America's snake capital: This US state has the most venomous snakes in the country (and it's not Texas)

Published 5 July 2026 · us

America's richest state for snake species The US state with the highest number of venomous snakes How Arizona became rattlesnake country Western diamondback: Arizona's best-known

America's richest state for snake species The US state with the highest number of venomous snakes How Arizona became rattlesnake country Western diamondback: Arizona's best-known rattlesnake What makes the Mojave rattlesnake different Arizona's only coral snake is very different High mountains are home to the Arizona black rattlesnake The western rattlesnake's remarkable camouflage and venom Snakes are found across much of the United States, though the number and variety change dramatically from one region to another. Warm southern states and the arid landscapes of the Southwest support far more species than colder northern areas, while Alaska has no native snake populations at all because its climate is too harsh for reptiles to survive. Hawaii is also an exception, with no native land snakes despite its tropical setting. That leaves the remaining states with a remarkable mix of harmless and venomous species, raising a question that often sparks debate: which state has the greatest concentration of venomous snakes? The answer depends on what is being measured. Looking at every snake species produces one result, while counting only venomous species points somewhere else entirely. Understanding that distinction helps explain why two neighbouring states are usually at the centre of the discussion.Texas stands apart for the sheer number of snake species recorded within its borders. The state's enormous size and varied landscapes create habitats that range from humid coastal marshes and forests to grasslands, rocky hills and desert. That environmental variety allows more than a hundred recognised snake species and subspecies to exist in a single state, making Texas the national leader for overall snake diversity.Among those species are fifteen venomous snakes, an impressive total in its own right.

Western diamondbacks, copperheads, cottonmouths and coral snakes all occur in different parts of Texas, alongside several rattlesnake species. Yet despite that impressive collection, Texas does not hold the highest number of venomous species. It leads only when every snake is counted together.When the focus shifts from total snake diversity to venomous snakes alone, Arizona moves into first place. Dry deserts, rocky slopes, mountain ranges and open scrubland provide ideal conditions for pit vipers, particularly rattlesnakes, which thrive in the state's warm climate.Arizona is home to roughly twenty venomous species and subspecies, comfortably the highest tally in the country. The majority belong to the rattlesnake family, with thirteen recognised species found within the state. That figure represents around a third of all rattlesnake species known worldwide, giving Arizona a remarkable concentration of these reptiles compared with anywhere else in the United States.Although the state has fewer snake species overall than Texas, a much larger share of its reptiles are venomous. That difference explains why Arizona is widely regarded as America's venomous snake capital.Rattlesnakes have adapted exceptionally well to Arizona's landscape. The mix of rocky shelter, open ground and warm temperatures provides ideal hunting territory while also offering countless places to hide during the hottest parts of the day.Several species occupy distinct habitats rather than competing directly. Some remain on low desert plains, others favour grasslands, while certain species live high in pine forests or mountain canyons. Even within famous locations such as the Grand Canyon, specialised forms have evolved colours that blend closely with surrounding rock.Despite their reputation, rattlesnakes generally avoid unnecessary encounters. Most bites occur after a snake is accidentally stepped on, handled or cornered rather than through aggressive behaviour.Among Arizona's venomous snakes, the western diamondback rattlesnake is probably the best known.