The question of whether snakes inhabit the Seattle area is common for those new to the Pacific Northwest, and the answer is yes, they do exist in the greater Puget Sound region. While snakes are not as abundant or visible here as they are in arid climates, several native species thrive in the surrounding King County and Western Washington landscapes. The cool, moist environment west of the Cascade Mountains limits the diversity of the local snake population, but those that do live here are a regular, though often unseen, part of the local ecosystem. Understanding the local species and their preferred habitats provides context for the occasional encounter outside the dense city center.
The Definitive Answer on Snake Presence
Snakes are confirmed residents of Washington State, but their presence is geographically concentrated, making sightings within the true Seattle city limits rare. The dense urbanization and lack of large, contiguous natural spaces in the downtown core mean that conditions are generally unsuitable for permanent populations. The Puget Sound region, including the broader King County, supports native snake populations in its numerous protected greenbelts, suburban parks, and undeveloped areas. These areas provide the necessary cover, moisture, and prey base for local species to survive and reproduce. The native snakes of Western Washington have adapted specifically to the cooler, wetter climate of the Pacific coast.
Identifying Seattle’s Local Snake Species
The most frequently encountered snake in the Puget Sound area is the Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), specifically the Puget Sound Gartersnake subspecies (T. s. pickeringii). This species is relatively slender and can reach lengths of up to 40 inches, though most are smaller. Its coloration is typically dark grey or black with three prominent stripes running the length of its body—a narrow stripe down the back and one on each side—that are often bright yellow, turquoise, or bluish.
Northern Rubber Boa
A more secretive, but equally native, species is the Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae), one of the smallest boa species in the world. The Rubber Boa is easily identifiable by its smooth, loose skin that gives it a rubber-like texture and its uniform coloring, which ranges from tan to dark brown or olive-green. A distinctive feature is its short, blunt tail that closely resembles its head, an adaptation believed to confuse potential predators.
Understanding the Danger Level
The primary concern for most people encountering a snake relates to the potential for venom. Local residents can be reassured that no venomous snakes are native to the immediate Seattle or Puget Sound region. The species that thrive in Western Washington, including the Garter Snake and the Rubber Boa, are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. The Garter Snake may occasionally attempt a bite if handled, but this is a harmless defensive reaction.
Western Rattlesnake
Washington State does host one native venomous species, the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus). Its range is limited exclusively to the hot, arid environments east of the Cascade Mountains. Encounters with a rattlesnake would require significant travel away from Seattle and across the mountain range into Eastern Washington. Any snake encountered in a park or backyard in King County can be safely assumed to be one of the region’s harmless native species.
Where to Find Snakes Near Seattle
Local snakes are habitat generalists that seek out cool, moist areas with plenty of cover outside the urban core. The Common Garter Snake is often found near water, inhabiting the edges of marshes, ponds, streams, and wet meadows in suburban parks and greenbelts. They are also frequently spotted in human-modified landscapes, taking shelter under rocks, logs, or debris for thermoregulation. The Northern Rubber Boa prefers cool, moist environments like woodlands, forests, and rocky areas. They spend considerable time underground or under leaf litter, but they occasionally emerge to bask in sunny clearings.