The Deadliest Snake In Each State

By Joy Boyd 9 months ago

1. Alabama

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Kicking the list off strong with Alabama. This state has not only one venomous snake, but ELEVEN. That's right. Alabama is home to the Eastern Diamondback, Cottonmouths, Copperheads, and more! Yikes. Be on the lookout as they can pop up anywhere from barns to garages to gardens!

2. Alaska

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There are only four states total that don't have venomous snakes, and Alaska is one of them. In fact, Alaska has NO snakes period. There are no species native to this area, either venomous or non-venomous. So if you're petrified of snakes, maybe it's time to move to Alaska!

3. Arizona

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Arizona has a LOT of venomous snakes. There's said to be 19 different species of deadly snakes here. The ones that are most common to spot are rattlesnakes, so definitely on on the lookout for these guys. A lot of the species you'll likely only encounter in the desert, but rattlesnakes are often seen in places like golf courses.

4. Arkansas

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The most venomous and most common snake in Arkansas is the copperhead. There are around 6 different species of poisonous snakes in Arkansas though. You'll most likely not encounter these guys unless you head to one of Arkansas's many forested areas. Coral snakes are venomous, but it's unlikely you'd run into one.

5. California

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California is known for its high population of rattlesnakes. It's possible to run into one just about anywhere... whether it's the mountains, on the coast, in the desert, or even suburbia. The sidewinder is pictured here and Western Diamondbacks are also very common!

6. Colorado

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Perhaps surprising, but there are only four types of rattlesnakes found in Colorado. You'll like encounter one on a hike through a desert area or canyon. The most common snake that's spotted in Colorado is the Prairie rattlesnake. This snake can appear virtually anywhere in the state.

7. Connecticut

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Two types of poisonous snakes have made their home in Connecticut. The Northern Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake. Both of these are actually rarely seen in the state, and human sightings of them are pretty few and far between. If you did run into one though, it'd likely be in the forest or near one of the bodies of water.

8. Delaware

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The same as Connecticut, Delaware is home to the Northern Copperhead and Timber Rattlesnake. These are hard to find, similarly to Connecticut. However, it's more likely to encounter the copperhead. This is because copperheads would be found in wooded areas and near water where the rattlesnakes would only be in the woods.

9. Florida

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There are a lot of various reptiles in Florida, so it's no surprise there are some venomous snakes there too. Cottonmouths and copperheads are the most common. In fact, when it rains, you have to be careful stepping in puddles as snakes have been known to hide in them (especially if you live near wooded areas). You'll most likely encounter snakes in the evening since it's so hot during the days in Florida.

10. Georgia

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Cottonmouths are pretty widely dispersed in the southeastern part of the US. This is true in Georgia as well. They are able to function in areas where there are humans. So while there are 10 species of venomous snakes in Georgia, these are the ones to watch out for. Pictured here is the Carolina Pigmy Rattlesnake.

11. Hawaii

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Wow, Hawaii truly is paradise. This state has no venomous snakes to contend with. HOWEVER, there have been reports of venomous sea snakes in Hawaii, which honestly, might be a little worse? Either way, we'd take the risk for the endless summer, garlic shrimp, and fresh papaya.

12. Idaho

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If you want to find a rattlesnake (not sure why you would, but to each his own), Idaho is probably not the place to go looking. They're hard to find, even though they're definitely present. If you insist on this nature walk, check out the rocky areas and grasslands on your next hike.

13. Illinois

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Illinois has five venomous snakes on the list, but they're scattered across the state. This means that there isn't a particular species that's overly abundant. The snakes have not done well with the human development across the state, as the snakes there prefer the wetlands, swamps, and forests that are slowly disintegrating.

14. Indiana

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Similar to Illinois, Indiana has four venomous snakes, but none are overly populated. The Western Cottonmouth and Timber Rattlesnake are both endangered in the state. The population continues to decline as the Western Cottonmouth can only be found in a small area of Southwest Indy.

15. Iowa

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If you're in Iowa, be on the lookout for the Timber Rattlesnake. This poisonous snake is super common and can pop up seemingly anywhere. They're most spotted Eastern and Southern Iowa. What would you do if you ran into a rattlesnake in your backyard or curled up under your lawn mower?

16. Kansas

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Copperheads are the most abundant and most venomous snake in Kansas. They are typically found in more rural areas like woods and water bodies, but people have often reported finding these snakes around the outside of their homes or in their gardens. Yikes!

17. Kentucky

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We're seeing a common theme here with copperheads. These guys are super common in Kentucky throughout the entire state. Timber Rattlesnakes can also be found all across the state. The Western Pigmy Rattlesnake is typically only seen in southwestern Kentucky though.

18. Louisiana

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There are four groups of venomous snakes in the US, and Louisiana has one species in all four groups. Fun! Copperheads and Cottonmouths are common and very venomous. However, the population has declined slightly from the urban areas. They're still thriving in the forests though!

19. Maine

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If you have a fear of snakes, Maine is another safe place! This state is venomous snake-free. The Timber Rattlesnake used to be in population in the state of Maine. But through the years it has become extinct in the area. Sad for the snakes but good for our ability to sleep safely at night!

20. Maryland

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There are 2 venomous snakes in Maryland. Names we've heard before, in the Timber Rattlesnake and the Northern Copperhead. However, they're not super common. People often report sightings, but they end up to be a non-venomous variety of snake instead, so you're probably in the clear!

21. Massachusetts

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Both the Copperhead and Rattlesnake appear in Massachusetts. Unlike other states, sightings of these snakes are super common. The population has declined over the years, but if you really want to see one, be sure to check out the rocky outcrops around the state to try to sneak a peek.

22. Michigan

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In Michigan, there's only one species of venomous snake. The Easter Massasauga is pretty elusive when it comes to humans though. They're all throughout the state with a pretty high population, but they do their best to avoid people. Head to the wetlands if you want to catch a sighting.

23. Minnesota

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Minnesota sees its own variety of the Timber Rattlesnake and Eastern Massasauga. These are only found in a particular part of the state though. You'd have to go to the southeastern part of the state to spot one, and even then, they avoid the human population.

24. Mississippi

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There are over 9 different species of poisonous snakes in Mississippi. You're most likely to run into a rattlesnake or copperhead, as they're the most common. But the Eastern Coral Snake is also pretty present across the state. Red on yellow, you're a dead fellow.

25. Missouri

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The most common and poisonous snake in Missouri is the Timber Rattlesnake. It's found all across the state, and it's one of eight species of venomous snakes found in the state. While you won't typically find them in neighborhoods, they're heavily populated in the forests and hillsides.

26. Montana

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Despite its expansive skies and uninhabited land, Montana only has one venomous snake species, the Prairie Rattlesnake. It can be found across the state, but typically only in the drier areas. If you're heading to a forest or on a hike, keep an eye out!

27. Nebraska

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In Nebraska, the one you'll most likely have a run-in with is the Prairie Rattlesnake. It's found throughout the western half of the state. There are four species total that are venomous, with the other three most seen in the southeastern part of the state.

28. Nevada

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There's one snake that can be found throughout the entire state of Nevada, and that is the Great Basin Rattlesnake. The only part of the state it doesn't inhabit is the southern most tip of Nevada. The other venomous species seem to reside there, which is interesting! Maybe some snake turf wars happening.

29. New Hampshire

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New Hampshire is also only home to one venomous type of snake, and that is, of course, the Timber Rattlesnake. However, you're not likely to encounter one during your stay here. There's only a small population left. If you want to increase your chances, head to the more mountainous parts of the state!

30. New Jersey

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New Jersey has a small population of Timber Rattlesnakes and Northern Copperheads, but sightings are pretty few and far between. If you head to the coast near Pine Barrens, you might run into a copperhead or two. Seeing a rattlesnake is slightly more common, but unlikely!

31. New Mexico

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There are 10 types of poisonous snakes that call New Mexico home. The state is hot and dry, which makes it perfect for the many rattlesnakes that live there. There's also the Sonoran Coral Snake, but seeing one of these is pretty rare as they avoid the populated areas of the state.

32. New York

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It's very very uncommon to see a venomous snake in New York. That said, the Timber Rattlesnake has the highest population. Copperheads are only found in the Hudson Valley, and the Eastern Massasauga is only in the wetlands in two specific locations. So you can probably leave your snake bite kit at home. Jk, always keep it with you!

33. North Carolina

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Copperheads are the most venomous and most common in the state of North Carolina. They're found throughout the state, and while they're mostly in wooded areas, they've become more adapted to areas inhabited by humans. They have also been found sleeping near Timber Rattlesnakes when it's hibernation season.

34. North Dakota

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The only poisonous snake in North Dakota is the Prairie Rattlesnake. It's most commonly found in the southwestern part of the state. As the name would suggest, they prefer the prairie and grassland areas. Though, it's not totally unheard of for them to be found in the forests.

35. Ohio

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There are 3 different types of species of poisonous snakes in Ohio. However, the Eastern Massasauga and the Timber Rattlesnake are both endangered in the state. With their decreasing population, the Northern Copperhead is the most common. It's found in central and western Ohio in its wooded areas.

36. Oklahoma

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Rattlesnakes in Oklahoma are pretty much only found in the driest areas and rocky areas. There are 10 different poisonous snakes in the state, and cottonmouths and copperheads are the most common. You'll find them near water or the woods most likely, so be on the look out!

37. Oregon

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Encountering a venomous snake in the state of Oregon is not a common occurrence. These snakes are hard to find, but rattlesnakes are the most spotted when the weather is warm. This is usually alone one of the many forest trails in the central part of Oregon state.

38. Pennsylvania

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With three different types of venomous snakes, it's not surprising that the most common is the Timber Rattlesnake. This snake is found in the rocky areas of the state. The Eastern Massasauga is endangered here, so they're very uncommon to see. Copperheads are found in the same parts of the state as the rattlesnakes.

39. Rhode Island

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We're happy to report that Rhode Island joins the list with the three other states in the US that have no reported venomous snakes in its population. All you'll find here are chickens, cattle, and of course, lots of doggies. While there's probably some scarier creatures here, we're going to focus on the ones that bring us joy!

40. South Carolina

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Copperheads are the most common and deadliest snake in South Carolina. However, Pigmy Rattlesnakes and Timber Rattlesnakes can also be found throughout the state. Cottonmouths also live here, but only in the eastern half of the state with diamondbacks and coral snakes. In total, South Carolina sees 9 species of poisonous snakes.

41. South Dakota

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Similar to its neighboring state, North Dakota, South Dakota only sees one species of venomous snake. In the western half of the state, you're likely to encounter a Prairie Rattlesnake if you head out to the prairies and grasslands. As mentioned, it's not SUPER common to see them, but it's always good to be alert and watch where you're putting your feet.

42. Tennessee

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There are five types venomous snakes in Tennessee. Copperheads and cottonmouths are definitely the most common. This is probably because they seem to best tolerate human populated areas. Rattlesnakes tend to stick to the wooded areas, and the Western Pigmy is borderline endangered in the state.

43. Texas

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Everything is bigger in Texas. With 15 different species of venomous snakes, it's one of the most populated snake states in the US. They mostly stick to the more secluded parts of the state, but people have found these snakes in their garages, in brush piles in the yard, in stacks of firewood, and more.

44. Utah

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Utah is yet another state with a dry climate that allows snakes to thrive. There are 6 different species of rattlesnakes that call Utah home. You'll most likely find them in the desert areas of the state. The least common are the Mojave Rattlesnake and the Mojave Desert Sidewinder.

45. Vermont

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Similar to all of the other states we've discussed in the northeast, the Timber Rattlesnake is the only poisonous snake in Vermont. It's very rare to see one, but if you're hiking through the woodlands, you might be surprised to see one. They're endangered in the state, so they actually ask that you report sightings to the proper authorities!

46. Virginia

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There are three types of poisonous snakes in Virginia. The most common to see is the Copperhead as it can be found throughout the state. Rattlesnakes are only found in the mountains, and cottonmouths are only found in the wetlands. While it's uncommon to see any of them, you'd most likely run into a copperhead in a more rural location.

47. Washington

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Washington is divided by a mountain range, so people often use it to indicate Eastern and Western Washington. The climate in eastern Washington is much drier. This climate makes it a perfect place for the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake to thrive. It's the only venomous snake in the area.

48. West Virginia

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If you're gonna run into a venomous snake in West Virginia, it will most likely be the Northern Copperhead. They're found all throughout the Appalachian Mountains, as are the Timber Rattlesnakes. They're often encountered by hikers on trails throughout West Virginia.

49. Wisconsin

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You can find the Eastern Massasauga and Timber Rattlesnake in Wisconsin. The Eastern Massasauga is actually an endangered species in the state, and the rattlesnake is on a "special concern" list. The population is unfortunately declining and can only be found in the southwestern part of the state.

50. Wyoming

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Wyoming is home to the Yellow Rattlesnake, but it's not very common. In fact, it can only be found around Flaming Gorge. There are also Prairie Rattlesnakes which are much more common in... the prairie... of course. These snakes can be found basically all across the state.

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