36 Types of Snakes in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to a wide variety of snake species, including venomous copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. Most snakes you encounter will be non-venomous and beneficial. Start by learning key field marks like head shape and pupil type to tell them apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 5
- species recorded
- April, May, June
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
36 types of snakes recorded in Arkansas
36 snake species have a verified observation record in Arkansas across snakes (suborder Serpentes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in Arkansas
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Banded WatersnakeNerodia fasciata | Nerodia fasciata | 610 |
| 14 | Diamondback WatersnakeNerodia rhombifer | Nerodia rhombifer | 541 |
| 15 | Western Worm SnakeCarphophis vermis | Carphophis vermis | 478 |
| 16 | Prairie KingsnakeLampropeltis calligaster | Lampropeltis calligaster | 426 |
| 17 | Timber RattlesnakeNativeCrotalus horridus | Crotalus horridus | 425 |
| 18 | Red-bellied SnakeStoreria occipitomaculata | Storeria occipitomaculata | 371 |
| 19 | Eastern Hognose SnakeNativeHeterodon platirhinos | Heterodon platirhinos | 351 |
| 20 | Rough EarthsnakeNativeVirginia striatula | Virginia striatula | 288 |
| 21 | Pygmy RattlesnakeSistrurus miliarius | Sistrurus miliarius | 242 |
| 22 | Smooth EarthsnakeVirginia valeriae | Virginia valeriae | 196 |
| 23 | Common CoachwhipNativeMasticophis flagellum | Masticophis flagellum | 157 |
| 24 | Western MilksnakeLampropeltis gentilis | Lampropeltis gentilis | 153 |
| 25 | Flat-headed SnakeNativeTantilla gracilis | Tantilla gracilis | 128 |
| 26 | MudsnakeFarancia abacura | Farancia abacura | 128 |
| 27 | Great Plains RatsnakeNativePantherophis emoryi | Pantherophis emoryi | 95 |
| 28 | Graham's Crawfish SnakeRegina grahamii | Regina grahamii | 94 |
| 29 | Eastern MilksnakeLampropeltis triangulum | Lampropeltis triangulum | 82 |
| 30 | QueensnakeRegina septemvittata | Regina septemvittata | 74 |
| 31 | Mississippi Green WatersnakeNerodia cyclopion | Nerodia cyclopion | 50 |
| 32 | ScarletsnakeCemophora coccinea | Cemophora coccinea | 49 |
| 33 | Western Diamond-backed RattlesnakeCrotalus atrox | Crotalus atrox | 34 |
| 34 | Great Plains Ground SnakeSonora episcopa | Sonora episcopa | 20 |
| 35 | Glossy SwampsnakeLiodytes rigida | Liodytes rigida | 17 |
| 36 | Common WormsnakeCarphophis amoenus | Carphophis amoenus | 11 |
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
26,955 verified observations on iNaturalist of snake have been recorded in Arkansas, most often in April, May, June.
Arkansas is home to a wide variety of snake species, including venomous copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes. Most snakes you encounter will be non-venomous and beneficial. Start by learning key field marks like head shape and pupil type to tell them apart.
What Are the Most Common Snakes in Arkansas?
The most frequently seen snakes in Arkansas include the eastern rat snake, common garter snake, rough green snake, and the venomous copperhead and northern cottonmouth. Rat snakes are often found around barns and trees, while garter snakes prefer grassy areas near water. Copperheads have a distinctive hourglass pattern and are often seen in wooded areas.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
In Arkansas, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How Can You Tell Venomous Snakes Apart from Non-Venomous in Arkansas?
Venomous snakes in Arkansas, such as copperheads and rattlesnakes, have a triangular head, vertically elliptical pupils (like a cat's eye), and a heat-sensing pit between the eye and nostril. Non-venomous snakes usually have a rounded head and round pupils. However, caution is best: stay at a safe distance and observe from afar.
See ourSnakes guidefor the next step.
Where in Arkansas Do People Usually Spot Snakes?
Snakes are most often seen in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and the lowlands along the Mississippi River. Look for them near rock outcrops, fallen logs, brush piles, and the edges of ponds and streams. In the southern Delta region, cottonmouths are common near swamps and ditches.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When Is the Best Time of Year to See Snakes in Arkansas?
Snakes are active from early spring (March) through late fall (October), with peak activity in May and June. During hot summer days, they are most visible in the early morning or late evening. After heavy rains, snakes may be forced onto roads or trails, offering good spotting opportunities.
What Should You Do If You Encounter a Snake in the Wild?
Stay calm and give the snake plenty of space. Do not try to handle or provoke it. Most snakes will move away on their own. If you want a photograph, use a zoom lens and keep a safe distance. Identify it from afar using field marks, and remember that nearly all bites happen when people try to catch or kill the snake.
How Do You Identify a Copperhead vs. a Water Snake?
Copperheads have a pattern of dark hourglass-shaped bands that are narrow on the back and wide on the sides. Water snakes, which are often confused with cottonmouths, have blotchy patterns that are more irregular. Cottonmouths have a thick body, blocky head, and a white mouth lining. When in doubt, keep your distance.
What Are the Most Elusive Snakes in Arkansas?
The timber rattlesnake and the eastern hog-nosed snake are less commonly seen. Timber rattlesnakes prefer remote rocky forests in the Ozarks, while hog-nosed snakes are masters of playing dead and can be found in sandy soils. The speckled kingsnake is another secretive species that often hides under logs.
Which Snake Merchandise Helps You Show Off Your Arkansas Snake Spotting?
Once you've learned to identify snakes, you can wear your knowledge with pride. Check out these snake-themed shirts from Easy Street Markets:
Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt
A bold rattlesnake design perfect for herpetology fans and Arkansas hikers.Check Price and Availability
Green Viper Snake T-Shirt
Features a striking green viper, ideal for those who admire venomous species from a safe distance.Check Price and Availability
Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt
A playful retro snake graphic for a lighter take on snake spotting.Check Price and Availability
Browse more snake and wildlife shirts at/t-shirts.
What Are People Asking About Snakes in Arkansas?
**Are there rattlesnakes in Arkansas?** Yes, three species: timber rattlesnake, western pygmy rattlesnake, and eastern diamondback (rare). **What is the most dangerous snake in Arkansas?** The copperhead causes the most bites, but the timber rattlesnake has the most potent venom. **Are there cottonmouths in Arkansas?** Yes, they are common in the Delta region and near water. **What snake looks like a copperhead but is harmless?** The Texas rat snake and various water snakes are often mistaken for copperheads; check the pattern carefully.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What Are the Most Common Snakes in Arkansas?+
The most frequently seen snakes in Arkansas include the eastern rat snake, common garter snake, rough green snake, and the venomous copperhead and northern cottonmouth. Rat snakes are often found around barns and trees, while garter snakes prefer grassy areas near water. Copperheads have a distinctive hourglass pattern and are often seen in wooded areas. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In Arkansas, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
How Can You Tell Venomous Snakes Apart from Non-Venomous in Arkansas?+
Venomous snakes in Arkansas, such as copperheads and rattlesnakes, have a triangular head, vertically elliptical pupils (like a cat's eye), and a heat-sensing pit between the eye and nostril. Non-venomous snakes usually have a rounded head and round pupils. However, caution is best: stay at a safe distance and observe from afar. See ourSnakes guidefor the next step.
Where in Arkansas Do People Usually Spot Snakes?+
Snakes are most often seen in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the Arkansas River Valley, and the lowlands along the Mississippi River. Look for them near rock outcrops, fallen logs, brush piles, and the edges of ponds and streams. In the southern Delta region, cottonmouths are common near swamps and ditches. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When Is the Best Time of Year to See Snakes in Arkansas?+
Snakes are active from early spring (March) through late fall (October), with peak activity in May and June. During hot summer days, they are most visible in the early morning or late evening. After heavy rains, snakes may be forced onto roads or trails, offering good spotting opportunities.
What Should You Do If You Encounter a Snake in the Wild?+
Stay calm and give the snake plenty of space. Do not try to handle or provoke it. Most snakes will move away on their own. If you want a photograph, use a zoom lens and keep a safe distance. Identify it from afar using field marks, and remember that nearly all bites happen when people try to catch or kill the snake.
How Do You Identify a Copperhead vs. a Water Snake?+
Copperheads have a pattern of dark hourglass-shaped bands that are narrow on the back and wide on the sides. Water snakes, which are often confused with cottonmouths, have blotchy patterns that are more irregular. Cottonmouths have a thick body, blocky head, and a white mouth lining. When in doubt, keep your distance.
What Are the Most Elusive Snakes in Arkansas?+
The timber rattlesnake and the eastern hog-nosed snake are less commonly seen. Timber rattlesnakes prefer remote rocky forests in the Ozarks, while hog-nosed snakes are masters of playing dead and can be found in sandy soils. The speckled kingsnake is another secretive species that often hides under logs.
Which Snake Merchandise Helps You Show Off Your Arkansas Snake Spotting?+
Once you've learned to identify snakes, you can wear your knowledge with pride. Check out these snake-themed shirts from Easy Street Markets: ### Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt A bold rattlesnake design perfect for herpetology fans and Arkansas hikers.Check Price and Availability ### Green Viper Snake T-Shirt Features a striking green viper, ideal for those who admire venomous species from a safe distance.Check Price and Availability ### Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt A playful retro snake graphic for a lighter take on snake spotting.Check Price and Availability Browse more snake and wildlife shirts at/t-shirts.
What Are People Asking About Snakes in Arkansas?+
**Are there rattlesnakes in Arkansas?** Yes, three species: timber rattlesnake, western pygmy rattlesnake, and eastern diamondback (rare). **What is the most dangerous snake in Arkansas?** The copperhead causes the most bites, but the timber rattlesnake has the most potent venom. **Are there cottonmouths in Arkansas?** Yes, they are common in the Delta region and near water. **What snake looks like a copperhead but is harmless?** The Texas rat snake and various water snakes are often mistaken for copperheads; check the pattern carefully. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in Arkansas