Are There Any Snakes In Alaska Today (2022)? - Is Alaska The Only State Without Snakes?

Most people have a question, are there any snakes in Alaska? No, Alaska has no snakes natively. There are many things that Alaska is renowned for, but snakes are not one of them. The wilds of Alaska don't have any snakes native to the region, but it doesn't mean there aren't any snakes.

There have been stories of them slithering around in the wild, appearing on news networks, and even being as lethal as the deadly Alaskan snow snake, which can freeze your blood with just one bite.

Are There Any Snakes In Alaska?

Alaska is an excellent state without any deadly snakes. Although you can see them in Alaska, there is no confirmed evidence of any snake species establishing a long-term residence there. Therefore, Alaska has no native snake species if you're looking for a location to dwell.

As a result of Alaska's extreme cold, snakes are seldom, if ever, observed in the wild there. Since snakes have cold blood, higher temperatures are necessary to keep them warm and alive. 

Additionally, there is a significant amount of snow, depending on where you are. Most snake species can only withstand temperatures as low as 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Even in Alaska's hottest regions, the wintertime lows are below 65 degrees.

Snakes have been spotted there for years despite being rare in the wild west. For example, some people observed Garter snakes congregating near hot springs in Alaska in the 1970s. However, there haven't been any reports of it occurring in that region again in the past 50 years.

On the Alaskan panhandle, people occasionally see garter snakes. Fortunately, garter snakes are not a threat. No confirmed accounts of these snakes residing in Alaska exist. Therefore, people are not permitted to hunt or gather for themselves.

Garter snakes don't have significant numbers, and it's uncertain how frequently people encounter these snakes, although individuals have reported seeing them in Alaska.

Are There Any Poisonous Snakes In Alaska?

No, there is no venomous snake in Alaska. But we must consider the reported (but unconfirmed) sightings of garter snakes since the answer is a little more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

For a very long time, humans thought that garter snakes were harmless. However, findings from the past two decades point out that although these reptiles are somewhat poisonous, they are not fatal to people. Because garter snakes have difficulty injecting their venom, it has long been assumed that they are not venomous.

Why Are There No Snakes In Alaska?

In Alaska, reptiles do not flourish for a variety of reasons. First, it's too cold, and secondly, there isn't much daylight for most of the year. Since they are ectotherms, snakes and other reptiles rely on the sun's heat to keep warm. Therefore, reptiles cannot exist without sunlight or warm temperatures.

Alaska is renowned for having no reptiles at all—not even lizards. A sea turtle is the closest thing an Alaskan might see to a local snake. The wood frog is only one of the amphibians that may live in Alaska. The fact that wood frogs can resist having their bodies freeze to a solid state and still "come back to life" makes them an excellent choice for the chilly temperature of Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are There Any Poisonous Spiders Or Snakes In Alaska?

Most people, especially those from dangerous snake territory, completely appreciate Alaska's renown for having no snakes at all. In Alaska, no lizards nor freshwater turtles, nor snakes live. In Alaska, sea turtle sightings are the only known reptiles.

2. Are There Any Venomous Animals In Alaska?

Alaska is the most satisfactory American state for those who fear snakes because there are no venomous snakes. In addition, No snakes have made their home there permanently.

3. Is Alaska Tpermanently made their homes?

Alaska is one of just two states devoid of snakes, the other being Hawaii. Hawaii is a better example of how being an island explains why most nations without snakes have been so fortunate.