How to Identify Kentucky’s 4 Venomous Snake Species

Kentucky's Venomous Snakes

I follow a Facebook group called "Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio Snake Identification and Education." It's very active, with contributors posting snake pics throughout the day every day and asking what they are. Effective and educational.

But the administrators are very serious about posting and don't allow images of dead snakes or speculation about what species a snake might be. As you might expect, venomous serpents get a lot of "facetime" on the page.

Copperheads

A handy guide from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources mentions that several snakes are killed each year under the mistaken belief they're copperheads.

I realize that when a copperhead or one of its lookalikes makes an appearance, it might be hard to take a close look. Still--and obviously--it's just good to know.

Copperheads can be found all over Kentucky.

Western Cottonmouth

When it comes to western cottonmouths, behavior is an important thing to notice since their markings aren't readily apparent. Whereas a water snake might dive into the nearest body of water, its venomous doppelganger will "stand their ground in an open-mouthed threat display, revealing the whitish interior of the mouth, and often rapidly vibrate their tail."

Western cottonmouths are common in western Kentucky, including here in Daviess County, and down into the Purchase area and Land Between the Lakes.

Timber Rattlesnake

The timber rattler is the largest venomous serpent in the Commonwealth. Most rattlesnakes shake their tails when alarmed, but a timber rattlesnake will do so when it is provoked. Look for V-shaped crossbands on a yellow, gray, brown, or sometimes greenish color, according to the KDFWR.

Timber rattlers can be found everywhere in Kentucky except the northern Bluegrass region.

Western Pygmy Rattlesnake

This is the least common species of venomous snake in Kentucky, as it is only found around the lakes and, specifically, in Calloway, Lyon, and Trigg Counties. The pygmy rattler's predominant color is gray. You would also see dark spots or short bars--and sometimes a rust-colored stripe--on its back. Those bars and spots might also be on its side. The problem with Western pygmy rattlers is that their rattles are so small, they're hard to hear.

Although the KDFWR assures us that snakebites are rare, it's always best to be prepared for an emergency. Look, listen, watch where you're walking.