.
What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Black ratsnake guide

Black-necked gartersnake
Photo: Jared Shorma · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Black-necked gartersnake

Thamnophis cyrtopsis

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Blindsnake
Photo: Turner Brockman · CC BY-SA 4.0 · iNaturalist · resized

Blindsnake

Leptotyphlops dulcis

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

No confirmed photo of Broad-banded watersnake

Broad-banded watersnake

Nerodia fasciata

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Where in Oklahoma
Broad-banded watersnakes occur in aquatic habitats across southeastern Oklahoma reaching the central-southern part of the state along the Red River drainage. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Broad-banded watersnakes occur in aquatic habitats across southeastern Oklahoma reaching the central-southern part of the state along the Red River drainage. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Brownsnake
Photo: Judy Gallagher · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Brownsnake

Storeria dekayi

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Most adults 9 to 13 inches; occasionally up to about 20 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Dark top of head; a dark spot under each eye and on each side of the neck
  • Keeled (ridged) scales in 17 rows; round pupil
  • Tennessee: a small dark downward streak on the side of the head
Where in Oklahoma
The Dekay's brownsnake can be found throughout most of Oklahoma, with the exception of the panhandle and the southwestern corner of the state. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
39 records by month.
What the sources say

Venom: “These snakes are harmless to humans.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: The Dekay's brownsnake can be found throughout most of Oklahoma, with the exception of the panhandle and the southwestern corner of the state. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Brownsnake guide

Bullsnake
Photo: National Park Service from USA · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Bullsnake

Pituophis catenifer

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Usually 3 to 6 feet; Arizona's longest snake, up to 92 inches (AZGFD); Missouri record 105 inches
How to recognize it
  • No rattle: tail tapers to a point
  • Round pupils; keeled back scales (separates it from the similar glossy snake)
  • Head somewhat triangular, more so when agitated (so head shape alone is not a safe test)
What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Bullsnake guide

Checkered gartersnake
Photo: U.S. Customs and Border Protection · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Checkered gartersnake

Thamnophis marcianus

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Coachwhip
Photo: NOAA · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Most adults about 42 to 60 inches (3.5 to 5 ft); record 102 inches (8.5 ft). Ranges given by agencies: 41 to 84 in (Louisiana), 36 to 82 in (Oklahoma), adults average 50 to 72 in (Alabama), up to 94 in (NC State Extension), up to 80 in in Colorado and up to 68 in in Arizona.
How to recognize it
  • Long, slowly tapering tail whose scales look like a braided whip
  • Very long and slender, with smooth scales
  • Large eyes with round pupils
Where in Oklahoma
The eastern and western coachwhips in Oklahoma occur—with respect to their names—east or west of I-35. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
36 records by month.
What the sources say

Venom: “Though non-venomous, the coachwhip will strike quickly at what it believes to be a threat if pressured.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: This species is distributed across the southern half of the United States and found within the entirety of Oklahoma. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Coachwhip guide

Common gartersnake
Photo: kclarksdnhmorg · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Common gartersnake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Diamond-backed watersnake
Photo: Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Diamond-backed watersnake

Nerodia rhombifer

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Northern diamond-backed watersnakes are harmless to humans.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Northern diamond-backed watersnakes are primarily aquatic but can be found relatively far from obvious bodies of water during heavy rain storms. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Eastern hognose snake
Photo: Joshua Liverman · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Eastern hognose snake

Heterodon platirhinos

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Where in Oklahoma
Eastern hog-nosed snakes can be found in woodlands, farmlands and sandy areas across all of Oklahoma except the westernmost Panhandle counties. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “But it is generally harmless to people.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Eastern hog-nosed snakes can be found in woodlands, farmlands and sandy areas across all of Oklahoma except the westernmost Panhandle counties. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Flat-headed snake
Photo: Peter Paplanus · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Flat-headed snake

Tantilla gracilis

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Glossy crayfish snake
Photo: William L. Farr · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized

Glossy crayfish snake

Regina rigida

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Where in Oklahoma
The Oklahoma distribution is restricted to the southeastern part of the state, largely the upper coastal plain. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: The gulf crayfish snake is strictly aquatic. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Glossy snake
Photo: Linda Jo Conn · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Glossy snake

Arizona elegans

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Kansas glossy snakes are harmless to humans.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: The North American distribution of Kansas glossy snakes extends west to east from southwest Texas to central Oklahoma and north to south from east-central Colorado well into Mexico. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Graham’s crayfish snake
Photo: Chad Wallis · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Graham’s crayfish snake

Regina grahamii

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Where in Oklahoma
Graham’s crayfish snakes can be found throughout Central Oklahoma and in the Red River drainage. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “Instead of focusing on fish and frogs like other watersnakes, this nonvenomous snake specializes on molting crayfish.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Graham’s crayfish snakes can be found throughout Central Oklahoma and in the Red River drainage. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Great Plains ratsnake
Photo: Peter Paplanus · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Great Plains ratsnake

Pantherophis emoryi

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Groundsnake
Photo: Peter Paplanus · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Groundsnake

Sonora semiannulata

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Lined snake
Photo: Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Lined snake

Tropidoclonion lineatum

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Long-nosed snake
Photo: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Long-nosed snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Milksnake
Photo: Tom Norton · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Eastern milksnake 24 to 52 inches (Alabama); TN gives 24 to 36 inches for eastern and 21 to 28 for red milksnake.
How to recognize it
  • Eastern milksnake: black-and-white checkerboard belly (Ohio). Western milksnake in Louisiana: underside dull white with scattered black marks.
  • Eastern milksnake: a light Y- or V-shaped mark is usually present on the nape
  • Smooth, shiny scales and round pupils
Where in Oklahoma
The milksnake complex can be found in eastern Oklahoma, areas of southwestern Oklahoma and in part of the Oklahoma Panhandle. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: The milksnake complex can be found in eastern Oklahoma, areas of southwestern Oklahoma and in part of the Oklahoma Panhandle. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Milksnake guide

Mudsnake
Photo: Annika Lindqvist · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Mudsnake

Farancia abacura

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Northern watersnake
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Northern watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Adults 22 to 42 inches long, occasionally to 59 inches (Missouri). Pennsylvania gives 24 to over 50 inches; females are usually bigger than males.
How to recognize it
  • Dark crossbands on the front part of the body break up into rows of blotches from the middle of the body to the tail.
  • Belly white, yellow or orange, usually with dark half-moon-shaped spots.
  • Keeled (ridged) scales, so it feels rough; round pupils like other nonvenomous snakes in Missouri.
What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Northern watersnake guide

Plainbelly watersnake
Photo: Peter Paplanus · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Plainbelly watersnake

Nerodia erythrogaster

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Where in Oklahoma
In western Oklahoma, they are called blotched watersnakes because their adult coloration is considerably lighter. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
105 records by month.
What the sources say

Venom: “Plain-bellied watersnakes are harmless to humans.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: In North America, the distribution of these watersnakes extends west to east from southeastern New Mexico to New Jersey and north to south from central Michigan into Mexico. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

No confirmed photo of Plains black-headed snake

Plains black-headed snake

Tantilla nigriceps

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Plains gartersnake
Photo: Photo Credit: Krista Lundgren/USFWS USFWS Mountain-Prairie · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Plains gartersnake

Thamnophis radix

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Prairie kingsnake
Photo: Peter Paplanus · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Prairie kingsnake

Lampropeltis calligaster

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “These snakes are harmless to humans.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Prairie kingsnakes occur in open prairie habitats with or without rocky outcrops and can also be found in riparian areas that dissect prairie. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Queen snake
Photo: Rstanton13 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized

Queen snake

Regina septemvittata

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Racer
Photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Racer

Coluber constrictor

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Most adults about 3 to 5 ft. Sources range from 20 to 56 inches (Florida Museum) to 34 to 77 inches (New Jersey); Alabama says some exceed 6 ft.
How to recognize it
  • Smooth scales
  • Long and slender with large eyes
  • White chin
Where in Oklahoma
Background color of the body of adults is black in eastern Oklahoma. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “Eastern racers are harmless to humans.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: In North America, the distribution of eastern racers extends north to south from southern Canada through Montana to southern Texas and west to east from western Montana in the north and central New Mexico to far western Missouri in the east. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Racer guide

Red-bellied snake
Photo: Rstanton13 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized

Red-bellied snake

Storeria occipitomaculata

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Usually 8 to 10 inches; state figures run from about 4 to 16 inches, with a Florida record of 16.6 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Plain, unmarked red or orange belly.
  • Three light spots just behind the head, which may fuse into a collar.
  • Keeled (ridged) scales in 15 rows at midbody and round pupils.
What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Red-bellied snake guide

Ring-necked snake
Photo: Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Ring-necked snake

Diadophis punctatus

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Usually 8 to 15 inches long; Alabama reports up to about 18 inches, rarely 24. AZGFD gives a maximum of 34 inches for Arizona animals.
How to recognize it
  • A yellow, cream or orange ring around the neck; it may be incomplete, and some Lower Florida Keys and western Arizona snakes lack it.
  • Bright yellow to orange or red belly, often with a row of black half-moon spots; the underside of the tail is often red.
  • Smooth, shiny scales and a small head only slightly wider than the neck.
36 records by month.
What the sources say

Venom: “Ring-necked snakes are harmless.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: The distribution of ring-necked snakes in North America extends west to east across the entire United States and north to south from Canada in the east well into Mexico. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Ring-necked snake guide

Rough earthsnake
Photo: Peter Paplanus · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Rough earthsnake

Virginia striatula

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Rough greensnake
Photo: Joshua Liverman · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Rough greensnake

Opheodrys aestivus

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Most adults are 14 to 33 inches long (Florida Museum), with a record of 46 inches. Maryland, Missouri, Tennessee and Arkansas give 22 to 32 inches. The tail is long and thin, about a third or more of the total length.
How to recognize it
  • Keeled (ridged) scales in 17 rows, which feel rough; the smooth green snake has smooth scales.
  • Extremely long, thin tail and round pupils.
  • Large eyes.
Where in Oklahoma
Rough greensnakes occur throughout most of central and eastern Oklahoma but not in the panhandle or the western one-third of the state. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
33 records by month.
What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: Rough greensnakes occur throughout most of central and eastern Oklahoma but not in the panhandle or the western one-third of the state. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Rough greensnake guide

Scarletsnake
Photo: Stanton · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized

Scarletsnake

Cemophora coccinea

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Smooth earthsnake
Photo: Stanton · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized

Smooth earthsnake

Virginia valeriae

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Speckled kingsnake
Photo: Matthew Lumsden · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Speckled kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Size
Most adults are about 36-48 inches. Maryland gives a record of 82 inches; Alabama gives up to 6.9 feet.
How to recognize it
  • Smooth, shiny scales and an indistinct neck.
  • Round pupil.
  • Florida Museum counts 19-32 crossbands in Florida; Alabama counts 23 to 52.
Where in Oklahoma
The distribution in Oklahoma is nearly statewide. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “Speckled kingsnakes are harmless to humans.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: The distribution in Oklahoma is nearly statewide. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Full Speckled kingsnake guide

Terrestrial gartersnake
Photo: Yellowstone National Park · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Terrestrial gartersnake

Thamnophis elegans

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

No confirmed photo of Texas nightsnake

Texas nightsnake

Hypsiglena torquata

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Western hognose snake
Photo: Dean Hester · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Western hognose snake

Heterodon nasicus

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Western ribbonsnake
Photo: Sam Kieschnick · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Western ribbonsnake

Thamnophis proximus

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

Where in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, orange-striped ribbonsnakes occur throughout most of the state, with the exception of the far western part of the panhandle. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
What the sources say

Venom: “These snakes are harmless to humans.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: In Oklahoma, orange-striped ribbonsnakes occur throughout most of the state, with the exception of the far western part of the panhandle. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Western worm snake
Photo: Peter Paplanus · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Western worm snake

Carphophis vermis

Non-venomous per Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

What the sources say

Venom: “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.” (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Habitat: In North America, the western wormsnake can be found west to east from central Oklahoma to the western edge of the Mississippi River Valley and north to south from southern Illinois to northern Louisiana. (Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation)

Snakes people confuse

Eastern Kingsnake or Florida kingsnake?

Eastern Kingsnake
Photo: Matthew Lumsden · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Eastern Kingsnake Non-venomous

No confirmed photo of Florida kingsnake

Florida kingsnake Non-venomous

More than 34 light crossbands, lightened scales between the bands, a weaker chain pattern on the sides, and usually 23 scale rows at midbody.

Eastern Kingsnake or Apalachicola kingsnake?

Eastern Kingsnake
Photo: Matthew Lumsden · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Eastern Kingsnake Non-venomous

No confirmed photo of Apalachicola kingsnake

Apalachicola kingsnake Non-venomous

Fewer than 26 wide crossbands with much lighter scales between them, or no bands at all (striped or patternless).

Milk Snake or Copperhead?

Milk Snake
Photo: Tom Norton · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Milk Snake Non-venomous

Copperhead
Photo: USFWSmidwest · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Copperhead Venomous

The copperhead's head is coppery with no marks; the milksnake's head is light with brownish marks (Pennsylvania). Tennessee: copperhead has a copper-colored, unmarked head and triangular shapes on the side of the body. Pennsylvania says the eastern milksnake is the snake most often killed by mistake for a copperhead. Belly colour is not used here: Pennsylvania's own pages describe the copperhead belly two different ways (uniform cream in one account, mottled white to gray in another).

Coachwhip or North American racer (black racer)?

Coachwhip
Photo: NOAA · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Coachwhip Non-venomous

North American racer (black racer)
Photo: Everglades NPS from Homestead, Florida, United States · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

North American racer (black racer) Non-venomous

TWRA: the racer lacks the coachwhip's reddish tint along the sides of the tail; an all-black coachwhip is distinctly lighter or reddish toward the rear. Oklahoma: the coachwhip is much larger.

Northern watersnake or Cottonmouth (water moccasin)?

Northern watersnake
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Northern watersnake Non-venomous

Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
Photo: Geoff Gallice from Gainesville · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Cottonmouth (water moccasin) Venomous

Cottonmouths are heavier-bodied with a larger, chunky head, a pit between nostril and eye, darker color, and a light line from the eye to the corner of the mouth (Missouri). Cottonmouths have cat-like pupils; watersnakes have round pupils and no facial pit, and seen from above a cottonmouth's eyes are hidden while a watersnake's are visible (Florida Museum). Georgia DNR: banded watersnakes have bands widest on top; banded cottonmouths have bands widest on the sides (hourglass-shaped from above). Cottonmouths float on the water; watersnakes swim with the body just below the surface (Virginia DWR). Cautions from the same agencies: Virginia DWR says some other nonvenomous snakes, such as the eastern hog-nosed snake, also float, and that watersnakes often flatten the head when threatened so it looks diamond-shaped; CDFW says older northern watersnakes can look almost entirely dark brown or black.

Northern watersnake or Copperhead?

Northern watersnake
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Northern watersnake Non-venomous

Copperhead
Photo: USFWSmidwest · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Copperhead Venomous

Florida Museum (midland watersnake): the watersnake's crossbands are darker, narrower and much more numerous than a copperhead's and turn into blotches halfway down the body. Watersnakes have round pupils and dark vertical lines near the mouth; copperheads have no such lines.

Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.

When snakes are active in Oklahoma

Records of snakes in Oklahoma peak in April to June and September. They show when people record snakes, not how many there are (about month bars).

754 records of snakes in Oklahoma by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).

If you are bitten or stung

Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.

Official advice from University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and University of Oklahoma Health Sciences:

How to report

Report wildlife sightings (including mountain lions and bears) to ODWC online at wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/report-wildlife; report suspected invasive aquatic species to ODWC at (918) 200-4815 or online. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

About this list

The species list comes from Checklist of Oklahoma Amphibians and Reptiles (Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Herpetology; hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma) — Snakes; venom status cross-checked with ODWC Field Guide accounts and ODWC "How to Avoid Unwanted Snake Encounters" (2025) (Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH) Herpetology, hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma, checklist PDF created 2014-09-09, modified 2016-06-06; ODWC article May 15, 2025). 1 more entry comes from other official sources named on each card.

Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.

Want a paper copy? Print the Oklahoma snakes ID chart.

Sources

  1. About Us. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  2. Checklist of Oklahoma Amphibians and Reptiles. Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (SNOMNH) Herpetology, hosted by the Oklahoma Biological Survey, University of Oklahoma. PDF created 2014-09-09, modified 2016-06-06; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “! Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) N … N - venomous”
    “! Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) N … N - venomous”
  3. How to Avoid Unwanted Snake Encounters. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. May 15, 2025; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (5)
    “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous.”
    “Oklahoma’s snake diversity includes 49 species, the large majority of which are considered nonvenomous. Beyond this bulk of ratsnakes, watersnakes, and less familiar species, the remaining eight species of rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouth are in the pit viper family and are considered venomous. … The broad-banded copperhead is one of two copperhead species thought to occur in Oklahoma.”
    “If you’re concerned about a bite or are bitten by a venomous snake, seek medical attention.”
    “If a copperhead or other snake is encountered, Allen recommends backing several feet away and enjoying the view.”
    “‘To me, that September through October timeframe is the most hazardous time in our area. Snakes are getting ready to go back to the den. And they’ve also just had a bunch of little snakes.”
  4. Prairie Kingsnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “These snakes are harmless to humans.”
  5. Speckled Kingsnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Speckled kingsnakes are harmless to humans.”
  6. Milksnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  7. Coachwhip (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Though non-venomous, the coachwhip will strike quickly at what it believes to be a threat if pressured.”
  8. Plain-bellied Watersnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Plain-bellied watersnakes are harmless to humans.”
  9. Broad-banded Watersnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  10. Northern Diamond-backed Watersnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Northern diamond-backed watersnakes are harmless to humans.”
  11. Rough Greensnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “In addition, rough greensnakes have distinctly keeled scales, whereas racers have smooth scales.”
  12. Graham's Crayfish Snake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Instead of focusing on fish and frogs like other watersnakes, this nonvenomous snake specializes on molting crayfish.”
  13. Gulf Crayfish Snake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  14. Dekay's Brownsnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “These snakes are harmless to humans.”
  15. Orange-striped Ribbonsnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “These snakes are harmless to humans.”
  16. Copperhead (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “And the copperhead is one of those venomous species.”
    “Copperheads are mostly nocturnal during summer but are usually active during daylight in spring and fall. The mating season lasts from February to May and late August to October.”
  17. Northern Cottonmouth (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Cottonmouths are highly venomous snakes and should be observed with caution.”
  18. Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “The young are born complete with fangs and venom, armed and dangerous at birth, a good thing since the mother abandons them upon delivery.”
    “Being near the top of the food chain is one, but having one of the most deadly bites in the world gives the snake all the reason to act fearsome.”
  19. Timber Rattlesnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “It is critical to keep in mind that timber rattlesnakes are highly venomous and should not be handled or disturbed.”
  20. Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “These venomous rattlesnakes are cryptically colored and usually lie motionless on the forest floor.”
  21. Kansas Glossy Snake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Kansas glossy snakes are harmless to humans.”
  22. Western Wormsnake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  23. Eastern Racer (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Eastern racers are harmless to humans.”
  24. Ring-necked Snake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “Ring-necked snakes are harmless.”
    “Ringed-neck snakes could be confused with the flat-headed snake, but flat-headed snakes have no neck ring, are lighter in color and have a pink belly with no spots.”
  25. Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (ODWC Field Guide). Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “But it is generally harmless to people.”
  26. Oklahoma Poison Center Urges Caution During Snake Season. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy (Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information). Published: Thursday, April 30, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “Call the Oklahoma Poison Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.”
    “Snake bites are more common than many people realize, especially during the spring and summer months,”
  27. Spring Brings Snake Bite Calls to the Poison Center. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences (Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information). Published: Wednesday, April 13, 2022; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “DO NOT handle or play with snakes. Even dead snakes can bite reflexively. … Watch where you step and place your hands when outdoors.”
  28. Aquatic Nuisance Species. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “If you think you have discovered any invasive species contact us at (918) 200-4815 or report online.”
  29. GBIF.org occurrence records, human observations licensed CC0 1.0 or CC BY 4.0 only, accessed November 3, 2026. The datasets behind these counts are listed on our Sources page.