Oklahoma has diverse ecoregions that make it the perfect place to house all 47 of its snake species. From prairies, woodlands, forests, and cypress swamps, Oklahoma is filled with ideal habitats for a wide variety of snakes.
This guide can help you learn about each of the snakes in Oklahoma. As of now, there are 7 venomous snakes found in Oklahoma. The first seven snakes in our list are the venomous Oklahoma snakes. The rest of the species in the list are nonvenomous.
1. Copperhead
The copperhead is a medium-sized, venomous snake found in eastern and central Oklahoma. It’s a pit viper, which means it has heat sensory pits between the eyes and nostrils.
These snakes average about 2-3 ft (61 – 91 cm) in length. They’re light brown to tan in color, with darker hourglass-shaped bands down their back.
Copperheads feed on a variety of rodents and insects, which is why they play an important role in controlling rodent populations.
2. Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth, also known as a water moccasin, is the only venomous water snake in Oklahoma.
These snakes are mainly found in aquatic habitats, such as swamps, marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams or rivers. They can also be found in ditches, fields, and prairies. They’re most common in the southeastern portion of the state.
Cottonmouths are fairly large snakes. They can reach up to 48 inches (122 cm) and have heavy bodies.
Juveniles typically have more vibrant patterns than mature adults. Cottonmouths have a light to dark brown background color with darker colored bands.
3. Western Massasauga
The western massasauga is a rattlesnake species found in the Midwest. Their range extends from southern Ontario, Canada down to northern Mexico. Western Massasaugas are found in western Oklahoma, except for the far northwestern part of the state.
Their background color is usually light tan. They’re covered with a series of darker spots on their back and sides. Western massasaugas are pit vipers with vertical pupils.
These rattlesnakes can reach up to 30 inches (76 cm) in length. They mainly feed on small rodents, frogs, and lizards.
They’re mainly found in terrestrial habitats, such as grasslands and prairies. They can also be found around swamps, marshes, and rocky hillsides.
4. Prairie Rattlesnake
Prairie rattlesnakes can be found throughout the Great Plains region. Their ideal habitat is open grasslands and prairies, but they can also be found in forested areas. These snakes have the largest range compared to other rattlesnake species.
Their range extends from Canada south to Mexico. In Oklahoma, prairie rattlesnakes are found in western Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Panhandle.
These rattlesnakes have flat bodies and can grow up to 5 ft (1.5 m) long. The average size of an adult is typically 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m).
Prairie rattlesnakes are a pit viper species. Their color ranges from brownish-gray to tan. They have darker circular blotches that extend down the middle of their back and on their sides.
5. Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
The western pygmy rattlesnake is a small, venomous pit viper. They have a light brown, tan, or grayish-brown color. Dark brown to black oval-shaped blotches extend down the spine. They also have smaller blotches on their sides.
Some individuals have reddish-brown or orange scales between the blotches on their spine. Western pygmy rattlesnakes can reach up to 24 inches (61 cm) in length.
This rattlesnake species can be found in the southeastern portion of Oklahoma. They live around cypress ponds, lakes, marshes, and pine-hardwood forests.
6. Timber Rattlesnake
The timber rattlesnake is a long pit viper species found throughout the eastern US. They’re also known as canebrake rattlesnakes.
These snakes are usually golden brown to grayish-brown with dark bands. Their bands typically have a zig-zag or chevron shape bordered by lighter scales. Their color usually gets darker toward the tail. Timber rattlesnakes can reach up to 54 inches (137 cm) in length.
These snakes can be found in southeastern Oklahoma. Their range also extends into some northeastern counties, including Osage, Pawnee, and Payne.
7. Western Diamond-Backed Rattlesnake
The last venomous snake species found in Oklahoma is the western diamond-backed rattlesnake. These rattlers can be distinguished from other species because of the black and white bands located at the end of their tail before the rattle.
Western diamond-backed rattlesnakes can be light brown, tan, or grayish-brown. They’re named for the diamond-shaped blotches that extend down the spine. These blotches are usually bordered by lighter scales.
Their populations are scattered throughout Oklahoma. They can be found in the mid to southeastern and southwestern portion of the state, a small area in Chickasaw Nation, and Woodward County.
8. Broad-Banded Water Snake
The broad-banded water snake is an aquatic snake species found in southeastern Oklahoma.
These are heavy-bodied snakes that have a cream to golden orange color. Much of this color is hidden by very wide, dark bands. They have a yellow underside with dark alternating blotches. These snakes can reach up to 60 in (152 cm) in length.
These snakes like to live near permanent bodies of water, such as streams, rivers, swamps, ponds, and lakes. They can occasionally be seen in roadside ditches with water. Their diet mainly consists of fish, tadpoles, and frogs.
Broad-banded water snakes are most active between March and October at night. Sometimes they’re spotted basking on rocks or logs near water in the early morning.
9. Dekay’s Brownsnake
The Dekay’s brownsnake is a very small snake that’s usually no more than 15 inches (38 cm) long. These snakes can range from reddish-brown to gray in color with some irregular blotches scattered along the back.
Some individuals may have a light colored stripe that travels along the spine. Their underbelly is cream or white and smooth.
Dekay’s brown snakes are harmless to humans and rarely ever spotted. They’re very secretive and spend most of their time hiding in crevices or logs. Their diet mainly consists of earthworms, insect larvae, and other small invertebrates.
These snakes can be found throughout most of Oklahoma, except for the Oklahoma Panhandle and the southwestern region.
10. Eastern Hognosed Snake
The eastern hognose is named for its uniquely pointed and upturned snout.
These snakes show threat displays when they feel they’re in danger. They may hiss and flatten their heads to resemble a cobra, but they’re harmless. They also like to play dead and release an unpleasant odor when threatened.
Eastern hognose snakes use their venom to capture amphibians, which makes up their main diet.
These snakes don’t have a very distinct color pattern. They can vary from dark brown to almost black with no visible markings or brown to light tan with blotches along their sides and spine. Mature adults can reach up to 40 inches (102 cm) in length.
Eastern hognose snakes can be found in most of Oklahoma, except for the westernmost portion of the Oklahoma Panhandle. They live in woodlands, farmlands, and areas with sandy soils.
11. Racer Snake
There are two subspecies of racer snakes that live in Oklahoma: the eastern yellow-bellied racer and southern black racer.
Eastern yellow-bellied racers are named for their yellow underside and can be brown to olive green above.
Southern black racers are uniformly bluish-black with a light blue or cream-colored underside. Juveniles have blotches that fade as they mature.
Racer snakes can be up to 60 inches (152 cm) long. These snakes can be found in virtually any Oklahoma habitat. Eastern yellow-bellied racers are common throughout the state, except for the southeastern corner of the state.
Southern black racers are mainly found in eastern and southeastern Oklahoma.
These snakes can be beneficial to have around homes for rodent population control. They also feed on insects and amphibians.
12. Graham’s Crayfish Snake
The Graham’s crayfish snake is fairly common where they occur. But spotting them can be difficult because they’re very secretive. These snakes are semi-aquatic and found in areas that have lots of crayfish to feed on. They prefer to eat crayfish that are still soft after molting.
These semi-aquatic snakes are mainly brown above and have tan to cream-colored sides. Their underbelly is pale yellow or white. They can reach up to 30 inches (76 cm) in length.
The Graham’s crayfish snake is mainly found in central Oklahoma and along the southern border of the state.
13. Gulf Crayfish Snake
Gulf crayfish snakes are aquatic snakes that live near permanent bodies of water. They can be found in swamps, ponds, streams, rivers, and bogs.
They’re most active at night, making them difficult to find. Unlike the Graham’s crayfish snake, this species likes to feed on hard-shelled crayfish.
These snakes can be dark to olive brown with yellow or cream-colored bellies. Their eyes can be yellow or orange.
Due to their preferred aquatic habitat, these snakes are mainly found in the Coastal Plain region of the US. In Oklahoma, their range is limited to the southeastern portion of the state.
14. Kansas Glossy Snake
The Kansas glossy snake is a medium-sized species that can reach up to 36 inches (91 cm) in length. They’re usually cream to light brown with dark brown blotches covering the body. Their underside is uniformly white.
These snakes can be found in open areas with sandy soils. They occur in western Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Panhandle. They may show off a threat display by vibrating the tail when threatened.
15. Western Milksnake
Western milksnakes are vibrantly colored with bright red bands touching thinner black bands. Cream to white-colored bands separate the black bands. Although their bright colors can be alarming, these snakes are harmless.
The western milksnake range is scattered throughout Oklahoma. They can be found in parts of the Oklahoma Panhandle and some areas in the eastern and southeastern portion of the state.
These snakes are most active at night between March and October. They like to feed on reptiles and small mammals. Most western milksnakes reach an average length of 24 inches (61 cm).
16. Northern Diamond-Backed Watersnake
Although their name sounds similar to the western diamond-backed rattlesnake, the northern diamond-backed watersnake is nonvenomous. These are large, heavy-bodied snakes that live near permanent bodies of water.
Their range in Oklahoma extends from the north central to northeastern region down to the southeastern corner of the state.
Their appearance and ideal habitat can cause them to be easily confused with cottonmouths. North diamond-backed watersnakes are dark brown or olive brown with alternating dark blotches along their body.
17. Orange-Striped Ribbon Snake
Orange-striped ribbon snakes can be found in most parts of Oklahoma, except for the westernmost portion of the Oklahoma Panhandle. This snake is a subspecies of the western ribbon snake, which is a type of garter snake.
These snakes can be found around swamps, ponds, and riverbanks. They mainly eat amphibians and larvae. Although they’re terrestrial, they’ll go into water to capture prey.
The orange-striped ribbon snake is named for the orangish-yellow to orange stripe that extends down the spine. They have light yellow stripes on each side with a cream to light yellow belly.
18. Plain-Bellied Watersnake
The plain-bellied watersnake is a heavy-bodied snake that can reach up to 48 inches (122 cm) in length. These snakes have an olive background mostly covered by dark brown to black blotches. Their scales are heavily keeled.
Their coloration and preferred habitat can cause them to be confused with cottonmouths.
Plain-bellied watersnakes are found in aquatic habitats, including wetlands, ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. They feed on amphibians and tadpoles.
These snakes occur throughout the entire state of Oklahoma.
19. Prairie Kingsnake
Prairie kingsnakes are found in all parts of Oklahoma, except for the western half of the Oklahoma Panhandle.
These snakes are light brown to brown with dark to reddish-brown blotches along the spine and sides. Their spinal blotches are rectangular in shape. The blotches on the side are small and round and alternate between the spinal blotches.
These are medium-sized snakes that have an average length of 30-48 inches (76-122 cm). Prairie kingsnakes are primarily terrestrial. Their preferred habitats include farmlands, prairies, fields, and open woodlands.
20. Ring-Necked Snake
The ring-necked snake is named for the yellowish-orange to orange ring around its neck. This coloration also matches the color of its underbelly. Their underside is also speckled with black spots. Their background color is uniformly light brown to gray or black.
There are two ring-necked subspecies found in Oklahoma, including the Prairie ring-necked snake and the Mississippi ring-necked snake. These snakes are fairly small, only reaching up to 14 inches (36 cm) in length.
The prairie ring-necked subspecies is more common throughout the entire state, except the southern portion of McCurtain County.
The Mississippi ring-necked snake range is limited to southern McCurtain County. These snakes can be found in a variety of terrestrial habitats, such as open woods and prairies.
21. Rough Greensnake
The rough greensnake is a vibrantly-colored snake found in the central and eastern portion of the state.
These snakes are bright green to yellow-green with a pale yellow to white belly. They’re very slender snakes that like to wrap around branches and blend in with leaves. Adult snakes can reach up to 4ft (1.2 m) in length.
Rough greensnakes like to hide in trees, bushes, shrubs, and vines. They seek out various insects to feed on, such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, and crickets. They also feed on spiders.
Their bright color provides them with excellent camouflage and they have great climbing abilities.
22. Speckled Kingsnake
The speckled kingsnake, also referred to as the common kingsnake, is named for its distinct color pattern. It has a black body covered with small yellow specks. The belly is usually yellow to cream-colored and may have blotches.
Speckled kingsnakes are medium to large-sized snakes. Individuals average between 36-48 inches (91-122 cm) in length.
Their range extends all throughout the state of Oklahoma, except for the westernmost corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle.
23. Western Worm Snake
Western worm snakes are very small. Mature adults are usually no more than 11 inches (28 cm) long. These snakes are dark brown to brownish-purple above with a bright red or pink underbelly. The color of their underbelly extends up the sides.
These snakes like to hide under various debris, such as leaf litter and rotting logs. They prefer moist woodland habitats and grassy hillsides. Western worm snakes mainly feed on small insects, centipedes, and earthworms.
They’re mainly found in eastern Oklahoma.
24. Great Plains Rat Snake
The Great Plains rat snake is found in most regions of Oklahoma, except for the southeastern corner. It has a light brown or tan background color with dark brown rectangular blotches. It also has smaller round blotches on its side.
These snakes like to live around barns, abandoned buildings, and wooded areas. They feed on a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and bats.
Great Plains rat snakes are most active at night. If this snake feels threatened or excited, it can be observed vibrating its tail.
25. Western Mud Snake
The western mud snake is glossy black above with a bright red or pink underbelly. Its underbelly has alternating black bars. Their underbelly coloration can be seen from its sides.
These snakes are fairly large. Mature adults can reach up to 60 inches (152 cm) in length.
Western mud snakes are limited to the southeasternmost corner of the state. They like wet and moist habitats, including swamps, slow-moving streams, and floodplains. They mainly feed on amphibians and crayfish.
26. Western Rat Snake
Western rat snakes have a reddish-brown to brown color with dark brown to black blotches along the spine. Brown blotches along the spine may be present, but they’re hard to see.
These snakes are found in a wide variety of terrestrial habitats, such as farmlands and rocky hillsides. They’re great climbers and prefer wooded areas.
Western rat snakes are scattered across the Great Plains region. In southern Oklahoma, a different color variation of the species known as the Texas rat snake can be found.
27. Variable Groundsnake
Variable groundsnakes can be difficult to identify because of their varied color patterns. Some individuals may be orangish-brown to brown with no visible patterns.
Other individuals may have a reddish-orange stripe running down its spine. Another color variation includes a neck band with the same background color or consistent dark bands down the body.
Variable groundsnakes aren’t very big, They only reach about 15 inches (38 cm) in length. Some smaller individuals only reach 8 inches (20 cm).
Their distribution across Oklahoma is scattered. They can be found in central and southwestern OK and the southeastern corner of the state. They’re also found in the north to northeastern region and the far western corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle.
28. Blind Snake
There are two subspecies of blind snake found in Oklahoma. The New Mexico blind snake occurs in the northwestern portion of the state. The Plains blind snake is found in the southwestern region.
It’s unlikely you’ll spot one of these snakes because they’re mostly nocturnal and spend a lot of time underground. They also hibernate over winter. These snakes search for various insects underground, such as termites and ants.
Their appearance resembles a large earthworm. They’re usually no more than 12 inches (30.5 cm) in length. They range from pale pink to purplish-brown and have small eyes.
29. Glossy Water Snake
Glossy water snakes are sometimes called glossy crayfish snakes or striped water snakes. They inhabit the Coastal Plain region of the US. They can be found in southeastern Oklahoma.
These snakes are heavy-bodied, but average about 16 inches (40.6 cm) in length. Their body is olive brown with a yellow or tan to cream underside. They have yellow coloration around their mouth.
The glossy water snake is a semi-aquatic species. They like to live in areas with abundant crayfish populations.
30. Coachwhip Snake
The coachwhip snake has many color variations depending on the region it lives in.
The eastern coachwhip resembles an eastern black racer that’s uniformly black above with a white to tan underbelly.
The western coachwhip is a light orangish-tan to sandy color. Juveniles have more striking patterns with dark zig-zagged bands down the body.
Individuals can range in size from 36-82 inches (91-208 cm) in length. Coachwhip snakes can be found throughout the entire state. But the two subspecies have different ranges. Eastern coachwhips are found east of Interstate 35, while western coachwhips are found to the west.
31. Western Smooth Earth Snake
Western smooth earth snakes blend in well with leaf litter and red soils. They’re uniformly reddish-brown or orangish-brown with a cream to yellow underbelly. Some individuals may have a faint stripe extending down the spine. Regular smooth earth snakes are more gray in color.
These snakes reach anywhere between 7-10 inches (18-25 cm) in length. They mainly feed on small insects and invertebrates.
The western smooth earth snake inhabits the southeastern region of the state. They like to live in a variety of wooded habitats, such as damp woodlands and wooded hillsides.
32. Long-Nosed Snake
The long-nosed snake is found in the northwestern and southwestern corner of OK and the Oklahoma Panhandle.
These snakes have a unique color pattern. Their background is cream to pale yellow with rectangular black blotches. The blotches reveal parts of the background color, giving them a speckled appearance.
Red to reddish-orange scales may be present between the bands and at the neck.
Long-nosed snakes are mainly active at night. They live in dry terrestrial habitats, including desert brushland and prairies.
Although these snakes are harmless, you may not want to bother them. As a defense mechanism, long-nosed snakes can shoot out a mixture of feces, musk, and blood.
33. Common Gartnersnake
There are two types of common gartersnakes found in Oklahoma. They’re distinguished by color variations.
The common gartersnake has a black head and black background color. Some brown scales may be present in the black. The spine is lined with a yellow to pale yellow stripe. The sides have pale yellow stripes with black speckles.
The other common gartersnake is called the red-sided gartersnake. These snakes have similar patterns, but the red-sided snake is reddish-brown instead of yellow.
The red-sided gartersnake is found in parts of central and eastern Oklahoma. The common gartersnake is present in most of the state, except the Oklahoma Panhandle and southwestern region.
34. Texas Brown Snake
The Texas brown snake is closely related to the Dekay’s brown snake. Texas brown snakes are reddish-brown to brown with dark brown specks on its body. Some individuals may have a faintly-colored stripe along the spine and sides.
Their range in North America is mainly in the Great Plains region. It stretches from southern Minnesota south to Texas and northeastern Mexico.
Texas brown snakes are common garden and backyard visitors. They can also be found in moist woodlands hiding under rotting logs.
35. Flat-Headed Snake
The flat-headed snake has a similar appearance to the worm snake. These snakes are usually light brown, tan, or have a rusty color. Their head is usually dark brown to black. The underbelly is white with a thick orange stripe down the center.
These snakes are very small. The average size of adults is no more than 8 inches (20 cm) long. They feed on a variety of small invertebrates and insects.
Flat-headed snakes are found in the central and eastern region of the state. They’re absent from western OK and the Oklahoma Panhandle.
36. Wandering Garter Snake
Wandering garter snakes are found in the western region of North America. These snakes can range from gray to brown. They have dark spots along the spine and sides. A light-colored line may be visible along the spine.
These snakes have venom, which they primarily use against small prey, such as mice. This garter snake species typically constricts its prey.
The wandering terrestrial garter snake range in Oklahoma is limited to the Oklahoma Panhandle. They prefer to live in woodlands, grasslands, and forested habitats.
37. Western Ribbon Snake
The western ribbon snake is a type of garter snake with multiple subspecies. The orange-striped ribbon snake we discussed earlier is a subspecies of this snake. Due to their close relation, these snakes have a similar appearance.
Western ribbon snakes have a dark brown to black background color. They’re decorated with an orange to reddish-brown stripe down the spine and a yellow or cream stripe on each side. Some individuals may have a bluish-green coloration on the side of the neck.
Western ribbon snakes live in a wide variety of habitats that have water nearby. They’re common throughout most areas in the south central US.
38. Plains Garter Snake
The Plains garter snake has a similar appearance to other garter snake species. They have the distinct spinal stripe and colored sides with blotches over a dark brown to black background. The spinal stripe is usually pale orange and the sides are pale yellow with black blotches.
Plains garter snakes are found in a variety of habitats. They live in marshes, farmlands, open wooded areas, damp woodlands, and meadows.
Garter snakes are distributed all across the United States. But Plains garter snakes only occur in the northwestern corner of Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Panhandle.
39. Lined Snake
The lined snake is a small snake species ranging from 7-16 inches (18-41 cm) in length. Colors can vary. Some individuals are sandy brown, while others are gray or grayish brown. A light tan, cream, or gray line stretches along the spine. Lighter stripes are present on the side and bordered by darker-colored scales.
Lined snakes mainly occur in central Oklahoma from the northern to southern border. A small population also exists in the westernmost corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle.
Lined snakes live in prairies, wooded areas, and suburban areas. But you may not see them much because they’re nocturnal. Sometimes they can be found hiding under debris.
40. Rough Earth Snake
Rough earth snakes have dark brown to grayish black glossy scales and a white or cream underbelly. Juveniles may have a light band at the base of the head. Adults reach up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length.
Rough earth snakes occur in the eastern half of the state. Their range also extends into south central OK. They live in woodlands and rocky hillsides.
41. Northern Red-Bellied Snake
Northern red-bellied snakes are gray to grayish brown with small dark spots along the back. The head is darker than the rest of the body. Juveniles and adults have a pale orange ring around the neck. These snakes are named for their red to orange underbelly.
Adults can reach up to 14 inches (36 cm) in length. Juveniles are about the size of a large earthworm.
The northern red-bellied snake range is broken up in areas of eastern Oklahoma. The largest part of their range is in the southeastern corner of the state. They primarily live in damp woodlands with coverage.
42. Marcy’s Checkered Garter Snake
The Marcy’s checkered garter snake has a lighter background color compared to other garter snakes. They can range from cream to light tan. They have prominent dark brown, square-shaped blotches. The blotches alternate and give the appearance of a checkered-pattern, hence the name.
Like most garter snakes, this species has a light cream-colored stripe down its spine. These are medium-sized snakes that reach up to 36 inches (91 cm) in length.
Checkered garter snakes occur in southwestern and northwestern OK and parts of the Oklahoma Panhandle. They mainly live in dry grasslands with water sources nearby. They’re active during the day, but stay out of the hot summer heat by hunting for prey in the evening.
43. Western Black-Necked Garter Snake
Western black-necked garter snakes are found in the southwestern region of the US. The range of black-necked garter snakes in OK is limited to the northwestern corner of the Oklahoma Panhandle.
This subspecies of black-necked garter snake can reach up to 42 inches (107 cm) in length. They have a dark brown to black background color with an orangish-yellow stripe down the spine.
Their preferred habitat includes dry grasslands, desert scrub, and woodlands.
44. Texas Night Snake
Texas night snakes are found in the western part of the Oklahoma Panhandle and the southwestern region of the state.
A small portion of their range also exists in northwestern Oklahoma. They prefer areas with rocky soils.
The texas night snake is commonly referred to as the Chihuahuan night snake. Their color can vary from reddish-brown to gray. They have a series of round, alternating blotches down the spine and sides.
45. Plains Black-Headed Snake
The Plains black-headed snake is found in the western half of Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma Panhandle. They live in terrestrial habitats with moist soils, such as rocky and grassy hillsides.
These snakes are named for their dark brown to black heads. Their heads are much darker than their bodies. Some individuals may be rusty brown or grayish brown. They reach an average length of 7-12 inches (18-31 cm).
Plains black-headed snakes have a mild venom they use to hunt small prey.
46. Bullsnake
The bullsnake occurs in most of Oklahoma, except for the central eastern and southeastern portion of the state. These snakes can be sandy brown to cream with dark blotches. The blotches range in color from dark to reddish-brown.
Bullsnakes are fairly large. Some adults reach up to 72 inches (183 cm) in length. They’re active during the day and prey on birds, lizards, and small mammals.
Their preferred habitats include fields, prairies, open brushland, and pine-oak woodlands.
47. Scarlet Snake
The scarlet snake is one of Oklahoma’s snake species that have black, red, and white coloration.
They have red heads and large red blotches above. Small black blotches border the red blotches, while white coloration separates the black blotches.
Scarlet snakes are medium-sized. Adults of this species can reach an average length of 24 inches (61 cm).
This snake can be found in parts of central and eastern Oklahoma. Their range is concentrated in Seminole Nation, Muscogee Nation, and Choctaw Nation.
48. Threadsnake
There are two types of threadsnakes that occur in Oklahoma. The New Mexico threadsnake is a species of its own. The Plains threadsnake is a subspecies. Both have a very similar appearance.
These snakes are very small. Adults average about 5-10 inches (13-25 cm) in length. They’re reddish-brown or pink in color with small black eyes.
The New Mexico threadsnake range includes the northern portion of central and western OK. The Plains threadsnake occurs in the southern half of western OK. They live in prairies and rocky and sandy habitats.
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Snakes in Oklahoma FAQs
What is the most venomous snake in Oklahoma?
The cottonmouth, or water moccasin, is considered the most venomous snake in Oklahoma.
What is Oklahoma’s deadliest animal?
The venomous snakes of Oklahoma make the list for the top deadliest animals in Oklahoma. The cottonmouth and rattlesnake species are the most venomous snakes in the state.
Black widows are also dangerous. However, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation states that there haven’t been any deaths caused by black widows in the US for several decades.
What time of year do snakes come out in Oklahoma?
Most snakes in Oklahoma are active between late March and October. Some species are nocturnal, so they only come out at night. However, many species come out during the day or in the mornings and evenings.
Some snakes are active during winter. But most snakes in Oklahoma hibernate or go dormant by late fall and hide through winter.
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