Identify a Snake by Picture

Found a snake in your yard, garage or on a trail? Take a photo from a safe distance and upload it. Our free snake identifier suggests the species, whether it's venomous and the look-alikes it's often confused with - plus what to do next.

Upload a photo of the snake

Photos are analyzed by Google AI only to identify them and are not stored. Do not upload sensitive images. Privacy

Step by step

1
Stay at least 6 feet away
Don't approach, poke or try to move the snake. Use your phone's zoom.
2
Photograph the pattern and head
Try to capture the body pattern, the head and the tail.
3
Upload and identify
Add the photo above and press Identify snake.
4
Treat it as dangerous until you're sure
Whatever the result, keep your distance and give the snake a way to leave.

Safety first: what to do when you see a snake

Most snakes are shy and only bite when they're cornered or handled. Give one space and it will almost always move on. Keep kids and pets away, and never try to catch or kill a snake - that's when most bites happen. If a snake is inside your home, close the door to that room and call animal control or a licensed wildlife removal service.

If someone is bitten

Call 911 right away, even if you think the snake is harmless. US Poison Control is available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 for advice. While you wait for help:

Keep the person calm and as still as possible
Remove rings, watches and tight clothing before swelling starts
Note the time of the bite and, only if it's safe, photograph the snake from a distance
Do not cut the wound, try to suck out venom, use a tourniquet, apply ice or drink alcohol

Venomous snakes in the US

Nearly all venomous snakes in the US belong to two groups:

Pit vipers - rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths (water moccasins). They have heat-sensing pits between the eye and nostril, and rattlesnakes have a rattle
Coral snakes - brightly banded red, yellow and black snakes found mainly in the Southeast and Southwest

Snake ID myths that can get you hurt

These rules of thumb are widely shared and unreliable:

'A triangular head means venomous' - many harmless snakes flatten their heads when threatened
'Round pupils mean harmless' - coral snakes have round pupils, and you shouldn't be close enough to check
'Red touches yellow, kills a fellow' - the rhyme only works for some US coral snakes and fails elsewhere
'No rattle, no rattlesnake' - rattles can break off, and rattlesnakes don't always rattle

Harmless snakes often mistaken for venomous ones

Many snakes are killed because they look like something dangerous:

Northern water snakes are often mistaken for cottonmouths
Young rat snakes and corn snakes are mistaken for copperheads
Gopher and bull snakes, which hiss and vibrate their tails, are mistaken for rattlesnakes
Scarlet kingsnakes and milk snakes are mistaken for coral snakes

Why you shouldn't rely on any photo ID

Color varies a lot within a species, young snakes can look different from adults, and a single photo may hide the features that matter. Our results are a helpful guide, not a guarantee. When an identification isn't certain, we tell you to treat the snake as venomous - and that's always the safe choice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a snake is venomous?

You can't be sure from a photo, so treat any unidentified snake as venomous. In the US, venomous snakes are mainly rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths and coral snakes. Upload a photo for a likely ID, but keep your distance either way.

What should I do if a snake bites me?

Call 911 immediately, even if you think the snake is harmless, and stay as calm and still as you can. Don't cut the wound, suck out venom, apply ice or use a tourniquet. US Poison Control is at 1-800-222-1222.

How do I identify a snake in my yard?

From a safe distance, photograph its pattern and head with your phone's zoom, then upload the photo above. Keep kids and pets away while you check.

Is the snake identifier free?

Yes. It's free, works in your phone's browser and doesn't need an app or an account.

How do I get a snake out of my house?

Keep your distance, close off the room if you can, and call animal control or a licensed wildlife removal service. Don't try to catch it yourself.

Are most snakes dangerous?

No. Most snakes in the US are harmless and help by eating rodents and insects. Still, leave every snake alone - even harmless ones bite when handled.