Venomous animals in Washington
The ones that need the most respect: western rattlesnake. A bite from any of them is a medical emergency.
- 1 dangerous
- 1 medically significant
- 1 painful, rarely serious
Where they turn up in Washington
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Venomous snakes in Washington
Venomous snakes in Washington: map, photos and look-alikes
Venomous spiders in Washington
Venomous spiders in Washington: map, photos and look-alikes
Scorpions in Washington
Scorpions in Washington: map, photos and look-alikes
When they are out
- Venomous snakes
- Venomous spiders
- Scorpions
Recorded, but not living here
- Rare records Gila monster 6 open records, latest 2015
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 Washington
- Black Widow vs False Widow False widow is harmless
- Rattlesnake vs Gopher Snake Gopher snake is harmless
Quick answers for Washington
Questions
How many venomous snakes live in Washington?
1 species: Western rattlesnake.
Are there brown recluse spiders in Washington?
No. There are no open records of the brown recluse from Washington, and the state is outside its range.
Are there scorpions in Washington?
Yes: Northern scorpion.
When are venomous animals most active in Washington?
Most open records from Washington fall in May to June, August. 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.