Are There Rattlesnakes in Alaska?
No, rattlesnakes do not live in Alaska. The state's climate is far too cold and the habitat too harsh for this venomous species. Rattlesnakes are found only in the continental United States south of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest interior.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake · Scott Allen Davis CC BY
Panamint Rattlesnake · Matt Berger CC BY
Red Diamond Rattlesnake · Amy Huie CC BY
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- GBIF records
Rattlesnakes aren't established in Alaska, so you might be wondering:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 0 verified observations on iNaturalist of rattlesnake have been logged in Alaska, which fits how rare they are in the state. That low number is itself the most honest answer to whether you are likely to see one here.
No, rattlesnakes do not live in Alaska. The state's climate is far too cold and the habitat too harsh for this venomous species. Rattlesnakes are found only in the continental United States south of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest interior.
Are they in Alaska?
No, rattlesnakes have never been established in Alaska, and they do not naturally occur anywhere in the state. Rattlesnakes are confined to the lower forty-eight states and parts of northern Mexico. Alaska's climate is far too severe for rattlesnakes, which require warm temperatures, at least seasonally, to survive and reproduce. Rattlesnakes are found throughout the western and southern United States, from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic, and from Canada southward. The nearest rattlesnake populations to Alaska are in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. These states are thousands of miles south of Alaska. The northern limit of rattlesnake range in western North America is in the Interior Northwest. Alaska's arctic tundra, subarctic boreal forests, and cold coastal regions are entirely outside the natural range of any rattlesnake species. The permafrost, extreme winter temperatures, and brief summers make Alaska uninhabitable for rattlesnakes. There is no historical record of rattlesnakes in Alaska, and there is no possibility of natural range expansion northward because intermediate habitat is unsuitable. For more on rattlesnake in Alaska, see ourAlaska rattlesnake guide.
How dangerous is it?
This section does not apply to Alaska, but for reference, rattlesnakes in lower states are venomous and their bites require immediate medical care. Most bites occur in the southwestern United States where several rattlesnake species coexist. In those states, bites are uncommon because most people and snakes actively avoid each other. Deaths from rattlesnake bites are very rare in the modern United States thanks to available medical care and antivenom. Snake bites of any kind are extremely rare in Alaska because the state has no venomous snakes. Alaska does have nonvenomous snake species, but they are shy and rarely encountered by humans. Garter snakes and other nonvenomous species in Alaska pose no danger to people. The only dangerous snakes in the United States that might concern Alaskans are in the lower forty-eight states, and Alaskans traveling to those regions should be aware of local wildlife. For Alaskans living and working in the state, snakes are not a hazard that requires special consideration. Wildlife safety in Alaska focuses on larger animals like bears and moose rather than snakes. You can also browseAlaska wildlife.
How to recognize one
You will not encounter a rattlesnake in Alaska, but it is useful to know what they look like in case you travel to other states. Rattlesnakes are stout-bodied snakes with thick heads and distinctive patterns. Most species have dark blotches, diamonds, or stripes on a lighter background. The western diamondback, found across the southwestern states, has a diamond pattern and can reach six feet long. The timber rattlesnake, found in eastern states, has chevron or V-shaped bands. Smaller species like the prairie rattlesnake range into the northern plains. All rattlesnakes have a segmented rattle at the tip of the tail, which is the most distinctive feature. The rattle is made of hollow keratin rings that make a buzzing sound when the snake vibrates its tail rapidly. This rattle is a warning signal. Rattlesnakes also have heat-sensing pits along the upper lip that help them detect warm prey like rodents and rabbits. If you travel to states where rattlesnakes occur and hear a buzzing sound, stop and back away slowly. For residents of Alaska, this knowledge is academic only. See all of ourwildlife guides.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
As an Alaskan, you will not be bitten by a rattlesnake while in Alaska because they do not live there. If you are traveling to another state and are bitten by a rattlesnake, the steps are simple: stay calm, immobilize the bitten area, remove any tight clothing or jewelry from the affected limb, and call 911 or seek immediate medical care. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Do not try to catch the snake, kill it, or treat the bite yourself at home. Do not apply ice, tourniquets, or home remedies. Do not attempt to cut the bite or suck out venom. The only effective treatment is professional medical care at a hospital with access to antivenom. Alert hospital staff that you were bitten by a snake and describe it if you can. Bring a photo if you have one. Keep the bitten limb as still as possible during transport. Do not attempt to drive yourself if you are alone; call emergency services. Modern emergency medicine handles rattlesnake bites very effectively.
How to prevent encounters
You do not need to take any special precautions against rattlesnakes in Alaska because they do not occur in the state. Your wildlife safety focus in Alaska should be on bears, moose, and other large animals. If you travel to lower states where rattlesnakes are found, you can reduce your risk of an encounter by wearing closed-toe hiking boots and long pants, staying on established trails, and watching where you step. Pay attention to where you place your hands, particularly around rocky areas, logs, and wood piles. Do not lift objects in wild areas without using a tool first. Make noise while hiking to give wildlife time to move away. Avoid hiking at dawn and dusk when snakes may be most active. Stay away from tall grass and thick brush if possible. In populated areas of states with rattlesnakes, keep your yard clear of wood piles, rock piles, and leaf litter. Rodent control is important because rodents attract snakes. For more information aboutwildlife in Alaska, consult local fish and wildlife resources.
Where in Alaska and when
Rattlesnakes do not occur anywhere in Alaska, not in the coastal regions, the Interior, the Arctic, or any islands. No parts of Alaska have suitable habitat for rattlesnakes at any time of year. The closest rattlesnake populations are found in Oregon and Northern California, which are thousands of miles south of Alaska. Rattlesnakes in the continental United States are active during warm months, typically from late spring through early fall. In states like California, Arizona, and Texas, they may be active year-round in the warmest regions. In northern parts of their range, such as Montana and the northern Great Plains, they are active only during summer months. They den in groups during winter hibernation in the continental United States. In Alaska, the relevant time period for any concern about snakes would only apply if you were traveling to other states. Alaska's seasons do not support rattlesnake activity. Summer temperatures in most of Alaska remain too cool, even at the warmest times. Winter cold is absolutely lethal to rattlesnakes. For current information about snakes in other states, consultwildlife guideswhen planning travel.
Harmless lookalikes
Alaska has two snake species that live in the state, and both are completely harmless. The garter snake is the most common snake in Alaska, found throughout most of the state. It is small to medium-sized and has a distinctive longitudinal stripe running down its back. Garter snakes are slender, nonvenomous, and eat small prey like insects and small fish. They are occasionally encountered in yards, gardens, and wild areas but pose no danger to people. The smooth green snake is another Alaska native that is small, green, and entirely harmless. It eats insects and spiders. Neither of these snakes resembles a rattlesnake in any meaningful way. Garter snakes are much smaller and lack the thick body, thick head, and patterned body of rattlesnakes. They have no rattle and no heat-sensing pits. Smooth green snakes are tiny and obviously different from any rattlesnake. If you see a snake in Alaska, it will definitely be harmless. Many Alaskans encounter snakes rarely or never in their lifetimes. Snakes in Alaska are shy and generally avoid human contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any rattlesnakes in Alaska? No, there are no rattlesnakes anywhere in Alaska. They do not live in any part of the state and never have. The climate and habitat are completely unsuitable for them. What snakes do live in Alaska? Alaska has two native snake species, the garter snake and the smooth green snake. Both are nonvenomous and harmless to humans. Garter snakes are relatively common in southern and central parts of the state, while smooth green snakes are less frequently encountered. If I travel to another state, should I worry about rattlesnakes? If you travel to the western or southern United States, you should be aware that rattlesnakes exist in those regions and take basic precautions like wearing sturdy boots and watching where you step. Bites are uncommon, and most snakes try to avoid people. Seek immediate medical care if bitten. Where can I learn more about snakes? Visitour wildlife guidesto learn about the snakes and animals in other states, or consult the state wildlife agency of any state you are visiting.
Plan your rattlesnake sighting in Alaska
There are no verified rattlesnake records for Alaska, which fits how uncommon they are here. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Alaska
- Alagnak Wild River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bering Land Bridge National Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cape Krusenstern National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Denali National Park & Preserve · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Alaska?+
No, rattlesnakes have never been established in Alaska, and they do not naturally occur anywhere in the state. Rattlesnakes are confined to the lower forty-eight states and parts of northern Mexico. Alaska's climate is far too severe for rattlesnakes, which require warm temperatures, at least seasonally, to survive and reproduce. Rattlesnakes are found throughout the western and southern United States, from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic, and from Canada southward. The nearest rattlesnake populations to Alaska are in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California. These states are thousands of miles south of Alaska. The northern limit of rattlesnake range in western North America is in the Interior Northwest. Alaska's arctic tundra, subarctic boreal forests, and cold coastal regions are entirely outside the natural range of any rattlesnake species. The permafrost, extreme winter temperatures, and brief summers make Alaska uninhabitable for rattlesnakes. There is no historical record of rattlesnakes in Alaska, and there is no possibility of natural range expansion northward because intermediate habitat is unsuitable. For more on rattlesnake in Alaska, see ourAlaska rattlesnake guide.
How dangerous is it?+
This section does not apply to Alaska, but for reference, rattlesnakes in lower states are venomous and their bites require immediate medical care. Most bites occur in the southwestern United States where several rattlesnake species coexist. In those states, bites are uncommon because most people and snakes actively avoid each other. Deaths from rattlesnake bites are very rare in the modern United States thanks to available medical care and antivenom. Snake bites of any kind are extremely rare in Alaska because the state has no venomous snakes. Alaska does have nonvenomous snake species, but they are shy and rarely encountered by humans. Garter snakes and other nonvenomous species in Alaska pose no danger to people. The only dangerous snakes in the United States that might concern Alaskans are in the lower forty-eight states, and Alaskans traveling to those regions should be aware of local wildlife. For Alaskans living and working in the state, snakes are not a hazard that requires special consideration. Wildlife safety in Alaska focuses on larger animals like bears and moose rather than snakes. You can also browseAlaska wildlife.
More wildlife in Alaska