The state of Oregon is home to some of the most unique and diverse flora and fauna, including the snakes. The state is covered by over 60% of forest cover and this means that there are so many creatures that call this state home. During your trip to the region, you are going to see some of the unique species that can only be found here.
The state is the top timber producer in the country and these forests, woodlands, and grasslands create a perfect area for different snake species to thrive in the region.
Here are some of the snakes that you are going to find in the state of Oregon.
Table of Contents
Night snake
The night snake is one of the snakes that you are going to find in the state of Oregon. These snakes are much similar to the rattlesnakes. You are likely to encounter them in the woodlands, grasslands, and the forest lands of Oregon. These snakes are dark in color and they have a flat and triangular head.
They come in different colors which can vary from brown, beige, and grey. These snakes are iconic because you will find them moving from one location to another and they can grow up to 26 inches long. It is important to understand that night snakes are venomous and they can bite and produce a venom that is going to produce venom that can cause body paralysis.
These snakes are unique because they consume a wide array of creatures such as hedgehogs and cats. This means that they attract a large amount of venom that can be dangerous to the system.
These snake species are unique and they can be found in different areas across the state such as the scrub habitats and the arid desert across the state. They tend to prefer the rocky tops and they come out during the day to bask. They are more active at night and you will likely spot them at night or in the evening.
Pacific Coast aquatic garter snake
The Pacific aquatic coast aquatic garter snake is one of the snakes that you are going to find in the state of Oregon. These snakes tend to live in close proximity to water bodies because they cannot survive without water.
They come in different colors – these snakes can be olive brown and some feature yellow dorsal stripes. They can be found in rivers, marshes, ponds, lakes, and other wetlands.
California mountain kingsnake
The California mountain kingsnake is one of the snakes that you are going to find in the state of Oregon. This snake is known to grow up to 30 inches long and it can live up to 20 years. They are dull snakes and they are docile in nature therefore they are not likely to attack you unless they are feeling threatened.
They are nonvenomous snakes and it is critical to note that they consume a wide array of creatures therefore during your travel to the region you should stay away from them in as much as they are nonvenomous, they are likely to transfer bacteria to your body and this can result in fatal diseases because they interfere with your biological system.
These snakes are more popular in the Umpqua River and Rogue River valleys. These snakes are often mistaken for their counterpart, the coral snakes.
However, you should take your time to note their movements and avoid interfering with their habitat. These snakes are known to consume a wide array of creatures ranging from birds, lizards, toads, and frogs among other creatures in the region.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The western terrestrial garter snake is another iconic snake that calls the state of Oregon home. This snake is popular for its unique features, and it is a venomous snake; therefore, you should ensure that you are careful when exploring the different parts of the state.
These are some of the most advanced species and they are highly variable species. They come in different colors such as white and orange, and they have yellow stripes on their bodies. It might be challenging for most people to identify these snakes; therefore, you should be careful when exploring the different parts of this unique state.
The western terrestrial garter snake can grow up to 41 inches long, and they thrive in the different grassland and forest lands in the region. These garter snakes are known to have venom that, when delivered in high concentrations, is likely to cause major defects in the vital organs and the body system.
The garter snakes consume a wide array of species as well, and there is a high chance that they are going to transfer bacteria from one species to your body, and this can result in damage to your vital organs.
Common Garter Snake
The common garter snake is another species that you are going to find in the state of Oregon.
These snakes are usually found closer to the water bodies and they are thin and medium in size. They can grow up to 4 feet long and they come in different unique colors which include orange, blue, black, brown, gold, red, and yellow.
The venom that is produced is neurotoxic and this means that it interferes with your central nervous system. When they attack, they deliver this venom and this will cause paralysis of different areas such as the heart, liver, and lungs.
While they are not aggressive, it is always important that you stay away from them because they can be agitated and bite whenever they are feeling threatened.
Their diet usually consists of frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, slugs, earthworms, and lizards among others.
They usually inhabit coniferous forests and they are known to be docile in nature.
Western Rattlesnake
The western rattlesnake is the most vicious snake that you are going to find in the state of Oregon. This snake is known to be highly venomous and it is located all over the state. It is important that you stay far away from them because when they bite, they are likely to cause fatalities.
It is recommended that you watch out for the western rattlesnake when you are exploring different parts of the state of Oregon. They are commonly called prairie snakes and they inhabit the forested parts of the state as well as near the cliffs among other areas.
The western rattlesnakes are known to thrive all over the state of Oregon, and the species have an extremely potent venom; therefore, you should not try catching it. Over 55% of the venom is lethal and this happens in a single bite. These snakes are easy to feel threatened, therefore, when you are exploring different areas, then you should watch out for them.
They can grow up to 5 feet long and they have a triangular head, thin neck, and they are known to rattle before they can attack.
Northwestern Garter Snake
The northwestern garter snake is one of the snakes that is popular in the state of Oregon, and during your visit to the state, you are likely to interact with them in the urban areas, Rogue Valley, and even in city parks.
This species is endemic to North America, and they come in variable species across the world. Their venom is used to paralyze the prey before they can consume them. While this venom is not fatal to humans, when it is delivered at high concentrations, then it is likely to cause death.
The snakes are found in a wide array of regions across the state, and this ranges from the woodlands, grasslands, and forested areas among other top places across the state. The northwestern garter snakes are known to prefer the meadows, edges of forests, and habitats with heavy vegetation. This is important because it allows them to easily adapt to the setting and bask whenever they can. You will find them in Rogue Valley among other regions of the state.
These species are carnivores and they consume birds, insects, fish, frogs, toads, and small mammals such as rodents. While they do not attack people, they can find it aggressive to attack you and deliver dangerous venom to your body.
Gopher snake
The gopher snake, or what is popularly known as the bull snake, is another species that you are going to find in the state of Oregon.
This snake is iconic because it can grow up to 72 inches and they are known to be very big snakes. They usually have a unique way of handling their prey, and this is by constricting them. Since they are large in size and have very strong muscles, they can attack and wind themselves around the body of the victim before they can squeeze and crush them with their strong muscles. They are very dangerous, and whenever they are feeling threatened, then they are likely to attack you.
They can be found anywhere across the state of Oregon. The gopher snake is known to consume a wide array of species such as lizards and insects. They can also consume larger prey such as rabbits as well.
Common kingsnake
The common kingsnake is another one of snakes that you are likely to find in the state of Oregon, and during your travel, you are likely to interact with them.
They are known to grow up to 48 inches long and can live up to 20 years. These snakes are characterized by creamy white and black bands on their bodies, and they are found in different parts of the state.
Some of the species that these snakes consume are toads, frogs, turtles, and birds among others. They are immune to the venom that is produced by the toad and other dangerous amphibians.
It is important that you stay far away from these snakes because whenever they are feeling threatened, they are likely to attack you.
___________________
Want to know more about snakes and dangerous animals in the neighbouring states?
