Venomous Snakes in Virginia

There are more than 30 types of snakes in Virginia, but only three are venomous: northern copperheads, rattlesnakes, and eastern cottonmouths (also known as water moccasins). In the Richmond VA area, there are no rattlesnakes and virtually no cottonmouth snakes. There are plenty of copperheads, though!

It is illegal to kill a snake in Virginia

You can kill a snake only if it poses a threat to yourself, a person or livestock. If the snake is listed by the state as threatened or endangered – for example, the canebrake rattlesnake – you can’t legally kill it, even under those conditions. Illegally killing a snake is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. If you see a snake, don’t attempt to catch it or kill it. Call a professional snake removal company