Most people don’t go house hunting wondering how many snakes live nearby – but maybe they should. Some states in the U.S. are practically slithering with snakes. Whether it’s venomous pit vipers in the woods or harmless garter snakes sunbathing on a rock, these cold-blooded creatures are far more common in some areas than others.
What might surprise you is that the places with the most snakes aren’t always dry, desert regions. In fact, some of the most snake-packed states are green, humid, and covered in forests or swamps. And don’t worry – while snake bites in the U.S. rarely result in death, a few states on this list have recorded tragic encounters.
If you’re squeamish about snakes or simply curious where they show up the most, here are 10 U.S. states where snakes are absolutely everywhere.
1. Texas – A Snake for Every Taste
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the snake count. This state is home to a whopping 68 different snake species, more than any other state. From the desert regions in the west to the swampy lowlands near the Gulf Coast, snakes are just part of life in the Lone Star State.
You’ll find the notorious western diamondback rattlesnake, copperheads, cottonmouths, and coral snakes, along with countless harmless varieties. Even exotic species have made headlines – like the case of 18-year-old Grant Thompson, who tragically died in 2015 after being bitten by his own monocled cobra in Austin.
Texas isn’t just diverse in its geography – its snake population reflects that same wild variety. If you don’t like surprises while hiking, steer clear of tall grass in Texas.
2. Missouri – More Snakes Than You Might Expect
Missouri doesn’t often get recognized as a snake hotspot, but it deserves the title. This Midwestern state is home to 47 different snake species, including the Western cottonmouth and the massasauga rattlesnake.
Many of the state’s snakes are non-venomous, but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. In 2014, a man named Timothy Levins died after picking up a snake while camping at Sam A. Baker State Park. He was trying to show it to his sons but was bitten and died shortly after. It’s a chilling reminder that even well-meaning curiosity can lead to tragedy.
From the Ozarks to the Mississippi River Valley, Missouri is crawling with snakes – many of them hidden in plain sight.
3. Arizona – Rattlesnake Central
With its arid deserts and rocky outcrops, Arizona looks like classic snake territory – and it is. The state is home to 52 species of snakes, and 13 of those are rattlesnakes, making Arizona the global leader in rattlesnake diversity.
Among them is the Mojave rattlesnake, notorious for having venom that’s even more toxic than other rattlers. People hiking in rural areas are advised to carry snakebite kits and know the signs of venomous encounters.
In 2007, 63-year-old Jackie Ledwell was bitten by a rattlesnake while out for a walk in Paulden, Arizona. She didn’t survive. In this state, even a peaceful stroll can turn deadly if you’re not watching where you step.
4. Florida – Swampy and Slithery
Florida is often known for its alligators, but its snake population is just as intimidating. With 46 different species, the Sunshine State is home to creatures like the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake, cottonmouth, and coral snake.
Florida’s wild, humid environments, from the Everglades to backyard gardens, create the perfect habitat for snakes. Sadly, even children aren’t immune to the danger. In 2014, four-year-old Braden Bullard was bitten while helping plant watermelons in his yard. Despite quick medical attention, he passed away two weeks later.
If you’re digging in the dirt or walking in tall grass in Florida, assume you’re not alone.
5. Alabama – Copperheads in the Woods
Alabama ranks high with 43 species of snakes, including several venomous ones like the copperhead, cottonmouth, and Eastern coral snake. The warm, humid climate and wooded terrain make this state a perfect habitat for snakes to thrive, often unseen by humans.
One terrifying incident involved 52-year-old Oliver “Chum” Baker, who was bitten by a copperhead near Lewis Smith Lake. He lost consciousness in under two minutes and later died in the hospital. It’s a grim reminder that snake bites, while rare, can turn fatal in minutes.
Whether you’re hiking or just relaxing in your backyard, snake encounters are far from uncommon in Alabama.
6. Georgia – Forests Full of Fangs
Georgia ties with Florida and Arizona at 46 snake species, making it a true stronghold of serpents in the Southeast. You’ll find the Eastern diamondback, timber rattlesnake, and other venomous and non-venomous snakes tucked into Georgia’s pine forests, fields, and riverbanks.
Tragedy struck in Waverly, Georgia, when 62-year-old Priscilla Meredith was bitten by a timber rattlesnake in a garden. Due to allergies, she couldn’t receive anti-venom and died weeks later. It’s a harrowing situation that emphasizes the importance of medical preparedness in snake country.
Georgia’s blend of rural wilderness and suburban sprawl makes it one of the most snake-active states in the country.
7. New Mexico – Desert Dwellers and More
New Mexico boasts up to 50 species of snakes depending on the source, with rattlesnakes, coral snakes, and newly discovered species like the muscularo black-headed snake. Its desert landscape is ideal for heat-loving reptiles, and you’re just as likely to encounter one in the open plains as you are in a canyon.
Surprisingly, recent data doesn’t reveal many deaths from snake bites in New Mexico, though this may be due to quick access to medical care or better public awareness. Still, caution is critical in a state where venomous snakes are woven into the environment.
Whether you’re a hiker, rancher, or weekend camper, New Mexico’s snakes are always close by – even if you can’t see them.
8. Oklahoma – Where the Rattles Rattle Loud
Oklahoma is home to 46 species of snakes, including the Western diamondback, copperhead, and timber rattlesnake. The eastern woodlands and western plains both provide perfect environments for snakes to thrive.
In 2018, a man named Barry Lester tragically died after being bitten on both hands while trying to move a rattlesnake off the road in Osage County. Despite good intentions, he collapsed shortly after and didn’t survive.
Oklahoma’s rural spaces make snake encounters common, especially in the spring and summer months.
9. California – Variety is the Spice of Snake Life
California is massive and ecologically diverse, which helps explain why it has 33 snake species, including six venomous types like the Western diamondback. From deserts and forests to mountains and coastal regions, this state has more than just earthquakes to worry about.
The death of 67-year-old William Price is a sobering example. He was participating in a fish study near San Diego when he was bitten above the ankle while crossing a stream. He didn’t survive.
Even if you’re far from the Mojave Desert, don’t assume you’re safe from snakes in California – they adapt to a wide range of environments.
10. Louisiana – Snakes in the Swamps
Louisiana rounds out the list with 48 known snake species. The cottonmouth is especially infamous here, commonly found in the state’s bayous and marshes. It’s also known as the water moccasin, and it’s one of the few venomous snakes that isn’t afraid to stand its ground.
Back in 1971, 28-year-old Ryan Bristow died after being bitten by a water moccasin while collecting snakes in Garyville. His story is one of the earliest examples of how dangerous these snakes can be even to experienced handlers.
Between thick humidity and dense vegetation, snakes in Louisiana can appear suddenly, and they’re often closer than you think.
Snake Country is Bigger Than You Think
If you thought only the desert Southwest was crawling with snakes, think again. From the Deep South to the Midwest, snakes are thriving in forests, fields, swamps, and even suburbs. While most are harmless and avoid people, a few bites each year still turn deadly.
So whether you’re buying a home, planting a garden, or just heading out for a hike – know your local snakes. Wear boots, stay alert, and maybe reconsider flipping over that log.
One thing’s for sure: in these 10 states, you’re never too far from something slithering.
Mark grew up in the heart of Texas, where tornadoes and extreme weather were a part of life. His early experiences sparked a fascination with emergency preparedness and homesteading. A father of three, Mark is dedicated to teaching families how to be self-sufficient, with a focus on food storage, DIY projects, and energy independence. His writing empowers everyday people to take small steps toward greater self-reliance without feeling overwhelmed.