A Lawton woman recently took to social media to warn other residents about a snake problem at Elmer Thomas Park. Those who follow the local public Facebook group, Talk Lawton, woke up on Friday, Jan. 31 to images of snakes along the walking paths of Lawton's largest park.

In the post, the woman stated, "someone tossed quite a few fake snakes along the path of Elmer Thomas Park." So although the snakes were discovered to be fake, upon first laying eyes on them laying on the cold winter ground, they didn't look too fake. We're assuming someone was playing some kind of prank, which the woman who found them did find funny.

Oklahoma has a variety of venomous snakes.

Even though this was a somewhat harmless prank, the woman did raise a good point in her post. Oklahoma does have a variety of venomous snakes.

Some of the most common venomous snakes in Oklahoma are:

Prairie Rattlesnake

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Northern Cottonmouth 

Copperhead

The cottonmouth is actually the only venomous water snake in Oklahoma. Other water snakes are not venomous, according to an Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist.

Knowing which snakes to look out for is not as important as needing to know where to look for snakes in general.

How to spot Oklahoma's poisonous snakes.

@texasrain110 #TakeTheDayOffChallenge #SoFiMoneyMoves #timberrattlesnake ♬ Oh No - Kreepa

As the warmer months start to get closer, the higher chances are of Oklahomans finding a snake out and about. But they typically aren't just out in the open. Generally, Oklahoma's snakes enjoy being in woodland areas, near bodies of water and tucked away near rocks or grasslands.

If you're out hiking or enjoying nature, it's important to look around before traveling. Check crevices in between rocks, listen for rustling and rattling in grasslands and be cautious of stepping on piles of leaves.

Snakes have also been known for resting on the backside of logs and large rocks, so stepping over the object can startle them and cause them to react.

Warmer months are prime for snakes in Oklahoma.

@fangsdontlie
Best chance of seein a rattlesnake in the souther states is between march-october before most snakes go into brumation

♬ original sound - FangsDontLie

Snakes rely on external heat to stay warm, so it's safe to say that when it's generally warm in Oklahoma, the snakes are out with the sun. Specifically, they're most active between April and October each year.

April also happens to be the kick off time for Oklahoma's rattlesnake festivals statewide. Throughout the month, several cities host rattlesnake derbies, festivals, round ups and hunts to teach communities about rattlesnake safety, identification, handling and more.

This year's rattlesnake festivals are happening:

Waurika Rattlesnake Hunt: April 10 - 13, 2025

Apache Rattlesnake Festival: April 17 - 20, 2025

Mangum Rattlesnake Derby: April 25 - 27, 2025

Okeene Rattlesnake Round Up: TBA

Oklahoma's Venomous Snakes

If you spend any amount of time outdoors in Oklahoma, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the natural world around you. While only seven of Oklahoma's native 46 species of snake are venomous, it's those seven species that are seen the most in the wilds of the Sooner State.

Gallery Credit: Kelso

Oklahoma's Top 10 Most Dangerous & Deadly Animals

Oklahoma is well known for having some of the most dangerous and deadly wild animals to be found anywhere in the United States. The Sooner State is home to several species of wild animals that could quickly and easily harm or kill you. We have it all, from poisonous snakes and spiders to carnivorous predators and everything in between. You'll want to be aware and avoid these dangerous and deadly animals if at all possible. Most aren't looking to harm or kill you but if disturbed or agitated will absolutely attack.

Gallery Credit: Don "Critter" Brown

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