Virginia DWR: There are 32 species of snake in Virginia, but only three are venomous (cottonmouth, copperhead, and timber rattlesnake).
This page lists 36 snakes: all from DWR's Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, List of Native and Naturalized Fauna of Virginia.
3 species are venomous by official accounts: Canebrake Rattlesnake and Timber Rattlesnake (two forms of one species), Eastern Copperhead and Northern Cottonmouth. 1 is nonnative. Virginia DWR gives a total of 32; the 36 here are the snakes official sources name one by one.
“Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes; they are a state …” Virginia DWR
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
Where in Virginia
Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake … Virginia DWR
JFMAMJJASOND
51 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “There are only 3 species of venomous snakes occurring in the Commonwealth: Northern Copperhead, Eastern Cottonmouth, and Timber Rattlesnake.” (Virginia DWR)
Range: Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes; they are a state endangered species.
“There are only three species of venomous snakes in Virginia …” Virginia DWR
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
JFMAMJJASOND
152 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “There are only 3 species of venomous snakes occurring in the Commonwealth: Northern Copperhead, Eastern Cottonmouth, and Timber Rattlesnake.” (Virginia DWR)
“Water moccasins, also commonly referred to as cottonmouths, are found to the south and east of Petersburg and are common only in wet areas.” Virginia DWR
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
Where in Virginia
The distribution of cottonmouths in Virginia is primarily limited to the southeastern part of the state, particularly the southern regions of Virginia Beach and … Virginia DWR
Range: The distribution of cottonmouths in Virginia is primarily limited to the southeastern part of the state, particularly the southern regions of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake with isolated populations in Brunswick, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and York counties, and the cities of Suffolk and Newport News.
“Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes; they are a state …” Virginia DWR
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
Where in Virginia
Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake … Virginia DWR
JFMAMJJASOND
51 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “There are only 3 species of venomous snakes occurring in the Commonwealth: Northern Copperhead, Eastern Cottonmouth, and Timber Rattlesnake.” (Virginia DWR)
Range: Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes; they are a state endangered species.
From A to Z. "Not stated" means no official source we use gives a venom status, not that the snake is harmless. Some harmless snakes mimic venomous ones: leave every snake alone.
Venom: “Some nonvenomous snakes (eastern milksnakes, black kingsnakes, and black racers) actually prey on other snakes, including venomous species.” (Virginia DWR)
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
JFMAMJJASOND
38 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “Some nonvenomous snakes (eastern milksnakes, black kingsnakes, and black racers) actually prey on other snakes, including venomous species.” (Virginia DWR)
Most adults are 48 to 66 inches long. The Florida Museum gives a record of 90 inches; Alabama gives a maximum of 83 inches for the northern and 74 inches for the black subspecies. New Jersey gives 48 to 100 inches.
How to recognize it
Pointed snout covered by a large, triangular, cone-shaped scale, used for pushing into soft earth.
Strongly keeled (ridged) body scales and round pupils.
Four prefrontal scales between and just in front of the eyes, where most similar snakes have two.
What the sources say
Venom: “There are 32 species of snake in Virginia, but only three are venomous (cottonmouth, copperhead, and timber rattlesnake).” (Virginia DWR)
Venom: “Some of the more commonly encountered harmless (nonvenomous) snakes in Virginia include the eastern milksnake, northern ring-necked snake, eastern ratsnake (aka black snake), black racer, and northern watersnake” (Virginia DWR)
This species is found statewide in Virginia with the exception of the lower portion of the Eastern Shore although not all counties are represented by specimens. Virginia DWR
What the sources say
Venom: “Some of the more commonly encountered harmless (nonvenomous) snakes in Virginia include the eastern milksnake, northern ring-necked snake, eastern ratsnake (aka black snake), black racer, and northern watersnake” (Virginia DWR)
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.
JFMAMJJASOND
157 records by month.What the sources say
Venom: “There are 32 species of snake in Virginia, but only three are venomous (cottonmouth, copperhead, and timber rattlesnake).” (Virginia DWR)
Most adults about 14-20 inches (36-51 cm); record 29.1 inches (Florida Museum). Louisiana gives 12 to 24 inches; NC State Extension says up to 27 inches.
How to recognize it
Red and yellow rings are separated by black rings, so red and yellow do not touch.
Small head with a red snout.
Rings continue across the belly (Louisiana).
What the sources say
Venom: “There are 32 species of snake in Virginia, but only three are venomous (cottonmouth, copperhead, and timber rattlesnake).” (Virginia DWR)
Copperheads have bold hourglass-shaped bands, and young copperheads under about 12 inches have bright yellow tail tips. Brown snakes have small spots, not hourglass bands.
Brown Snake (Dekay's Brownsnake) or Red-bellied Snake?
Also venomous. Juvenile cottonmouths have many dark spots and speckles inside their dark crossbands (copperhead bands have none or at most one). The Florida Museum says adult Florida cottonmouths are typically uniformly dark, but SCDNR says cottonmouth color ranges from dark brown and black to olive drab and yellow-tan, so a pale snake is not ruled out. The copperhead's eye is not obscured by the dark facial band typical of the cottonmouth. Cottonmouths are almost always associated with wetlands.
Milk snake blotches are outlined in black and widest across the middle of the back; belly is a black-and-white checkerboard (copperhead belly is mottled white to gray).
Young rat snakes (black rat snake / eastern ratsnake) Non-venomous
Hatchling and yearling rat snakes have irregular blotches, not hourglass bands, and turn virtually all black as adults (NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife). New Jersey says no other snake there has the copperhead's hourglass pattern; Delaware DNREC says the same for Delaware.
Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.
When snakes are active in Virginia
Records of snakes in Virginia peak in April to June and September. They show when people record snakes, not how many there are (about month bars).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
3,083 records of snakes in Virginia by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
Snakes leave their winter dens in early to mid-spring and become active. Virginia DWR
Snake eggs are usually laid in May or June and hatch in late summer; live-bearing species give birth in late summer. Virginia DWR
Baby snakes, including newborn copperheads, appear in late summer/September. Virginia DWR
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 Virginia DWR and Blue Ridge Poison Center, UVA Health:
Leave snakes alone; even venomous snakes bite only as a last resort. Virginia DWR
DWR staff do not remove snakes from homes or property. Virginia DWR
How to report
Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline (DWR), toll-free 1-855-571-9003 (wildlife problems; feral hog and nutria reports). Northern snakehead catches: DWR 804-367-2925. Rare wildlife sightings: DWR Virginia Rare Animal Observations Form. Imported fire ants outside the quarantine area: VDACS Invasive Species Reporting Tool. Wildlife crimes: [email protected] or 800-237-5712. Virginia DWR
What official sources say
Are there rattlesnakes in Virginia?
Yes. Timber rattlesnakes occur in the western mountains and, as the state-endangered canebrake rattlesnake, in a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia. Virginia DWR
“Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes; they are a state endangered species.”
Are there water moccasins in Virginia?
Yes. Cottonmouths (water moccasins) are mainly in southeastern Virginia, especially southern Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, with isolated populations elsewhere in the southeast. Virginia DWR
“The distribution of cottonmouths in Virginia is primarily limited to the southeastern part of the state, particularly the southern regions of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake with isolated populations in Brunswick, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and York counties, and the cities of Suffolk and Newport News.”
Are there coral snakes in Virginia?
No. DWR names only three venomous snakes in Virginia (copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake); no coral snake is on DWR's list of Virginia fauna. Virginia DWR
“There are only 3 species of venomous snakes occurring in the Commonwealth: Northern Copperhead, Eastern Cottonmouth, and Timber Rattlesnake.”
Are there snakeheads in Virginia?
Yes. Northern snakeheads have been in Virginia since 2004 in the Potomac and Rappahannock river systems and various ponds and lakes. Virginia DWR
“In Virginia since 2004, the snakehead species has shown up in the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and their tributaries as well as in various ponds and lakes.”
“There are 32 species of snake in Virginia, but only three are venomous (cottonmouth, copperhead, and timber rattlesnake).”
“Some nonvenomous snakes (eastern milksnakes, black kingsnakes, and black racers) actually prey on other snakes, including venomous species.”
“Some of the more commonly encountered harmless (nonvenomous) snakes in Virginia include the eastern milksnake, northern ring-necked snake, eastern ratsnake (aka black snake), black racer, and northern watersnake”
“…other species of nonvenomous snake, such as the eastern hog-nosed snake, will also float on the water.”
“Northern Cottonmouth (venomous).”
“Northern Watersnake (nonvenomous).”
“Plain-bellied Watersnake (nonvenomous).”
“The distribution of cottonmouths in Virginia is primarily limited to the southeastern part of the state, particularly the southern regions of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake with isolated populations in Brunswick, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and York counties, and the cities of Suffolk and Newport News.”
“There are only 3 species of venomous snakes occurring in the Commonwealth: Northern Copperhead, Eastern Cottonmouth, and Timber Rattlesnake.”
“Leathery shelled eggs are usually deposited in May or June, with young hatching in late summer.”
Problems with Snakes. Virginia DWR. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (4)
“Timber rattlesnakes are common only in the mountainous regions of western Virginia and a small area of extreme southeastern Virginia where they are known as canebrake rattlesnakes; they are a state endangered species.”
“There are only three species of venomous snakes in Virginia. The copperhead (found statewide) is the most common; and while it is usually not found inside homes, it may be common in gardens and woodlots.”
“Water moccasins, also commonly referred to as cottonmouths, are found to the south and east of Petersburg and are common only in wet areas.”
“Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources staff do not come to your home or property to remove snakes.”
Season of the Snake. Virginia DWR (blog). June 8, 2015; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (2)
“Snakes, even venomous snakes, will not bite a person unless it were a very last resort.”
“Every year around early- to mid-spring, we receive phone calls, emails, and the occasional visitor with questions about, photos of, specimens of snakes. This is the time of year these animals begin to venture out of their hibernacula in search of food, mates, and shelter.”
“To be safe, assume a snake may be venomous and leave it alone.”
“A bite victim should go to an emergency care facility”
It’s Baby Snake Season! Virginia DWR (J.D. Kleopfer/DWR). September 18, 2019; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“It’s that time of the year when eggs laid back in the spring have hatched and live-bearing snakes, which includes eastern copperheads, have given birth.”
“If you are experiencing a problem with wildlife, please dial our toll-free wildlife conflict helpline at 1-855-571-9003.”
Invasive Species. Virginia DWR. undated page; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“In Virginia since 2004, the snakehead species has shown up in the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers and their tributaries as well as in various ponds and lakes.”
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