Snakes in Alaska: Identification Guide and Where to Start Looking
Snakes do show up in Alaska, but only one species has ever been documented there: the common garter snake, and it is extremely rare. The best first step is understanding what you are actually looking at, because many objects mistaken for snakes turn out to be something else entirely. Learn the key field marks that distinguish a true snake from a stick, eel, fish, or weasel, then use that knowledge to confirm whether you have spotted something real. Most sightings occur in the southeast panhandle during summer months in warmer coastal areas, typically near ports or ferry terminals where cargo is loaded. There is no established breeding population in Alaska, and the garter snake poses no danger.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 27, 2026.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 0 verified observations on iNaturalist of snake 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.
Snakes do show up in Alaska, but only one species has ever been documented there: the common garter snake, and it is extremely rare. The best first step is understanding what you are actually looking at, because many objects mistaken for snakes turn out to be something else entirely. Learn the key field marks that distinguish a true snake from a stick, eel, fish, or weasel, then use that knowledge to confirm whether you have spotted something real. Most sightings occur in the southeast panhandle during summer months in warmer coastal areas, typically near ports or ferry terminals where cargo is loaded. There is no established breeding population in Alaska, and the garter snake poses no danger.
What snakes have been found in Alaska?
The only snake species ever documented in Alaska is the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), and such sightings are extremely rare. The garter snake is a small, non-venomous species, typically 18 to 26 inches long with three distinct stripes: one down the back and one on each side. These snakes are slender and move side to side, using their flexibility to escape from threats. Most credible reports come from the southeast region, particularly near Ketchikan or Juneau, likely from hitching rides on barges or in cargo containers arriving from the Lower 48 states. A handful of isolated reports have come from Anchorage and Fairbanks, but those are almost certainly escaped pets that do not persist. There is no established breeding population. For more on Alaska's wildlife, check out ourAlaska wildlife hub.
How can you identify a garter snake in Alaska?
If you spot a snake in Alaska, check for these key features: a slender body with three light-colored stripes (yellow, green, or white) running lengthwise on a darker background. The head is slightly wider than the neck, but not triangular like a pit viper (which do not occur in Alaska). The eyes are round and not vertically slit. The snake moves by flexing side to side in an S-curve pattern, not by inching or sidewinding. A garter snake is not aggressive and will try to escape when approached. The scales are smooth and dry, and the snake may flick a forked tongue in and out. If you see all of these features together, you are likely looking at a garter snake, and garter snakes are the only snakes likely to be seen in Alaska, but again, sightings are extremely rare. For more detailed identification information, see oursnake identification page.
What animals are most often mistaken for snakes in Alaska?
By far, the most common 'snake' sighting in Alaska is actually a stick, a root, a piece of rope, or a strand of seaweed. Eels, such as the Pacific lamprey, and certain fish species like shiner fish or sculpins can wriggle and look snake-like from a distance or in water. The short-tailed weasel (ermine) in its summer coat is long, slender, and brown with white underparts, which can be mistaken for a striped snake. A rubber hose or drainage tube might resemble a large snake. If you see something slithering, ask yourself whether it might be one of these common look-alikes first. The key distinguishing feature of a true snake is that it has scales, no legs, and a forked tongue. A stick is rigid and does not move; a fish or eel has fins or gills; a weasel has fur, four legs, and a narrow face. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you tell the difference between a snake and a stick?
A stick is rigid, straight, and does not move unless you push it. A snake is flexible, curves naturally, and will move when it senses vibrations or a shadow. A stick has no scales, head, eyes, or tongue. A snake has visible scales in a regular pattern, a distinct head shape, eyes that can focus, and a forked tongue that it flicks in and out. A stick is uniform in texture and thickness; a snake's body tapers slightly toward the tail. If you poke a stick gently, it stays put. If you gently prod a snake, it will move away or coil defensively. Watch from a safe distance and observe these features. You can also take a photo from afar and compare it to garter snake photos online. Most people who spend time in Alaska never see a snake, so if you are not confident, it is probably not a snake.
Where in Alaska have snakes been spotted?
The few credible snake sightings in Alaska come from the southeast panhandle, especially around Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. These are often near ports, ferry terminals, docks, or warehouses where barges deliver cargo and containers from the Lower 48. There are also isolated reports from Anchorage and Fairbanks, but those are almost certainly escaped pets, not wild snakes. If you are looking for snakes in Alaska, the best odds are in the warmer, wetter coastal areas in summer, but expect to find only garter snakes if anything. Interior Alaska is too cold for snakes, and the Arctic slope is inhospitable to reptiles year-round. For an overview of Alaska's wildlife, visit ourAlaska page.
What is the best time of year to see a snake in Alaska?
Snakes are cold-blooded and need warmth to be active. The best time is the warmest months: June through August. Even then, daytime temperatures rarely reach high enough for snakes to be active for long periods. Most days in Alaska are too cool for a garter snake to move around. If you are in southeast Alaska on a sunny day with temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you might encounter a garter snake basking on a rock, log, or sun-warmed ground. These warm windows are rare and brief. Most people who spend time in Alaska never see a snake, so do not set your hopes high. Alaska's climate is harsh for reptiles; learn more on ourAlaska wildlife page.
Why are snakes so rare in Alaska?
Alaska's climate is simply too cold for snakes to thrive. Garter snakes need a long warm season to find food, reproduce, and prepare for winter hibernation. In Alaska, summer is brief and often cool, and winters are long and brutal. Snakes have low metabolic rates and cannot survive freezing temperatures by entering hibernation deep enough in Alaska's soil, where permafrost and ground freeze penetrate several feet down. Most snakes found in Alaska are hitchhikers on cargo or barge shipments from warmer states. Without a warm season long enough to breed and establish a population, any garter snake that arrives in Alaska is a transient that will either die during winter, be eaten by a predator, or be found and reported by a curious person. The state's ecosystem simply does not support resident snake populations. This is why sightings are so rare and why Alaska is considered a true no-snake state.
How do you distinguish a snake from a lookalike?
Look for these clues: Snakes have scales that are smooth and dry, no visible legs or ears, and a long slender body. They move side to side in a flexible S-curve. A snake will flick a forked tongue in and out of its mouth. In contrast, a stick is rigid and does not move without force; a fish or eel has fins, gills, and lives in water; a weasel has fur, four legs, visible ears, and a pointed face. If you are not sure, watch from a safe distance and observe the creature for a few moments. Real movement and a visible forked tongue are the strongest signs of a live snake. For more identification tips specific to other critters, check ouranimal identification guides. Now that you know what to look for, consider celebrating snake wildlife with some fun gear.
Show your appreciation for snakes with these shirts
Even though snakes are rare in Alaska, you can still represent your interest with snake-themed apparel. Here are a few options from Easy Street Markets.
Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt
A bold design featuring a detailed rattlesnake image, printed on a comfortable cotton tee. Great for casual wear or as a conversation starter.Check Price and Availability
Green Viper Snake T-Shirt
A vibrant green viper print on a soft shirt. Perfect for anyone who admires these often misunderstood reptiles.Check Price and Availability
Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt
A playful retro-style snake with a friendly face. Lightweight and affordable, it's a fun choice for snake fans of all ages.Check Price and Availability
Browse more designs in oursnake t-shirt collection.
Are there venomous snakes in Alaska?
No, there are no venomous snakes native to Alaska. The only snake ever documented, the garter snake, is non-venomous. If you see a snake in Alaska, it poses no danger.
Can I bring my pet snake to Alaska?
Yes, but you must follow Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations. Some non-native species require permits. Always check current rules before traveling with a pet snake. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What snakes have been found in Alaska?+
The only snake species ever documented in Alaska is the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), and such sightings are extremely rare. The garter snake is a small, non-venomous species, typically 18 to 26 inches long with three distinct stripes: one down the back and one on each side. These snakes are slender and move side to side, using their flexibility to escape from threats. Most credible reports come from the southeast region, particularly near Ketchikan or Juneau, likely from hitching rides on barges or in cargo containers arriving from the Lower 48 states. A handful of isolated reports have come from Anchorage and Fairbanks, but those are almost certainly escaped pets that do not persist. There is no established breeding population. For more on Alaska's wildlife, check out ourAlaska wildlife hub.
How can you identify a garter snake in Alaska?+
If you spot a snake in Alaska, check for these key features: a slender body with three light-colored stripes (yellow, green, or white) running lengthwise on a darker background. The head is slightly wider than the neck, but not triangular like a pit viper (which do not occur in Alaska). The eyes are round and not vertically slit. The snake moves by flexing side to side in an S-curve pattern, not by inching or sidewinding. A garter snake is not aggressive and will try to escape when approached. The scales are smooth and dry, and the snake may flick a forked tongue in and out. If you see all of these features together, you are likely looking at a garter snake, and garter snakes are the only snakes likely to be seen in Alaska, but again, sightings are extremely rare. For more detailed identification information, see oursnake identification page.
What animals are most often mistaken for snakes in Alaska?+
By far, the most common 'snake' sighting in Alaska is actually a stick, a root, a piece of rope, or a strand of seaweed. Eels, such as the Pacific lamprey, and certain fish species like shiner fish or sculpins can wriggle and look snake-like from a distance or in water. The short-tailed weasel (ermine) in its summer coat is long, slender, and brown with white underparts, which can be mistaken for a striped snake. A rubber hose or drainage tube might resemble a large snake. If you see something slithering, ask yourself whether it might be one of these common look-alikes first. The key distinguishing feature of a true snake is that it has scales, no legs, and a forked tongue. A stick is rigid and does not move; a fish or eel has fins or gills; a weasel has fur, four legs, and a narrow face. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How do you tell the difference between a snake and a stick?+
A stick is rigid, straight, and does not move unless you push it. A snake is flexible, curves naturally, and will move when it senses vibrations or a shadow. A stick has no scales, head, eyes, or tongue. A snake has visible scales in a regular pattern, a distinct head shape, eyes that can focus, and a forked tongue that it flicks in and out. A stick is uniform in texture and thickness; a snake's body tapers slightly toward the tail. If you poke a stick gently, it stays put. If you gently prod a snake, it will move away or coil defensively. Watch from a safe distance and observe these features. You can also take a photo from afar and compare it to garter snake photos online. Most people who spend time in Alaska never see a snake, so if you are not confident, it is probably not a snake.
Where in Alaska have snakes been spotted?+
The few credible snake sightings in Alaska come from the southeast panhandle, especially around Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway. These are often near ports, ferry terminals, docks, or warehouses where barges deliver cargo and containers from the Lower 48. There are also isolated reports from Anchorage and Fairbanks, but those are almost certainly escaped pets, not wild snakes. If you are looking for snakes in Alaska, the best odds are in the warmer, wetter coastal areas in summer, but expect to find only garter snakes if anything. Interior Alaska is too cold for snakes, and the Arctic slope is inhospitable to reptiles year-round. For an overview of Alaska's wildlife, visit ourAlaska page.
What is the best time of year to see a snake in Alaska?+
Snakes are cold-blooded and need warmth to be active. The best time is the warmest months: June through August. Even then, daytime temperatures rarely reach high enough for snakes to be active for long periods. Most days in Alaska are too cool for a garter snake to move around. If you are in southeast Alaska on a sunny day with temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you might encounter a garter snake basking on a rock, log, or sun-warmed ground. These warm windows are rare and brief. Most people who spend time in Alaska never see a snake, so do not set your hopes high. Alaska's climate is harsh for reptiles; learn more on ourAlaska wildlife page.
Why are snakes so rare in Alaska?+
Alaska's climate is simply too cold for snakes to thrive. Garter snakes need a long warm season to find food, reproduce, and prepare for winter hibernation. In Alaska, summer is brief and often cool, and winters are long and brutal. Snakes have low metabolic rates and cannot survive freezing temperatures by entering hibernation deep enough in Alaska's soil, where permafrost and ground freeze penetrate several feet down. Most snakes found in Alaska are hitchhikers on cargo or barge shipments from warmer states. Without a warm season long enough to breed and establish a population, any garter snake that arrives in Alaska is a transient that will either die during winter, be eaten by a predator, or be found and reported by a curious person. The state's ecosystem simply does not support resident snake populations. This is why sightings are so rare and why Alaska is considered a true no-snake state.
How do you distinguish a snake from a lookalike?+
Look for these clues: Snakes have scales that are smooth and dry, no visible legs or ears, and a long slender body. They move side to side in a flexible S-curve. A snake will flick a forked tongue in and out of its mouth. In contrast, a stick is rigid and does not move without force; a fish or eel has fins, gills, and lives in water; a weasel has fur, four legs, visible ears, and a pointed face. If you are not sure, watch from a safe distance and observe the creature for a few moments. Real movement and a visible forked tongue are the strongest signs of a live snake. For more identification tips specific to other critters, check ouranimal identification guides. Now that you know what to look for, consider celebrating snake wildlife with some fun gear.
Are there venomous snakes in Alaska?+
No, there are no venomous snakes native to Alaska. The only snake ever documented, the garter snake, is non-venomous. If you see a snake in Alaska, it poses no danger.
Can I bring my pet snake to Alaska?+
Yes, but you must follow Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations. Some non-native species require permits. Always check current rules before traveling with a pet snake. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in Alaska