Snakes in Oklahoma: A Guide to the State’s Snake Species

Oklahoma is home to a diverse array of snake species. With its mix of habitats including prairies, forests, marshes and rocky areas, the state provides ideal environments for 47 different types of snakes. Of these 47 species, 7 are venomous snakes that require caution. This guide provides an overview of the snake species found in Oklahoma, including identification tips, habitat information, diet facts and more.

Venomous Snakes in Oklahoma

Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus) – Frequency: 3

Also known as the water moccasin, the cottonmouth is Oklahoma’s only venomous water snake It inhabits ponds, marshes, streams and other wetlands, especially in the southeastern part of the state. Adults average 2-4 feet in length and have a brown, tan or olive body marked by darker bands When threatened, cottonmouths often open their mouth wide to display the white interior, giving rise to their name. They prey primarily on fish, frogs, small mammals and birds.

Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) – Frequency: 2

Copperheads are fairly small, terrestrial pit vipers that reach lengths of 2-3 feet. Their pinkish-tan body is patterned with reddish-brown hourglass shapes. They inhabit wooded areas and rocky outcroppings in eastern and central Oklahoma. Copperheads frequently prey on small rodents, birds, amphibians and insects. Their venom is hemolytic, destroying red blood cells and causing tissue damage.

Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) – Frequency: 1

The timber rattlesnake is Oklahoma’s largest venomous snake, reaching up to 4.5 feet. It has a heavy brown body marked by dark chevron bands and a distinctive rattle on the tail Timber rattlers are found in woodlands and rocky hills in southeastern Oklahoma They are ambush predators that strike quickly to inject potent venom that can cause severe tissue damage. Their diet includes small mammals, birds and amphibians.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) – Frequency: 1

This heavy-bodied pit viper has a tan body with darker diamond patterns edged in white or yellow. The diamonds are closest together at the tail, which ends in a series of rattles. Adults average 3-4 feet in length. Western diamondbacks inhabit scrublands and prairies in central and western Oklahoma. They prey on small mammals, lizards, birds and frogs. Their hemotoxic venom can lead to pain, bleeding and tissue damage.

Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) – Frequency: 1

Reaching lengths of 2-3 feet, the prairie rattlesnake has a light brown body marked by dark oval blotches with light centers. It inhabits grasslands and brushlands in western Oklahoma. Prairie rattlers prey primarily on small rodents but will also take birds, lizards and frogs. They are not usually aggressive unless provoked. Their venom can cause severe tissue damage.

Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) – Frequency: 1

The western pygmy rattlesnake is a small but highly venomous snake reaching just 1-2 feet in length. It has a gray or light brown body marked by dark rectangular blotches with light centers. Pygmy rattlers are found in woodlands and rocky areas in southeastern Oklahoma. They prey on small mammals, birds, lizards, frogs and insects. Their hemotoxic venom disrupts blood function.

Western Massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus) – Frequency: 1

The western massasauga is a small rattlesnake that inhabits grasslands and prairies in western Oklahoma. It has a light gray or tan body patterned with rounded brown or reddish-brown spots. Adults reach 16-30 inches in length. Massasaugas prey on small mammals, birds, lizards and insects. Although rare, their venom can cause severe tissue damage if bitten.

Non-venomous Snakes in Oklahoma

Oklahoma is home to a wide variety of non-venomous snake species that fill vital ecological roles as predators and prey. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Texas Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus) – Frequency: 1

This large colubrid can reach up to 6 feet in length. It has a yellowish-gray body marked with dark blotches that fade with age. Texas rat snakes inhabit various habitats statewide where they prey on rodents, birds, eggs and lizards. Despite their large size, they are non-venomous and generally docile.

Western Hognose Snake (Heterodon nasicus) – Frequency: 1

The western hognose snake is a stout-bodied snake that reaches 2-3 feet in length. Its color ranges from yellow to olive-brown often patterned with darker blotches. It inhabits plains and prairies where it preys on amphibians and small mammals. When threatened, hognose snakes flatten their heads and bodies to appear larger. Despite this dramatic display, they are harmless to humans.

Common Gartersnake (Thamnophis sirtalis) – Frequency: 1

These long, thin snakes have a brown or olive-colored body with a yellow stripe running down the back and sides. They average 2-4 feet in length. Common gartersnakes are found statewide in fields, woodlands and wetlands. They prey primarily on amphibians, earthworms, small fish and rodents. Gartersnakes often live near humans but typically avoid confrontation.

Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) – Frequency: 1

The ring-necked snake reaches just 10-15 inches in length. It has a gray or black body and a distinctive yellow or orange ring around the neck. Ring-necked snakes are found throughout Oklahoma in forests, fields and prairies. They are fossorial, spending much time burrowing underground. Their diet includes salamanders, lizards, slugs and insects. Despite their small size, ring-necked snakes help control bug and slug populations.

Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) – Frequency: 1

Coachwhips are long, slender colubrids that average 4-6 feet in length. They are tan, brown or pinkish with a notably darker head. Coachwhips inhabit grasslands and scrublands statewide. With lightning speed, they prey on rodents, lizards, snakes and birds. Coachwhip bites are painful but their saliva lacks venom. They rely on speed and stealth rather than venom to catch prey.

Western Ribbon Snake (Thamnophis proximus) – Frequency: 1

True to its name, the western ribbon snake has three stripes running the length of its body – one yellow or tan down the back, and one lighter stripe along each side. Background color varies from olive to black. Ribbon snakes average 2-3 feet long and prey on frogs, fish, worms and smaller snakes. They inhabit areas near water statewide. Despite a painful bite, ribbon snakes are non-venomous.

Western Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) – Frequency: 1

The western worm snake is a tiny, fossorial species reaching just 8-10 inches. Its body is purpleish-brown above and bright pink below. Western worm snakes are found under logs and leaf litter in eastern Oklahoma forests. They prey on insects, larvae and earthworms. Their small size and secretive nature mean they pose no danger to humans.

Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) – Frequency: 1

Typically brown or reddish-brown, these small snakes have darker crossbands and grow to 10-15 inches in length. Ground snakes inhabit sandy areas with sparse vegetation statewide. They are nocturnal, feeding at night on insects, spiders and scorpions. Ground snakes are mildly venomous, helping them subdue arthropod prey. They are not hazardous to humans.

Plains Black-headed Snake (Tantilla nigriceps) – Frequency: 1

One of Oklahoma’s smallest snakes, the plains black-headed snake reaches just 6-10 inches long. As its name suggests, it has a black head and brown body. It inhabits rocky prairies and grasslands statewide. Plains black-headed snakes prey on centipedes, scorpions, spiders and insects. Their venom helps overpower arthropod prey but is harmless to humans.

Oklahoma’s diversity of habitats supports populations of everything from tiny fossorial species to large rat snakes over 6 feet long! By familiarizing yourself with the state’s snake species, you can appreciate the ecological benefits they provide and practice safe behavior around venomous species. Whether you live in Oklahoma or plan to visit, use this guide to identify snakes you may encounter.