Snakes in West Virginia in June

Yes, June is one of the best months to see snakes in West Virginia. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 1,432 of the 6,720 sightings logged across the year (21.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Timber Rattlesnake photographed in West VirginiaCommon Watersnake photographed in West VirginiaGray Ratsnake photographed in West Virginia
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for snakes in West Virginia

21.3%

of yearly sightings

1,432

records in June

#2

busiest month of 12

6,720

verified records a year

May 23%, June 21.3%, July 11.9%. Busiest month is May at 23%.

Best months: May, June, August

6,720 verified observations of snakes in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When snakes are recorded in West Virginia

Peak month

May

1,544 records (23% of the year)

Quietest month

February

7 records

MonthObservationsShare
January90.1%
February70.1%
March1702.5%
April77311.5%
Maypeak1,54423%
Junepeak1,43221.3%
July79811.9%
Augustpeak81412.1%
September76711.4%
October3425.1%
November520.8%
December120.2%

Snakes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Common Garter Snake1,358
Gray Ratsnake982
Common Watersnake678
Ring-necked Snake537
Common Five-lined Skink492
Eastern Fence Lizard413
Eastern Milksnake396
Timber Rattlesnake281

In West Virginia, June carries 21.3% of the year's snakes sightings, about 13 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is easing off from May (23%) into June, and it heads toward July (11.9%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so June is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The snakes most often recorded in West Virginia are Common Garter Snake, Gray Ratsnake and Common Watersnake. Those counts are annual totals rather than a June split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in June itself.

Which snakes you are most likely to see

  • Common Garter Snake1,358 records
  • Gray Ratsnake982 records
  • Common Watersnake678 records
  • Ring-necked Snake537 records
  • Common Five-lined Skink492 records
  • Eastern Fence Lizard413 records
Plan your tripAppalachian National Scenic Trail

Plan your snake trip in West Virginia

Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

Can you see snakes in West Virginia in June?+

Yes. June accounts for 1,432 of the 6,720 verified snakes sightings logged in West Virginia across the year, which is 21.3% of the annual total.

Is June a good time to see snakes in West Virginia?+

June is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of May, June and August.

What month is best for snakes in West Virginia?+

May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, June and August, based on 6,720 verified observations.

Which snakes are you most likely to see in West Virginia?+

The most-recorded species in West Virginia are Common Garter Snake, Gray Ratsnake and Common Watersnake, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.