Venomous animals in Oklahoma
The ones that need the most respect: western diamondback rattlesnake, cottonmouth, prairie rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake. A bite from any of them is a medical emergency.
- 4 dangerous
- 5 medically significant
- 3 painful, rarely serious
Where they turn up in Oklahoma
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Venomous snakes in Oklahoma
Western diamondback rattlesnakeDangerous817 records, 26 counties
CottonmouthDangerous461 records, 32 counties
Prairie rattlesnakeDangerous132 records, 15 counties
Timber rattlesnakeDangerous134 records, 25 counties
CopperheadMedically significant627 records, 39 counties
Pygmy rattlesnakeMedically significant136 records, 19 counties
Western massasaugaMedically significant91 records, 19 counties
Venomous snakes in Oklahoma: map, photos and look-alikes
Venomous spiders in Oklahoma
Black widowMedically significant128 records, 21 counties
Brown recluseMedically significant160 records, 27 counties
TarantulaPainful, rarely serious95 records, 24 counties
Venomous spiders in Oklahoma: map, photos and look-alikes
Scorpions in Oklahoma
Scorpions in Oklahoma: map, photos and look-alikes
Centipedes in Oklahoma
Centipedes in Oklahoma: map, photos and look-alikes
When they are out
- Venomous snakes
- Venomous spiders
- Scorpions
- Centipedes
Recorded, but not living here
- Rare records Brown widow 1 open record
- Rare records Tiger centipede 8 open records, latest 2022
A rare record means someone found or reported the animal once or a few times, but there is no known population. Many are strays, pets or hitchhikers in cargo.
Harmless look-alikes in Oklahoma
- Brown Recluse vs Wolf Spider Wolf spider is harmless
- Cottonmouth vs Water Snake Water snake is harmless
- Copperhead vs Northern Water Snake Northern water snake is harmless
- Cottonmouth vs Banded Water Snake Banded water snake is harmless
- Copperhead vs Corn Snake Corn snake is harmless
- Copperhead vs Rat Snake Rat snake is harmless
- Copperhead vs Milk Snake Milk snake is harmless
- Cottonmouth vs Diamondback Water Snake Diamondback water snake is harmless
- Pygmy Rattlesnake vs Hognose Snake Eastern hognose snake is harmless
- Copperhead vs Hognose Snake Eastern hognose snake is harmless
Quick answers for Oklahoma
- Lives here Rattlesnakes
- Lives here Copperheads
- Lives here Cottonmouths
- Not here Coral snakes
- Lives here Brown recluses
- Lives here Black widows
- Lives here Tarantulas
Questions
How many venomous snakes live in Oklahoma?
7 species: Western diamondback rattlesnake, Cottonmouth, Prairie rattlesnake, Timber rattlesnake, Copperhead, Pygmy rattlesnake and Western massasauga.
Are there brown recluse spiders in Oklahoma?
Yes. The brown recluse lives in Oklahoma. Open records come from 27 counties.
Are there scorpions in Oklahoma?
Yes: Striped bark scorpion.
When are venomous animals most active in Oklahoma?
Most open records from Oklahoma fall in April, June to July, November. Records follow when people are outdoors too, so treat this as a guide, not a rule.
What should I do after a bite or sting?
Call 911 for any venomous snakebite or a severe reaction. For spider bites and scorpion stings, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, free and open 24/7.