Snakes in Oregon: Beaver State Serpent Secrets
Every day, we discover more reasons to be fascinated by the world of slithery creatures. Today, our focus is on the beautiful state of Oregon and what it has to offer in terms of snake species.
You might be surprised to find out that Oregon is home to a decent variety of snake species. In fact, you can find a whopping 15 different types of snakes dwelling in this state!
Let’s dive right in and explore some of the most intriguing and unique species that Oregon has to offer. Who knows, you might even encounter a few on your next visit!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) |
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| 2 | Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) |
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| 3 | Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) |
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| 4 | Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) |
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| 5 | Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) |
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| 6 | Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) |
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| 7 | Pacific coast aquatic garter snake (Thamnophis zaxanthus) |
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| 8 | Racer (Coluber constrictor) |
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| 9 | Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) |
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| 10 | Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) |
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| 11 | Sharp-tailed snake (Contia tenuis) |
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| 12 | Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) |
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| 13 | Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) |
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| 14 | Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) |
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| 15 | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) |
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15 Snakes You Can Find in Oregon
In the state of Oregon, a fascinating array of serpents can be found slithering through its diverse landscapes. From venomous to harmless, each species has its unique story to tell. Below, we’ll explore the wonders of these often misunderstood creatures of Oregon, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. California Mountain Kingsnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis zonata
- Common Name: California mountain kingsnake
- Size: Up to 2-3 feet (61-91 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Mountain regions, including coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and rocky outcrops
- Color: Alternating red, black, and white bands
- Habitat: Mountain regions, including coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and rocky outcrops
- Maximum Size: Up to 2-3 feet (61-91 centimeters)
- Diet: Carnivorous; eats other reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Lays eggs in clutches of 2-10
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown California Mountain Kingsnake
California Mountain Kingsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown California Mountain Kingsnake
The California Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) is a slender, non-venomous reptile measuring up to 2-3 feet (61-91 cm) in length. It is characterized by its striking red, black, and white alternating bands. Naturally found in mountain regions of Oregon, this species inhabits coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and rocky outcrops. As a diurnal and secretive creature, it mainly feeds on other reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. Mating season sees females laying eggs in clutches of 2-10. Currently, the species is listed under “least concern” in conservation status.
2. Common Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis
- Common Name: Common garter snake
- Size: Up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Wet and moist habitats, including marshes, fields, and forests
- Color: Green or brown with three yellow stripes
- Habitat: Wet and moist habitats, including marshes, fields, and forests
- Maximum Size: Up to 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
- Diet: Frogs, fish, earthworms, and small mammals
- Reproduction: Gives birth to live young, 10-40 per litter
- Venom: Mildly venomous, harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Common Garter Snake
Common Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Common Garter Snake
The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters) non-aggressive and mildly venomous reptile with a green or brown body and three yellow stripes. Inhabiting wet and moist habitats like marshes, fields, and forests of Oregon, these diurnal snakes hibernate during winter to escape the cold. Their diet consists of frogs, fish, earthworms, and small mammals. Uniquely, these snakes birth live young, producing 10-40 per litter. Although venomous, they pose no threat to humans and are currently listed as a species of least concern for conservation.
3. Common Kingsnake
- Scientific Name: Lampropeltis getula
- Common Name: Common kingsnake
- Size: 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and desert
- Color: Black or brown with light bands or stripes
- Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and desert
- Maximum Size: 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, eggs, reptiles, and other snakes
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-24
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Common Kingsnake
Common Kingsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Common Kingsnake
The Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) is a non-venomous reptile known for its striking black or brown coloration with light bands or stripes. These snakes, ranging between 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) in length, can be found in diverse habitats such as forests, grasslands, and deserts. They exhibit both diurnal (warm months) and nocturnal (hot summer nights) behaviors. With a diet consisting of rodents, birds, eggs, reptiles, and other snakes, they reproduce through laying egg clutches of 3-24. Their conservation status is categorized as least concern.
4. Gophersnake
- Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer
- Common Name: Gophersnake
- Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas
- Color: Yellow, brown, or cream with dark spots
- Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters)
- Diet: Mammals, birds, eggs, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 2-24
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Gophersnake
Gophersnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Gophersnake
The Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) is a non-venomous snake species measuring up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. They exhibit yellow, brown, or cream-colored scales with dark spots. Gophersnakes thrive in various habitats such as deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas. These diurnal, burrow-dwelling reptiles primarily feed on mammals, birds, eggs, and other reptiles. Gophersnakes reproduce through laying egg clutches, consisting of 2-24 eggs. Currently, they have a conservation status of least concern.
5. Night Snake
- Scientific Name: Hypsiglena torquata
- Common Name: Night snake
- Size: Up to 20 to 36 inches (51 to 91 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, shrublands, and rocky areas
- Color: Light gray, beige or pale brown with dark blotches
- Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, shrublands, and rocky areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 20 to 36 inches (51 to 91 cm)
- Diet: Lizards, small snakes, and amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-9
- Venom: Mildly venomous, not dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Night Snake
Night Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Night Snake
The Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata) is a mildly venomous, nocturnal reptile found in deserts, grasslands, shrublands, and rocky areas. Measuring 20-36 inches in length, it sports a light gray, beige, or pale brown coloration with dark blotches. This secretive snake primarily feasts on lizards, small snakes, and amphibians. Its reproduction cycle involves laying eggs in clutches of 3-9. While the Night Snake’s venom is not dangerous to humans, its conservation status remains at the least concern level.
6. Northwestern Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis ordinoides
- Common Name: Northwestern garter snake
- Size: Up to 43 inches (1.1 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and coastal areas
- Color: Black, brown, or green with stripes and spots
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and coastal areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 43 inches (1.1 meters)
- Diet: Slugs, worms, small amphibians
- Reproduction: Live-bearing, 3-16 babies per litter
- Venom: Mildly venomous but not harmful to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Northwestern Garter Snake
Northwestern Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Northwestern Garter Snake
The Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) is a medium-sized snake species found in grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and coastal areas. Growing up to 43 inches (1.1 meters) in length, it features black, brown, or green colors with distinctive stripes and spots. As a diurnal and terrestrial creature, it actively hunts slugs, worms, and small amphibians during the day. Northwestern Garter Snakes are live-bearing, producing 3-16 babies per litter. Though mildly venomous, their bites pose no harm to humans. Their conservation status is currently listed as “Least Concern.”
7. Pacific coast aquatic garter snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis zaxanthus
- Common Name: Pacific coast aquatic garter snake
- Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams
- Color: Black or dark olive with yellow or orange stripes
- Habitat: Aquatic habitats, such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams
- Maximum Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Diet: Fish, amphibians, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Live birth, producing 10-30 offspring
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Pacific coast aquatic garter snake
Pacific coast aquatic garter snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Pacific coast aquatic garter snake
The Pacific Coast Aquatic Garter Snake (Thamnophis zaxanthus) is a non-venomous reptile growing up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in length. It is characterized by its black or dark olive coloration and yellow or orange stripes. This diurnal snake dwells in aquatic habitats such as ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. As adept swimmers, these snakes primarily feed on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. They reproduce through live birth, producing 10-30 offspring. Their conservation status remains of least concern.
8. Racer
- Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor
- Common Name: Racer
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands
- Color: Black, blue, gray or green with white or cream underbelly
- Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters)
- Diet: Rodents, birds, amphibians, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 5-30
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Racer
Racer Snakelet
Fully-Grown Racer
The Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a non-venomous snake known for its speed, reaching up to 6 feet in length. Its color varies from black, blue, gray, or green with a white or cream underbelly. This diurnal and terrestrial snake thrives in various habitats, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Racers primarily feed on rodents, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 5-30 at a time. Currently, Racers hold a “Least concern” conservation status.
9. Ringneck Snake
- Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus
- Common Name: Ringneck snake
- Size: 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas
- Color: Gray or dark brown with yellow or orange ring around the neck
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas
- Maximum Size: 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters)
- Diet: Small invertebrates such as insects, worms, and slugs
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-10
- Venom: Mildly venomous, but not harmful to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Ringneck Snake
Ringneck Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Ringneck Snake
The Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a small, mildly venomous serpent, measuring 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters) in length. Exhibiting a gray or dark brown coloration with a distinct yellow or orange ring around its neck, this species prefers habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. As nocturnal, secretive creatures, Ringneck Snakes are found hiding under rocks or logs, feeding on small invertebrates such as insects, worms, and slugs. Reproducing by laying 3-10 eggs per clutch, this snake is presently classified as least concern in terms of conservation status.
10. Rubber Boa
- Scientific Name: Charina bottae
- Common Name: Rubber boa
- Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Forests, meadows, grasslands, and rocky outcrops
- Color: Brown or olive-green with yellow belly
- Habitat: Forests, meadows, grasslands, and rocky outcrops
- Maximum Size: Up to 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Live-bearing with 2-9 young per litter
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Rubber Boa
Rubber Boa Snakelet
Fully-Grown Rubber Boa
The Rubber Boa (Charina bottae) is a non-venomous snake, growing up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) in length. It has a brown or olive-green coloration with a yellow belly. This nocturnal, secretive creature can be found in forests, meadows, grasslands, and rocky outcrops. It primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Known for its live-bearing reproduction, it can produce litters of 2-9 young. The Rubber Boa is currently categorized as “least concern” according to conservation status.
11. Sharp-tailed snake
- Scientific Name: Contia tenuis
- Common Name: Sharp-tailed snake
- Size: 10-14 inches (25-35 centimeters)
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and areas with moist soil
- Color: Brown or reddish-brown with dark blotches
- Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and areas with moist soil
- Maximum Size: 10-14 inches (25-35 centimeters)
- Diet: Slugs and insects
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in small clutches of about 2-5
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Sharp-tailed snake
Sharp-tailed snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Sharp-tailed snake
The Sharp-tailed snake (Contia tenuis) is a small non-venomous reptile, measuring 10-14 inches (25-35 centimeters) and featuring a brown or reddish-brown color with dark blotches. Found primarily in woodlands, grasslands, and areas with moist soil, this secretive and fossorial creature feasts on slugs and insects. With a reproduction cycle that involves laying small egg clutches (about 2-5 eggs), the Sharp-tailed snake is currently classified as a species of least concern in terms of conservation status.
12. Striped Whipsnake
- Scientific Name: Masticophis taeniatus
- Common Name: Striped whipsnake
- Size: Up to 6 feet (1.83 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas
- Color: Black, green or blue with yellowish stripes
- Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 6 feet (1.83 meters)
- Diet: Lizards, small mammals, birds, and amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-12
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Striped Whipsnake
Striped Whipsnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Striped Whipsnake
The Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) is a long, slender snake measuring up to 6 feet (1.83 meters) in length. Sporting black, green, or blue scales with yellowish stripes, it inhabits deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas of Oregon. As a fast-moving, diurnal creature, it thrives primarily on the ground, preying on lizards, small mammals, birds, and amphibians. Non-venomous in nature, it lays 3-12 eggs in each clutch. The Striped Whipsnake’s conservation status is classified as “least concern.”
13. Western Ground Snake
- Scientific Name: Sonora semiannulata
- Common Name: Western ground snake
- Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Desert, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky areas
- Color: Brown, reddish, or gray with wide bands
- Habitat: Desert, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky areas
- Maximum Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm)
- Diet: Insects, arachnids, and small lizards
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 3-5
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Ground Snake
Western Ground Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Ground Snake
The Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) is a small, non-venomous reptile found in diverse environments, including deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. Measuring up to 20 inches (51 cm) in size, its color varies from shades of brown to reddish or gray with wide bands. A nocturnal and secretive species, their diet consists of insects, arachnids, and small lizards. Reproduction involves laying clutches of 3-5 eggs. At present, the conservation status of this snake is listed as least concern.
14. Western Rattlesnake
- Scientific Name: Crotalus oreganus
- Common Name: Western rattlesnake
- Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and forests
- Color: Brown or olive with dark bands
- Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and forests
- Maximum Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters)
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, and reptiles
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-25
- Venom: Venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Rattlesnake
Western Rattlesnake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Rattlesnake
The Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) is a solitary, terrestrial snake that grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length. Its coloration varies from brown to olive, featuring dark bands across its body. Inhabiting deserts, grasslands, and forests, their diet consists of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. The Western Rattlesnake is oviparous, laying eggs in clutches of 4-25. Apart from its venomous nature, it is not considered a threat to its ecosystem; its conservation status is “Least Concern.”
15. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis elegans
- Common Name: Western terrestrial garter snake
- Size: 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters)
- Natural Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and near freshwater sources
- Color: Brown or greenish background with three yellow stripes
- Habitat: Woodlands, grasslands, and near freshwater sources
- Maximum Size: 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters)
- Diet: Amphibians, fish, small mammals, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Give birth to live young, 4-18 offspring
- Venom: Mildly venomous, not dangerous to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a moderately-sized snake, measuring 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) in length. It features a brown or greenish background color with three distinctive yellow stripes. The snake can be found inhabiting woodlands, grasslands, and areas near freshwater sources. Diurnal in nature, it is primarily ground-dwelling and feeds on amphibians, fish, small mammals, and invertebrates. This species is mildly venomous but poses no threat to humans. They reproduce by giving birth to live young, producing 4-18 offspring per litter. Currently, their conservation status is listed as “least concern.”
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Final Words
All the 15 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Oregon. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats?
Not only did we get a chance to learn about some of the more common and well-known species, but we also delved into the lesser-known and often misunderstood ones.
So, the next time you’re out and about in Oregon, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and let’s continue to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that makes our world so interesting!
What are the common snake species found in the Pacific Northwest region, including Oregon and Idaho?
The Pacific Northwest region, including Oregon and Idaho, is home to several common snake species. These include the Western Rattlesnake, the Gopher Snake, the Rubber Boa, and the Northwestern Garter Snake. These gem state snake secrets in idaho can be found in various habitats, from forests to grasslands.
