Snakes in Alabama: A Guide to the State’s Most Common Serpent Species

Alabama is home to a diverse array of snake species both venomous and nonvenomous. For outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers it’s important to be able to identify the different snakes you may encounter in the state. This guide provides an overview of some of Alabama’s most common snakes, how to identify them, and tips for staying safe around them.

Venomous Snakes

There are 6 venomous snake species found in Alabama:

Copperhead

The copperhead is Alabama’s most widespread venomous snake. It has a distinctive reddish-brown body with darker hourglass-shaped crossbands. Copperheads are found throughout the state in wooded areas abandoned buildings, rocky hillsides and river bottoms.

Though painful, copperhead bites are rarely fatal if proper medical treatment is received. Still, it’s best to give these snakes a wide berth if encountered.

Cottonmouth

Often called water moccasins, cottonmouths are Alabama’s only semi-aquatic venomous snake. They have a heavy black body with a white stripe on the side of the head. As their name suggests, cottonmouths will often open their mouth wide to expose the white interior when threatened.

Look for cottonmouths in and around slow-moving water bodies such as marshes, streams, and lakes. Be especially cautious when swimming or fishing as cottonmouths may be found sunning on shorelines or branches overhanging the water.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

The largest venomous snake in Alabama, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake can reach lengths over 6 feet. It has a gray body with dark diamond patterns running down its back, as well as the telltale rattle on the end of its tail.

Eastern diamondbacks prefer drier habitats like pine forests and scrublands. Listen for their distinctive rattle if you are hiking in potential eastern diamondback territory.

Coral Snake

With its vibrant red, yellow, and black banding, the coral snake is one of Alabama’s most beautiful but toxic snakes. Fortunately they are also very reclusive and unlikely to bite unless handled.

The old rhyme “red on yellow kills a fellow” can help distinguish coral snakes from the nonvenomous scarlet kingsnake which has similar coloration but with the red and yellow bands reversed.

Pigmy Rattlesnake

A tiny rattlesnake that only grows 2 feet long at most, the pigmy rattlesnake comes in several sub-species throughout Alabama. Look for their rusty coloration and small rattle.

Pigmy rattlesnake bites are rare and unlikely to be fatal. Still, medical attention should be sought if you have the misfortune of being bitten.

Timber Rattlesnake

The timber rattlesnake is a large rattlesnake that can reach lengths over 5 feet. It has yellow bands outlined in black running across its grayish body.

Timber rattlesnakes are most active in the spring and autumn when they can be found in rugged forests and mountainous areas. Their potent venom makes timber rattlesnake bites potentially quite dangerous.

Nonvenomous Snakes

While Alabama’s venomous snakes get most of the notoriety, the majority of snakes in the state are harmless to humans. Here are some of the more common nonvenomous species:

Black Racer

A sleek all-black snake that can grow over 4 feet long. Racers are found throughout Alabama in fields, forests, and wetlands. They are fast moving and may vibrate their tail when threatened.

Corn Snake

Named for their predilection for mice and other rodents that raid corn granaries, corn snakes have tan bodies with red-orange blotches outlined in black. Look for them in barns, abandoned buildings, and forest edges.

Kingsnake

Several kingsnake species inhabit Alabama displaying smooth, shiny scales in black, brown, or reddish colors. All kingsnakes have whitish bellies and are powerful constrictors that prey on rodents, birds, eggs, and even other snakes, including venomous species.

Common Garter Snake

Garter snakes have long striped bodies that come in browns, grays, and greens. They are fond of wet environments and prey on fish, frogs, worms, and other small creatures. Garter snakes often inhabit suburban yards and parks.

Rat Snake

As their name implies, rat snakes feast on mice and other rodents. In Alabama they grow up to 6 feet long and may be black or yellowish. Rat snakes are accomplished climbers and will raid bird nests for eggs and chicks.

Water Snake

Water snakes come in plain browns or reddish colors with bellies that are lighter or brightly colored. Look for them swimming along the edges of ponds, marshes, rivers, and lakes where they hunt for fish and frogs. They may be mistaken for cottonmouths but lack the distinctive cottonmouth markings.

Snake Safety Tips

• Learn how to identify venomous snakes and be on the lookout when hiking or exploring areas where snakes may reside. Avoid reaching into spaces you can’t see clearly.

• If you encounter a snake, back away slowly. Snakes likely won’t chase or attack unless cornered or provoked.

• Wear sturdy boots and long pants when hiking to protect from potential bites.

• Teach children not to handle snakes and to let an adult know if they see one.

• Leave snakes be. Trying to kill them will only provoke defensive strikes. Nonvenomous snakes help control rodent and insect populations.

• If bitten by a venomous snake, remain calm. Call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance. Try to note the snake’s appearance to aid in proper antivenom treatment.

Alabama’s snakes play an important role in local ecosystems by controlling pests and serving as prey for other animals. Understanding the difference between venomous and harmless species can help snake lovers safely enjoy these fascinating reptiles in their native habitats. With proper identification and caution, Alabama’s residents and visitors can confidently explore the state’s wild spaces where snakes naturally reside.