According to the Burke Museum, a rarely seen type of snake that can be found in the eastern Washington region is a rubber boa. Rubber boas are common throughout the state but due to their reclusive nature are difficult to find. This type of snake is found in dry pine forests, wet forests or shrubby habitat, and prefers cooler temperatures. They are often active during the night.
There are several species of common snakes found in the eastern part of the state, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, including the racer, the sharp-tailed snake, the ringneck snake, the right snake and the gopher snake. The gopher snake is a large, aggressive snake found in grasslands and arid areas. Growing 3 to 4 feet in length, the gopher snake is often mistaken for the western rattlesnake with its coloration and coiling, though the large snake is not venomous.
Several species of garter snake can be found in the eastern Washington region near Monroe, including the red-spotted garter snake, the northwestern garter snake, the western terrestrial garter snake and the valley garter snake. The western terrestrial snake is found typically in water and can be seen throughout the state. This large snake can grow to 40 inches. In contrast, the northwestern garter snake can be found in urban areas, especially in the park areas near Monroe.
According to the Burke Museum, the western rattlesnake is the only viper to live in the state of Washington. The western rattlesnake is common in parts of eastern Washington and is typically found in and around their den areas. Rattlesnake bites are not normally lethal to humans but are very painful.
