34 Types of Snakes in Missouri
Yes, Missouri is home to a diverse range of snakes, including several venomous species. Start your identification by focusing on head shape, pupil shape, and scale patterns. The best places to begin are rocky outcrops, woodlands, and near water sources across the state.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
34 types of snakes recorded in Missouri
34 snake species have a verified observation record in Missouri 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 Missouri
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Lined SnakeTropidoclonion lineatum | Tropidoclonion lineatum | 315 |
| 14 | Eastern MilksnakeLampropeltis triangulum | Lampropeltis triangulum | 265 |
| 15 | Plain-bellied WatersnakeNerodia erythrogaster | Nerodia erythrogaster | 254 |
| 16 | Rough EarthsnakeVirginia striatula | Virginia striatula | 227 |
| 17 | Diamondback WatersnakeNerodia rhombifer | Nerodia rhombifer | 227 |
| 18 | Eastern Hognose SnakeHeterodon platirhinos | Heterodon platirhinos | 218 |
| 19 | Timber RattlesnakeCrotalus horridus | Crotalus horridus | 174 |
| 20 | Northern CottonmouthAgkistrodon piscivorus | Agkistrodon piscivorus | 170 |
| 21 | Western Worm SnakeCarphophis vermis | Carphophis vermis | 165 |
| 22 | Smooth EarthsnakeVirginia valeriae | Virginia valeriae | 142 |
| 23 | Banded WatersnakeNerodia fasciata | Nerodia fasciata | 105 |
| 24 | Pygmy RattlesnakeSistrurus miliarius | Sistrurus miliarius | 81 |
| 25 | Graham's Crawfish SnakeRegina grahamii | Regina grahamii | 65 |
| 26 | Flat-headed SnakeTantilla gracilis | Tantilla gracilis | 60 |
| 27 | Plains Garter SnakeThamnophis radix | Thamnophis radix | 53 |
| 28 | Common CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum | Masticophis flagellum | 45 |
| 29 | Western MassasaugaSistrurus tergeminus | Sistrurus tergeminus | 43 |
| 30 | MudsnakeFarancia abacura | Farancia abacura | 24 |
| 31 | Gopher SnakePituophis catenifer | Pituophis catenifer | 19 |
| 32 | Western FoxsnakePantherophis ramspotti | Pantherophis ramspotti | 18 |
| 33 | Plains Hognose SnakeHeterodon nasicus | Heterodon nasicus | 14 |
| 34 | Great Plains RatsnakePantherophis emoryi | Pantherophis emoryi | 14 |
Plus 5 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.
Yes, Missouri is home to a diverse range of snakes, including several venomous species. Start your identification by focusing on head shape, pupil shape, and scale patterns. The best places to begin are rocky outcrops, woodlands, and near water sources across the state.
What types of snakes are commonly found in Missouri?
Missouri has about 50 snake species, with the most common being the eastern garter snake, black rat snake, and prairie king snake. Venomous species include the Osage copperhead, timber rattlesnake, and western cottonmouth (water moccasin). Each has distinct markings and habits that make identification straightforward with a little practice.
In Missouri, 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.
Where are the best places to spot snakes in Missouri?
Snakes in Missouri are most often noticed along forest edges, near rocky bluffs, and around ponds or streams. The Ozark region, particularly around the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, offers high odds. Start with state parks likeHa Ha TonkaorJohnson's Shut-Inswhere rocky terrain attracts both venomous and non-venomous species.
When is the best time of year to see snakes in Missouri?
The best window runs from mid-April through October, with peak activity in May and June during breeding season. Snakes are ectothermic, so they are most active on warm (70-85°F) overcast days. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for spotting them basking on rocks or roads.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you identify venomous snakes in Missouri?
Venomous snakes in Missouri all have elliptical (cat-like) pupils and a triangular head. The copperhead has hourglass-shaped bands, the timber rattlesnake has a rattle and dark chevrons, and the cottonmouth has a thick body and white mouth lining. Non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils and a narrower head. For more detail, see oursnake identification hub.
What are the most common non-venomous snakes in Missouri?
The eastern garter snake is thin with three light stripes, the black rat snake is glossy black with a white chin, and the prairie king snake is brown with darker blotches. The northern watersnake is often mistaken for a cottonmouth but has round pupils and a banded pattern that differs from the cottonmouth's blocky bands. Check theMissouri wildlife guidefor comparison photos.
What should you do if you encounter a snake in Missouri?
Stay calm and give it space. Most snakes will retreat if not provoked. Do not attempt to handle or kill the snake; that is when most bites happen. If you need to move it, use a long stick or call a local removal expert. Venomous bites are rare but require immediate medical attention. Memorize the snake's appearance for the hospital.
Gear for snake identification in the field
A good field guide and binoculars help you observe from a safe distance. For snake lovers, wearing a shirt that shows your interest can be a conversation starter. Check out these options:
Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt
A bold rattlesnake design for fans of Missouri's most iconic venomous snake.Check Price and Availability
Green Viper Snake T-Shirt
Features a green viper pattern, great for herpetology fans.Check Price and Availability
Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt
A playful snake design that appeals to all ages.Check Price and Availability
Browse more snake-themed shirts in ourt-shirt collection.
Frequently asked questions about Missouri snakes
**Are there water moccasins in Missouri?** Yes, the western cottonmouth is found in the southeastern swamps and along the Mississippi River. **What is the largest snake in Missouri?** The black rat snake can reach up to 6 feet. **Do Missouri snakes hibernate?** Yes, they brumate in rock crevices or burrows from November to March. **How can I tell a copperhead from a common watersnake?** Copperheads have hourglass bands and a pit between eye and nostril; watersnakes have round pupils and thinner bands.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of snakes are commonly found in Missouri?+
Missouri has about 50 snake species, with the most common being the eastern garter snake, black rat snake, and prairie king snake. Venomous species include the Osage copperhead, timber rattlesnake, and western cottonmouth (water moccasin). Each has distinct markings and habits that make identification straightforward with a little practice. In Missouri, 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.
Where are the best places to spot snakes in Missouri?+
Snakes in Missouri are most often noticed along forest edges, near rocky bluffs, and around ponds or streams. The Ozark region, particularly around the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, offers high odds. Start with state parks likeHa Ha TonkaorJohnson's Shut-Inswhere rocky terrain attracts both venomous and non-venomous species.
When is the best time of year to see snakes in Missouri?+
The best window runs from mid-April through October, with peak activity in May and June during breeding season. Snakes are ectothermic, so they are most active on warm (70-85°F) overcast days. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for spotting them basking on rocks or roads. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you identify venomous snakes in Missouri?+
Venomous snakes in Missouri all have elliptical (cat-like) pupils and a triangular head. The copperhead has hourglass-shaped bands, the timber rattlesnake has a rattle and dark chevrons, and the cottonmouth has a thick body and white mouth lining. Non-venomous snakes usually have round pupils and a narrower head. For more detail, see oursnake identification hub.
What are the most common non-venomous snakes in Missouri?+
The eastern garter snake is thin with three light stripes, the black rat snake is glossy black with a white chin, and the prairie king snake is brown with darker blotches. The northern watersnake is often mistaken for a cottonmouth but has round pupils and a banded pattern that differs from the cottonmouth's blocky bands. Check theMissouri wildlife guidefor comparison photos.
What should you do if you encounter a snake in Missouri?+
Stay calm and give it space. Most snakes will retreat if not provoked. Do not attempt to handle or kill the snake; that is when most bites happen. If you need to move it, use a long stick or call a local removal expert. Venomous bites are rare but require immediate medical attention. Memorize the snake's appearance for the hospital.
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in Missouri