Watch your step! Forty species of snakes live in Illinois. They prefer areas like forests, marshes, swamps, ponds, streams and rivers. If a snake bites you, go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Of the 40 snakes in Illinois, only four venomous snakes are native to the state:
IPC encourages caution when exploring the great outdoors. Poisonous snakes mainly slither in southern Illinois, but can potentially be anywhere in the state. Do not attempt to move a snake, even if you think it’s dead.
IPC is here to help. Calls to our helpline, 1-800-222-1222, are free and confidential. Toxicology experts are available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.