Washington’s Only Rattlesnake: The Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
The northern Pacific rattlesnake lives mostly in eastern Washington. They have been observed somewhat in central Washington as well, though less frequently, near the Columbia River gorge and Ellensburg. Northern Pacific rattlesnakes emerge from their dens in April and May and return once again in the fall. These snakes are easy to identify by the rattle at the end of their tails, their triangular-shaped heads, and the two “pits” between their eyes and nostrils (they look like small holes). Northern Pacific rattlesnakes have a base color that is gray, olive, tan, or brown, with large dark blotches along their backs. These snakes are generally 18-48 inches long in Washington. They often have black and white stripes just before the rattle at the end of their tails. Although rattlesnakes can appear frightening at first, they do not pursue humans. In fact, northern Pacific rattlesnakes will often stay quiet when humans walk by to avoid discovery. They are ambush predators, so they are good at sitting and waiting, especially when they are waiting for a rodent to scurry by. If you do happen to see a rattlesnake, never try to move it from the trail yourself. Most rattlesnake bites occur when people are trying to move, scare, or kill these snakes. If give a rattlesnake a wide berth and leave it alone, it will leave you alone as well.
Other Common Snakes in Washington
In addition to Northern Pacific rattlesnake, there are 10 or more other kinds of non-venomous snakes that live in Washington. Take a look at just a few examples of Washington state’s other snake species.
Pacific Gopher Snake
Many Pacific gopher snakes live on the east side of the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington. These snakes look a lot like rattlesnakes, with similar colors and patterns. Gopher snakes even mimic rattlesnake behavior to trick their predators. When they feel threatened, gopher snakes coil up like a rattlesnake and hiss loudly. They even shake the end of their tail, although there is no rattle there. Even with all these similarities, however, gopher snakes are not venomous or dangerous. Nonetheless, gopher snakes can be defensive, so it is best to leave them alone.
Garter Snake
Garter Snakes are one of the most common types of snakes living in Washington. There are several different types of garter snakes found in Washington, like the common garter snake, northwestern garter snake, and western terrestrial garter snake. Most of Washington’s garter snakes are found east of the Cascade Mountain Range, although there are some that live in the western portion of the state. The Northwestern garter snake lives more on the west side of the Cascade Mountain Rage. This snake is usually gray or brown, with a vertical stripe along its back that could be yellow, tan, red, green, or turquoise. It is a smaller species of garter snake, ranging from 17-27 inches long on average (although there are many that are longer). Garter snakes are not dangerous to humans.
Northwestern Ring-Necked Snake
Northwestern ring-necked snakes (or Ringneck Snakes) are harmless, small snakes usually around 10-15 inches in length with very smooth scales. This snake is usually found along the east slope of the Cascade Mountains, as well as along the eastern parts of the Snake River. Like its name, the ring-necked snake has a brightly colored “ring” marking around its neck. The top half of the snake is one solid color, typically gray, olive, or black. The underbelly of the northwestern ring-necked snake is bright red, orange, or yellow, an especially vibrant contrast to its solid-colored back. In some snakes the belly is all one color, while in others the belly may change color from the head towards the tail, beginning with yellow and ending in red. Only the top of the northwestern ring-necked snake can be seen while it is moving along the ground. When the snake feels threatened, it will curl the end of its colorful tail into a coil to show off its bright colors as a warning.
Desert Striped Whipsnake
The desert striped whipsnake is one of the rarest snakes living in Washington, found only in some of the dry areas in the central Columbia Basin. It is also Washington’s longest snake, measuring from 30-72 inches long. The desert striped whipsnake is usually gray, red-brown, olive, or black, with two lighter vertical stripes running along both sides of its body. These snakes have excellent vision and are quite fast. The desert striped whipsnake is considered a “Species of Greatest Conservation Need” in Washington.
Northern Rubber Boa
The northern rubber boa lives all throughout Washington, usually in cool and moist areas. This is a unique snake that looks like a long, living rubber tube. Rubber boas do not like the heat, so they spend their time in cooler areas when possible. These snakes are very docile and do not strike. When they feel threatened, they exude a smelly musk.
Northern Desert Night Snake
Northern desert night snakes live in the central and eastern parts of Washington. These snakes can be mistaken for rattlesnakes when seen from far away. They have light brown or light gray bodies with two rows of darker blotches along their backs. A night snake also acts like a rattlesnake when it feels threatened. It will coil up its body, shake its tail, and hiss at the threat. Unlike rattlesnakes, however, night snakes are gentle and are not dangerous to humans. These snakes are quiet and secretive, coming out primarily at night to hunt for food.
Western Yellow-Bellied Racer
The western yellow-bellied racer lives in the eastern half of Washington, usually in dry areas with protective covering (although they are sometimes found in bogs and marshes as well). Like its name, this snake has a creamy yellow belly with a smooth blue-gray, blue-green, or brown body.
