Venomous animals in Virginia
The ones that need the most respect: cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake. A bite from any of them is a medical emergency.
- 2 dangerous
- 2 medically significant
Where they turn up in Virginia
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Venomous snakes in Virginia
CottonmouthDangerous476 records, 12 counties
Timber rattlesnakeDangerous284 records, 37 counties
CopperheadMedically significant732 records, 89 counties
Venomous snakes in Virginia: map, photos and look-alikes
Venomous spiders in Virginia
Venomous spiders in Virginia: map, photos and look-alikes
When they are out
- Venomous snakes
- Venomous spiders
Recorded, but not living here
- Rare records Pygmy rattlesnake 1 open record
- Rare records Brown recluse 30 open records
- Rare records Brown widow 2 open records, latest 2024
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 Virginia
- Cottonmouth vs Water Snake Water snake is harmless
- Black Widow vs False Widow False widow is harmless
- Copperhead vs Northern Water Snake Northern 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 Brown Water Snake Brown water snake is harmless
- Copperhead vs Hognose Snake Eastern hognose snake is harmless
Quick answers for Virginia
- Lives here Rattlesnakes
- Lives here Copperheads
- Lives here Cottonmouths
- Not here Coral snakes
- Rare records Brown recluses
- Lives here Black widows
- Not here Tarantulas
Questions
How many venomous snakes live in Virginia?
3 species: Cottonmouth, Timber rattlesnake and Copperhead.
Are there brown recluse spiders in Virginia?
Only as rare records. GBIF holds 30 open records of the brown recluse from Virginia, but there is no known population.
Are there scorpions in Virginia?
No. There are no open records of native scorpions from the state.
When are venomous animals most active in Virginia?
Most open records from Virginia fall in July to September. 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.