The Sooner State is no stranger to snakes. There are a wide variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes within the state, including five different species of rattlesnake.
We’ve compiled a list below to make you more familiar with the snake species that call Oklahoma their home. We’ll touch base on lifespan, size, preferred prey, and much more.
Image Credit: Shiela Brown, Public Domain Pictures
Species:
Agkistrodon contortrix, Agkistrodon laticinctus
Longevity:
15–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes, with a permit
Adult size:
22–36 inches
Diet:
Small rodents, lizards, frogs, insects
Found in woodland and rocky areas near bodies of freshwater, the venomous copperhead has a pattern and coloration that allows them to blend well in its leafy habitat.
2. Northern Cottonmouth
Image Credit: Matt Jeppson, Shutterstock
Species:
Agkistrodon piscivorus
Longevity:
8–15 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
20–42 inches
Diet:
Fish, amphibians, birds
The venomous cottonmouth, also known as the water moccasin, is known for opening their mouths in a defensive posture and displaying the white cotton-like coloration inside.
3. Timber Rattlesnake
Image Credit: Paul Staniszewski, Shutterstock
Species:
Crotalus horridus
Longevity:
10–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes, with a permit
Adult size:
35–54 inches
Diet:
Rodents
This striking species of rattlesnake is also referred to as a “velvet tail” because of the black velvety coloration on the tail. This species is commonly found in southeastern Oklahoma.
4. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Image Credit: CHDPhoto, Shutterstock
Species:
Crotalus atrox
Longevity:
15–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes, with a permit
Adult size:
32–82 inches
Diet:
Rodents, rabbits, birds
This is the largest of the western United States’ rattlesnakes. This species is identified by the dark diamonds on its back that are outlined by white coloration.
5. Western Massasauga Rattlesnake
Image Credit: Peter Paplanus, Shutterstock
Species:
Sistrurus tergeminus
Longevity:
10–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes, with a permit
Adult size:
18–30 inches
Diet:
Small rodents, lizards, frogs
Massasauga means “great river mouth” in the Chippewa language. This smaller rattler frequents the grasslands, prairies, rocky hillsides, and swampy marshlands.
6. Western Pygmy Rattlesnake
Image Credit: James DeBoer, Shutterstock
Species:
Sistrurus miliarius streckeri
Longevity:
15–25 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes, with a permit
Adult size:
15–24 inches
Diet:
Mice, lizards, small snakes, insects
This is the smallest of Oklahoma’s rattlesnakes, they are also referred to as the “ground rattler” by some Oklahomans.
7. Prairie Rattlesnake
Image Credit: Harris Motion Photo, Shutterstock
Species:
Crotalus viridus
Longevity:
15–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes, with a permit
Adult size:
32–46 inches
Diet:
Rodents, lizards, birds
This small, venomous rattlesnake is named after its locality, the prairie. This species will only be found in the Oklahoma panhandle and the very far western portion of the state.
The 37 Non-Venomous Species
8. Broad-Banded Water Snake
Image Credit: Brandy McKnight, Shutterstock
Species:
Nerodia fasciata confluens
Longevity:
3–8 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
20–60 inches
Diet:
Fish, frogs, tadpoles
This snake is often observed basking in the morning sun after a night full of hunting for frogs. They are only found in the furthest southeastern tip of Oklahoma near bodies of water.
9. Bullsnake
Image Credit: Grayson Smith, Rawpixel
Species:
Pituophis catenifer sayi
Longevity:
12–30 years
Good to own as a pet?:
Yes
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
48–72 inches
Diet:
Rodents, birds, lizards
The bullsnake is found in all areas of Oklahoma except for the southeastern portion of the state. It likes the prairies, pine-oak woodlands, fields, and open brushland.
10. Coachwhip
Image Credit: Rusty Dodson, Shutterstock
Species:
Masticophis flagellum testaceus
Masticophis flagellum flagellum
Longevity:
10–16 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
36–82 inches
Diet:
Rodents, snakes, lizards, grasshoppers, cicadas
One of the longest and fastest snakes in Oklahoma, there are two subspecies in the state: the eastern coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum flagellum) and the western coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum testaceus). They are active during the heat of the day and located all over the state.
11. Common Gartersnake
Image Credit: PublicDomainImages, Pixabay
Species:
Thamnophis sirtalis
Longevity:
4–10 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
18–48 inches
Diet:
Frogs, toads, earthworms, small rodents
Also known as the “grass snake”, this species has a thick yellow to orangish-red dorsal stripe that runs down the center of the back from head to tail.
12. DeKay’s Brownsnake
Image Credit: Frode Jacobsen, Shutterstock
Species:
Storeria dekayi
Longevity:
5–7 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
10–15 inches
Diet:
Slugs, snails, earthworms
This species is named after James Ellsworth De Kay, a New York naturalist. They can be found in woodlands, marshes, and urban dwellings.
13. Diamond-Backed Water Snake
Image Credit: USFWS, Rawpixel
Species:
Nerodia rhombifer
Longevity:
8–12 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
30–48 inches
Diet:
Fish, frogs
This snake’s habitat consists of ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, and wetland areas. As with most water snakes, they can be confused with the venomous cottonmouth. These snakes are non-venomous but will emit a foul-smelling musk when intimidated.
14. Eastern Hognose Snake
Image Credit: Ryan M. Bolton, Shutterstock
Species:
Heterodon platirhinos
Longevity:
15–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
Yes
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
20–40 inches
Diet:
Toads, frogs
Dispersed through most of Oklahoma, except for the far west portion of the panhandle, the eastern hognose is known for its dramatic. When threatened they will bluff by spreading out its neck and hissing. If the threat goes undeterred, it will play dead. They have upturned, pointy snouts.
15. Flat-Headed Snake
Image Credit: Creeping Things, Shutterstock
Species:
Tantilla gracilis
Longevity:
4–10 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
7–8 inches
Diet:
Centipedes, slugs, insects
Similar to the black-headed snake, this species dwells in rocky prairies and wooded hillsides throughout eastern and central Oklahoma.
16. Graham’s Crayfish Snake
Image Credit: Rusty Dodson, Shutterstock
Species:
Regina grahamii
Longevity:
6–10 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
18–30 inches
Diet:
Crayfish, frogs, snails
Named after their most beloved prey, the crayfish. this snake is active during the day. Their found in crayfish territory near ponds, creeks, and streams and will occasionally feast on frogs and snails.
This nocturnal snake is an excellent climber. It is distributed throughout the entire state of Oklahoma and is often found in trees, searching for its prey.
18. Kansas Glossy Snake
Image Credit: Matt Jeppson, Shutterstock
Species:
Arizona elegans elegans
Longevity:
15–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
25–36 inches
Diet:
Lizards, small rodents
Found in the sandy, open areas in western Oklahoma, including the panhandle, this snake has shiny smooth scales and will vibrate its tail when threatened.
Lined snakes are nocturnal and can often be found in more urban settings. They are typically found underneath debris or piles of trash. They will emit musk when captured but rarely ever bite.
20. Long-Nosed Snake
Image Credit: Hairulazuar, Shutterstock
Species:
Rhinocheilus lecontei
Longevity:
12–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
20–36 inches
Diet:
Lizards, eggs, snakes, rodents
Located in the dry prairies of western Oklahoma, this snake is a nocturnal burrower. Its defense is to hide its head in its coils, vibrate its tail, and discharge a fluid made up of blood, musk, and fecal matter.
With a prominent black checkered pattern, this species is active during the day and is found near water sources of the dry grasslands of western Oklahoma.
22. Northern Red-Bellied Snake
Image Credit: Mike Wilhelm, Shutterstock
Species:
Storeria occipitomaculata occipitomaculata
Longevity:
3–5 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
8–14 inches
Diet:
Slugs, earthworms, insects
As the name suggests, this tiny snake has a red-colored belly and is found in the woodlands of Oklahoma.
This species is located in eastern Oklahoma and dwells near bodies of water. They can emit a foul-smelling musk when threatened. They can be aggressive if you are perceived as a threat. It is easy to mistake this species for the venomous cottonmouth but are not dangerous.
24. Orange-Striped Ribbon Snake
Image Credit: Mike Wilhelm, Shutterstock
Species:
Thamnophis proximus proximus
Longevity:
15–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
18–36 inches
Diet:
Frogs, tadpoles, small fish
This species is closely related to the garter snakes and resides near water. It has a black body with three orange stripes that run the length of the body, with the mid-dorsal stripe being the most vibrant.
This harmless snake is occasionally confused with the venomous cottonmouth. They are seen basking on logs and rocks near the water. They can emit a foul-smelling musk and can get aggressive when threatened. They make their homes near bodies of fresh water.
This species is named for its blackhead. The rest of the body is either brown or gray. They are often found in rocky or grassy prairies, and occasionally hillsides within the moist soil.
27. Plains Garter Snake
Image Credit: tdfugere, Pixabay
Species:
Thamnophis radix
Longevity:
4–10 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
20–36 inches
Diet:
Frogs, salamanders, earthworms, small rodents
The garter snake is the most widely distributed snake across the continent and is found all over Oklahoma. They are harmless and easily identified by the thick dorsal stripe that runs down the center of the back from head to tail.
28. Plains Hognose Snake
Image Credit: Talllly, Shutterstock
Species:
Heterodon nasicus
Longevity:
15–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
Yes
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
16–30 inches
Diet:
Toads, birds, rodents, snakes, lizards
This snake is named for its signature pointed, upturned snout. Hognose snakes are rear-fanged. Their saliva has been found to have some toxic properties that only affect their prey. They are no danger to humans.
29. Prairie Kingsnake
Image Credit: Matt Jeppson, Shutterstock
Species:
Lampropeltis calligaster
Longevity:
12–30 years
Good to own as a pet?:
Yes
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
30–48 inches
Diet:
Snakes, rodents, lizards
The prairie kingsnake spends the day under rocks, brush, or inside of burrows. Kingsnakes eat other snakes and are unharmed by the bite of any of the native venomous snakes here in Oklahoma.
30. Racer
Image Credit: Hwall, Shutterstock
Species:
Coluber constrictor
Longevity:
8–12 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
34–60 inches
Diet:
Small rodents, birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects
This is a harmless, widely distributed snake in Oklahoma. They may vibrate their tail when disturbed or threatened. Racers do not back down when cornered, they tend to have a more aggressive nature when defending themselves. There are two subspecies of racer found in Oklahoma. The southern black racer (Coluber constrictor priapus.) The adults are black with either blue to cream-colored bellies.
31. Ring-necked snake
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Species:
Diadophis punctatus
Longevity:
10–20 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
10–14 inches
Diet:
Earthworms, slugs, small salamanders, lizards
The ring-necked snake is located all over Oklahoma. When disturbed, it will coil its tail and flip over to expose its bright red coloration on the underside.
This secretive snake is commonly found under the cover of logs, rocks, and other debris and is located all over the eastern portion of Oklahoma.
33. Rough Green Snake
Image Credit: Jason Patrick Ross, Shutterstock
Species:
Opheodrys aestivus
Longevity:
10–15 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
20–40 inches
Diet:
Crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and caterpillars
This snake’s vibrant green coloration provides camouflage among the shrubs, vines, bushes, and trees in its habitat. They are excellent climbers and swimmers.
34. Scarlet Snake
Image Credit: Jay Ondreicka, Shutterstock
Species:
Cemophora coccinea
Longevity:
5–10 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
14–24 inches
Diet:
Snakes, lizards and their eggs, and small rodents
This is a more secretive species. This snake is nocturnal and spends most of its time underground or under rocks and rotting logs.
This snake is often called “salt and pepper snake” due to its coloration. It is unaffected by the venomous bites of native venomous snakes and often eats them.
36. Texas Nightsnake
Image Credit: Rusty Dodson, Shutterstock
Species:
Hypsiglena jani texana
Longevity:
8–12 years
Good to own as a pet?:
No
Legal to own?:
Yes
Adult size:
12–16 inches
Diet:
Small lizards, frogs
This snake is rear-fanged and uses mildly toxic saliva to subdue its prey. It poses no threat to humans. It is a nocturnal species that are rarely seen during the day. It spends that time hidden away under rocks and logs.
Found in the most woodland and grassy hillsides near streams, this snake is small and round with a purplish red top and a pink belly.
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma may just be a snake-lovers paradise, as it has no shortage of variety. It is not recommended to take a wild snake from its habitat and make it into a pet. Some of these species can make great pets but you will want to locate a breeder that can offer you a captive-bred animal.
You can own the venomous snakes in Oklahoma if you obtain a permit. It is not recommended to own these snakes unless you are a very experienced handler. Venomous snakes are potentially deadly to humans and should be met with extreme caution.
Learn about the snakes in different regions with one of these related posts:
Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types.
