Venomous snakes usually have a triangular (wide at the back and attached to a narrow neck) or ‘spade-shaped’ head. Be aware that many non-venomous snakes, such as watersnakes, flatten their heads when threatened and may be confused with venomous snakes.

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Of the 33 snake species found in Kentucky, only four are venomous. Venomous snakes include the Copperhead, Western Cottonmouth (water moccasin), Timber Rattlesnake, and Pigmy Rattlesnake.

Venomous snakes have distinct heads. While non-venomous snakes have a rounded head, venomous snakes have a more triangular-shaped head. The shape of a venomous snake’s head may deter predators. However, some non-venomous snakes can mimic the triangular shape of non-venomous snakes by flattening their heads.

Timber Rattlesnakes are stocky and noted for the prominent rattle on their tail tip. Their dorsal color can be gray, yellow, brown or green. Most Kentucky Timber Rattlesnakes are patterned with dark crossbands or chevrons that run along the back. The belly is light in color with black dots.

The Timber Rattlesnake
The Timber Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Kentucky and can often be found in the forest. And of course, it’s known for its rattling tail when the snake becomes alarmed. So when you’re out and about in Kentucky and come across a snake, how can you tell it’s venomous?

Kentucky’s venomous snakes are the copperhead, cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake, and pigmy rattlesnake. All four species belong to a group of snakes called pit vipers.

Habitat / Range: Pigmy Rattlesnakes are only found in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (Calloway, Lyon and Trigg Counties). Individuals are quite rare, and thus little is known about their habitat preferences in Kentucky.

There are two varieties of rattlesnakes in Kentucky, the Timber Rattlesnake, shown below, as well as the Western Pigmy. The Timber Rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in Kentucky and can often be found in the forest.

The pigmy rattlesnake is only present in Kentucky in the southern portion of the Land Between the Lakes and Trigg County areas. First, lets discuss a common but untrue method of identifying a venomous snake. Probably the most common statement I hear is “poisonous snakes have blunt tails”. This is an absolute untruth.

While most snakes throughout the Bluegrass are completely harmless, there are a few types of venomous snakes in Kentucky to watch for and they’re emerging from their dens now as we approach the summer months. During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

When the weather warms up in Kentucky, everyone enjoys spending more time outside. The same can be said for animals, and yes, that includes snakes. Snakes rank right up there with bees and sharks as widely misunderstood animals that many people are afraid of, and yet probably shouldn’t be.