Snakes in Alabama
Here are common snakes found in Alabama, including 5 venomous species to watch for. Tap any snake for a full identification profile.
Venomous snakes in Alabama
VenomousEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
The largest venomous snake in North America and arguably the most dangerous. Its hemotoxic venom destroys tissue and blood cells, and a defensive bite is a medical emergency.
VenomousCopperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other US species, but its bite is rarely fatal. Excellent camouflage in leaf litter leads to surprise encounters.
VenomousCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A semi-aquatic pit viper named for the white interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a warning. The only venomous water snake in North America.
VenomousEastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A relative of cobras with potent neurotoxic venom. Famous for the rhyme 'red touches yellow, kill a fellow' that separates it from harmless mimics.
VenomousPygmy Rattlesnake
Sistrurus miliarius
A small but venomous pit viper with a rattle so tiny it sounds like a buzzing insect. Bites are painful but rarely life-threatening due to the small venom yield.
Harmless snakes in Alabama
Non-venomousCorn Snake
Pantherophis guttatus
A harmless, beneficial constrictor and one of the most popular pet snakes in the world. Frequently mistaken for the venomous copperhead.
Non-venomousScarlet Kingsnake
Lampropeltis elapsoides
A harmless coral snake mimic. Its red bands touch black bands — 'red touches black, friend of Jack' — separating it from the venomous coral snake.
Non-venomousBlack Racer
Coluber constrictor
A slender, fast, harmless snake that flees at high speed when disturbed. Often mistaken for something dangerous because of its dark color and nervous, alert behavior.
Non-venomousRough Green Snake
Opheodrys aestivus
A gentle, bright-green insect-eater that lives in bushes and is almost impossible to see against leaves. One of the most harmless snakes in North America.
Non-venomousEastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
A powerful, harmless constrictor famous for eating rattlesnakes and copperheads — it is immune to their venom. A homeowner's best natural defense against venomous snakes.
Non-venomousCoachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
One of the fastest snakes in North America, named for its braided whip-like tail. Harmless, but its speed and alertness startle people. The 'chases you' myth is just it fleeing.
Identifying snakes in Alabama
Knowing your location is one of the most powerful tools in snake identification. Many snakes look similar, but the species actually present in Alabama narrows the possibilities dramatically. When you use our snake identifier, factor in your state to boost confidence — and if you ever spot a snake you can't identify, treat it as potentially dangerous and keep your distance.