Snakes in Washington: Evergreen Serpent Waves
Did you know that Washington state is home to quite a few fascinating slithering reptilians? In fact, there are about 15 different snake species that call this lovely state their home.
But don’t worry, not all of them are venomous. In fact, most of them are pretty harmless and can even make great photography subjects or interesting encounters during hikes.
To make things easy for you, we’ve narrowed it down to 5 species of snakes that you’re most likely to come across in Washington. Ready to explore? Let’s slither into it!
| # | Name | Details | Image |
| 1 | Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides) |
|  |
| 2 | Puget Sound Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringii) |
|  |
| 3 | Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans) |
|  |
| 4 | Valley garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) |
|  |
| 5 | Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) |
|  |
5 Snakes You Can Find in Washington
In the state of Washington, 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 Washington, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.
1. 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.”
2. Puget Sound Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringii
- Common Name: Puget sound garter snake
- Size: Up to 40 inches (1 meter)
- Natural Habitat: Wet, marshy areas in the puget sound region of washington
- Color: Bluish color or dark green with a light stripe, and two rows of small red dots or blotches on the sides
- Habitat: Wet, marshy areas in the puget sound region of washington
- Maximum Size: Up to 40 inches (1 meter)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, small fish, and amphibians
- Reproduction: Lay eggs in clutches of 4-20
- Venom: Non-venomous
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Puget Sound Garter Snake
Puget Sound Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Puget Sound Garter Snake
The Puget Sound Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis pickeringii) is a non-venomous snake species native to the wet, marshy areas of Washington’s Puget Sound region. Measuring up to 40 inches (1 meter) long, this diurnal reptile boasts a unique bluish or dark green coloration with a light stripe and two rows of small red dots or blotches along its sides. Often semi-aquatic, the Puget Sound Garter Snake feeds primarily on earthworms, slugs, small fish, and amphibians. They reproduce by laying eggs in clutches of 4-20, and currently hold a conservation status of least concern.
3. Terrestrial Garter Snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis elegans
- Common Name: Terrestrial garter snake
- Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and forests near water sources
- Color: Striped in various shades of green, brown, or gray
- Habitat: Grasslands, woodlands, and forests near water sources
- Maximum Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter)
- Diet: Earthworms, slugs, snails, frogs, and fish
- Reproduction: Give birth to live young, with 4-17 offspring per litter
- Venom: Mildly venomous, but not harmful to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Terrestrial Garter Snake
Terrestrial Garter Snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Terrestrial Garter Snake
The terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) is a mildly venomous, diurnal snake that grows up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length. Sporting stripes in various shades of green, brown, or gray, these semi-aquatic creatures inhabit grasslands, woodlands, and forests near water sources. They primarily feast on earthworms, slugs, snails, frogs, and fish. The terrestrial garter snake gives birth to live young, with 4-17 offspring per litter. Despite their venom, they are not harmful to humans, and their conservation status is classified as least concern.
4. Valley garter snake
- Scientific Name: Thamnophis elegans vagrans
- Common Name: Valley garter snake
- Size: Up to 43 inches (109 cm)
- Natural Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and near streams or ponds
- Color: Brown, green, or olive with three longitudinal stripes (yellow, blue, or white)
- Habitat: Grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and near streams or ponds
- Maximum Size: Up to 43 inches (109 cm)
- Diet: Earthworms, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates
- Reproduction: Give birth to live young, 3-25 per litter
- Venom: Mildly venomous, but harmless to humans
- Conservation: Least concern
Fully-Grown Valley garter snake
Valley garter snake Snakelet
Fully-Grown Valley garter snake
The Valley Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) is a mildly venomous, diurnal snake, reaching up to 43 inches in length. Featuring an array of brown, green, or olive hues and three distinct longitudinal stripes of yellow, blue, or white, these terrestrial creatures are commonly found in grasslands, meadows, woodlands, and near water sources. They feed primarily on earthworms, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Reproducing via live births, they typically produce 3-25 young per litter. Despite their venom, they pose no threat to humans, and their conservation status is of least concern.
5. 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.”
Nearby States:
Are the Snakes Found in Vermont Similar to Those in Washington?
The snakes found in Vermont and Washington differ due to geographic and climate factors. However, snakes native to green mountain, such as the Eastern garter snake and Northern water snake, share similarities with some species found in Washington, although the overall snake populations are distinct between the two regions.
Final Words
All the 5 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Washington. 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 Washington, 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!
