Venomous snakes in Connecticut
Venomous snakes living in Connecticut
2species
Timber rattlesnake, Copperhead. A bite from the timber rattlesnake is a medical emergency.
How to recognize them
Timber rattlesnakeDangerous119 records, 5 counties
CopperheadMedically significant125 records, 4 counties
Timber rattlesnake Crotalus horridus
- Dark V- or chevron-shaped bands across the back
- Black tail ending in a rattle
- Yellow, tan or dark phases; some are almost black
Copperhead Agkistrodon contortrix
- Copper to tan body with dark hourglass bands: wide on the sides, narrow on the spine
- Plain coppery head with no pattern
- Young snakes have a bright yellow-green tail tip
Every venomous snake species known from the US is on this site.
Counties with records
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Active months
Harmless snakes people mistake for them
- Copperhead vs Northern Water Snake Northern water snake: harmless
- Copperhead vs Rat Snake Rat snake: harmless
- Copperhead vs Milk Snake Milk snake: harmless
- Copperhead vs Hognose Snake Eastern hognose snake: harmless
Water snakeHarmlessHarmless
Northern water snakeHarmlessHarmless
Eastern hognose snakeHarmlessHarmless
Rat snakeHarmlessHarmless
Milk snakeHarmlessHarmless
Quick answers
- Lives here Are there rattlesnakes in Connecticut?
- Lives here Are there copperheads in Connecticut?
- Not here Are there cottonmouths in Connecticut?
Questions
How many venomous snakes are in Connecticut?
2 species live in the state: Timber rattlesnake and Copperhead.
Which venomous snakes in Connecticut are dangerous?
Timber rattlesnake and Copperhead: a bite is a medical emergency.
When are venomous snakes most active in Connecticut?
Most open records fall in August.
Which harmless snakes get mistaken for venomous ones in Connecticut?
Northern water snake, Rat snake, Milk snake and Eastern hognose snake. See the side-by-side comparisons below.