Washington Snake Removal Laws: What Homeowners Can (and Can’t) Legally Do
August 11, 2026
Washington treats a garter snake sunning itself on your patio and a rattlesnake coiled near your woodpile under remarkably similar legal protections. Snake removal laws in Washington are stricter than most homeowners expect, and grabbing a shovel or a snake hook before checking the rules can put you on the wrong side of a state wildlife statute. Before you trap, relocate, or kill anything slithering through your yard, it helps to know exactly what the law allows.
This guide walks through your legal options for handling a snake on your property, which species carry special protection, when permits come into play, and what happens if you get it wrong. You’ll also find guidance on hiring a certified professional when a situation calls for one, especially with the state’s only venomous native species.
Important Note: This article summarizes Washington wildlife statutes and regulations for general educational purposes. It is not legal advice. Contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) or a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation.
Is It Legal to Remove or Relocate a Snake Yourself in Washington
Washington’s wildlife removal framework starts from a simple premise: property owners have some room to deal with nuisance animals, but that room is narrower than most people assume. As the broader wildlife removal laws in Washington explain, Washington’s wildlife removal framework is governed primarily by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the state’s Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Code under RCW Title 77. That same framework applies directly to snakes.
According to the Washington Trails Association, all snakes in Washington state are protected by state law, and it is therefore illegal to trap, remove or kill any snake that you capture — intentionally or otherwise. That protection covers every native species, not just the ones people worry about.
Rather than trapping or handling a snake directly, WDFW recommends non-lethal encouragement. If a snake gets into a house or other building, remain calm to avoid disturbing it and forcing it into hiding. From there, try opening a nearby door and using a broom to gently herd the animal out, or use a long pole, stick, or golf club to pick a snake up and place it in a box or wastebasket for transport outdoors.
Pro Tip: If you’d rather not handle the snake at all, WDFW notes that if someone else isn’t available to remove the snake, you can hire a wildlife control company to do the job instead of attempting removal yourself.
Acting on your own without understanding these limits carries real exposure. As the wildlife removal laws overview for the state points out, acting without understanding the state’s wildlife removal laws can expose you to serious fines, license revocations, and even criminal charges. That risk applies even when the intent was harmless, like scooping a snake off the porch with a rake.
Protected Snake Species in Washington
Washington is home to roughly a dozen snake species, and the vast majority are harmless. According to the Washington Trails Association, Washington is home to 12 species of snakes, and the majority of these species are harmless, however one species has a potentially dangerous bite: the western rattlesnake. Several of these species also carry heightened conservation status beyond baseline statutory protection.
The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is one of the most frequently encountered species statewide. WDFW notes that according to NatureServe, the state conservation status of the common garter snake population is considered “secure” in Washington, though collection of this species is only permitted under a WDFW Scientific Collection Permit for research and educational activities. The terrestrial gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans) carries the same “secure” designation, with the state conservation status of the terrestrial gartersnake population considered “secure” in Washington according to NatureServe records.
The gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer) is another widespread, non-venomous species that’s often mistaken for something more dangerous. Gopher snakes will bite if threatened, but the bite is not venomous, and according to NatureServe, the state conservation status of the gopher snake population is considered “secure” in Washington.
The California mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis zonata) is the standout exception. This species has a small, isolated population near the Columbia River Gorge, and in Washington, this snake occurs at the northern extreme of its range, and the population is isolated from the rest of its range by approximately 200 miles. WDFW classifies it as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) under the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), and collection of this species is only permitted under a WDFW Scientific Collection Permit for research and educational activities. Its red, black, and white banding also causes frequent misidentification; homeowners sometimes assume they’ve found a venomous species, though as detailed in the piece on whether coral snakes exist in Washington, no coral snake species occur naturally in the state.
| Snake Type (Common Name) | Venomous | State Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Common garter snake | No | Secure |
| Terrestrial gartersnake | No | Secure |
| Northwestern gartersnake | No | Secure |
| Gopher snake | No | Secure |
| Western rattlesnake | Yes | Secure (conservation concerns noted) |
| California mountain kingsnake | No | Species of Greatest Conservation Need |
WDFW also cautions that snake classifications aren’t fixed. Several snake species in Washington hold special state status, and because their legal status is currently undergoing change, contact your local state Fish and wildlife office for updated information. Checking with a regional WDFW office before assuming a species is unprotected is worth the phone call.
Permit Requirements for Snake Removal in Washington
Permits govern far more than just professional trapping. Under state code, it is unlawful to import into the state, hold, possess, offer for sale, sell, or release all snake species into the wild without the proper license to do so (WAC 220-450-030). That rule applies whether you’re a hobbyist, a homeowner relocating an unwanted snake, or a business handling reptiles commercially.
Anyone considering keeping a native snake — even temporarily while arranging removal — should understand how ownership rules intersect with removal rules. The related guide on whether you can legally own a venomous snake in Washington covers the licensing side of that question in more detail. Local governments layer on additional restrictions in some cases. Bellingham’s municipal code, for example, states that no person shall be permitted to own, harbor, or maintain any lion, tiger, bear, gorilla, lynx, cougar, jaguar or venomous snake, coyote, or any other native species to Washington except as licensed under state law, with an annual permit fee of $20.00 for each approved location for those who do qualify.
King County goes further on venomous species specifically. According to a state legislative bill report, King County bans ownership of venomous snakes, nonhuman primates, bears, nondomesticated felines and canines, and crocodiles. That means a permit that would be valid in one part of the state may not be recognized just a few miles away in a different jurisdiction.
Key Insight: Washington isn’t unusual in layering state and local permitting for wildlife removal. States like California, Arizona, and North Carolina all set their own permitting thresholds for handling native wildlife, so rules that apply to a friend in another state won’t necessarily transfer here.
If you’re unsure whether a permit applies to your situation, the safest move is contacting WDFW directly rather than guessing. Species-specific permits, such as the Scientific Collection Permit required for gartersnakes and kingsnakes, are handled through the same regional offices that issue wildlife control certifications.
When You Can Legally Kill a Snake in Washington
Washington’s default position on killing snakes is unambiguous: don’t. WDFW states plainly that snakes should be left alone, and except for a rattlesnake that poses an immediate danger to people or pets, no snake should ever be killed. That single exception is narrow and applies almost exclusively to the western rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus), the state’s only venomous native species.
A few situations tend to come up repeatedly:
- Immediate danger from a rattlesnake: Permitted only when the snake poses a genuine, active threat to a person or pet in that moment — not simply because a rattlesnake is present on the property.
- Non-venomous species: Killing a garter snake, gopher snake, or kingsnake out of fear or convenience is not a legal exception, even though these species are harmless.
- Accidental death: Snakes are frequently killed unintentionally near homes. WDFW notes that near human habitation, humans, domestic cats and dogs, lawn mowers, weed-whackers, and vehicles fatally wound or kill snakes — this isn’t treated the same as intentional killing, but wanton or reckless conduct can still trigger enforcement.
Timing matters too. Conservation officials flag one recurring problem: the main conservation concern for the western rattlesnake is excessive hunting and wanton killing of snakes emerging from hibernation, as well as destruction of communal den sites. Rattlesnakes are most vulnerable — and most likely to be encountered in numbers — right after they emerge from winter dens, which is exactly when enforcement attention tends to increase.
If a snake dies on a roadway rather than on your property, different rules can apply to how you handle the remains; the state’s roadkill laws in Washington cover what’s permitted when you encounter or accidentally strike wildlife while driving. Snake-specific self-defense exceptions are also narrower than what applies to some other nuisance species; Washington’s coyote hunting laws illustrate how differently the state treats species considered agricultural pests versus protected wildlife like snakes.
Rules for Venomous Snake Removal in Washington
Of Washington’s snake species, only one carries venom capable of harming a person. Of the dozen or so species of snakes found in Washington, only the western rattlesnake is capable of inflicting a venomous bite, which it seldom does. The species is also visually distinctive: the western rattlesnake is the only snake in Washington with a “rattle” on the tip of its tail.
Because Washington has no coral snakes and no other venomous natives, homeowners sometimes overreact to boldly patterned but harmless species like the gopher snake or kingsnake, both of which mimic more dangerous-looking markings. The state’s coral snake distribution is covered separately in the guide on coral snakes in Washington, which confirms the western rattlesnake stands alone as the state’s venomous species.
The same legal protections that cover harmless snakes also apply to rattlesnakes, with the narrow self-defense exception described earlier. Given the risk of a venomous bite, WDFW’s own guidance leans toward calling in help rather than attempting hands-on removal. The department’s western rattlesnake profile also notes that observing snakes, like all wild animals, from a respectful distance is the recommended approach for anyone who encounters one.
Important Note: If you or someone nearby is bitten by a rattlesnake, treat it as a medical emergency and seek professional care immediately. This article does not provide medical guidance, and snakebite treatment should always come from qualified emergency responders.
Because of both the legal protections and the physical risk, rattlesnake removal is one of the clearest cases where hiring a certified professional makes more sense than DIY methods like broom-herding or pole-and-box transport. The Washington Trails Association’s hiking safety guidance reinforces that western rattlesnakes prefer to avoid confrontation, which is exactly why professional, low-stress removal tends to work better than a homeowner trying to intervene directly.
Hiring a Licensed Wildlife Removal Operator in Washington
When a snake situation calls for professional help, Washington channels that work through certified Wildlife Control Operators (WCOs). Charging a fee to handle wildlife without this credential is itself a violation: it is unlawful to trap, harass, or otherwise control wildlife on the property of another for a fee without a valid WCO certification.
Becoming a certified WCO involves several concrete steps, according to WDFW-aligned training resources:
- Take and pass the WDFW-approved WCO basic certification course.
- Pay the required enrollment fee — a $50 enrollment fee at the time of certification training/education.
- Pass a background check confirming the applicant does not have a felony or domestic violence charge that precludes the WCO from carrying a firearm.
- Show a clean recent enforcement record — applicants must not have within the last three years more than one finding of paid or committed as a final disposition for an infraction under RCW 77.15 or a conviction for a fish and wildlife crime under RCW 77.15.
Certification comes with real authority, but also real limits. A certified WCO can trap problem wildlife year-round without regard to season, statewide, and without a recreational trapping license. Even so, it is unlawful for a WCO to intentionally trap and kill state or federally protected wildlife or endangered species unless authorized by WDFW commission rule or with a permit from WDFW. In other words, certification doesn’t override species protections — it operates within them.
Governing regulations for this work extend beyond a single statute. WDFW notes that Washington State laws and rules pertaining to wildlife damage control can be found in RCW 77.36, WAC 220-418 and WAC 220-440, which is worth knowing if you want to verify a contractor’s credentials before hiring them. For homeowners comparing how other states structure similar licensing, the wildlife removal frameworks in Minnesota and North Carolina offer useful points of comparison, though Washington’s certification and permitting requirements are distinct to this state.
Pro Tip: Before hiring anyone for snake removal, ask directly whether they hold a current WCO certification and request the certificate number. WDFW regional offices can confirm whether a certification is active.
Penalties for Illegally Killing or Relocating a Snake in Washington
Washington enforces snake protections through a layered set of statutes rather than a single penalty schedule. State regulation ties enforcement directly to Title 77 RCW, noting that unlawful trapping, killing, or possession of wildlife is punishable under Title 77 RCW, including RCW 77.15.120 for endangered wildlife, RCW 77.15.130 for protected wildlife, RCW 77.15.140 for unclassified wildlife, RCW 77.15.170 for wildlife wastage, and RCW 77.15.430 for wild animals, among other provisions.
| Violation Type | Legal Classification | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Unlawful taking of protected wildlife | Misdemeanor | Court fines and possible restitution |
| Unlawful taking of endangered wildlife (repeat offense within 5 years) | Escalated penalty | Increased fines, possible criminal wildlife penalty assessment |
| Trafficking species threatened with extinction (first degree) | Class C felony | Felony record, substantial fines |
| Unlawful use of poison or explosives affecting wildlife | Gross misdemeanor | Fines and possible jail time |
| Operating as an unlicensed wildlife control operator for a fee | Statutory violation | Fines, denial of future certification |
The financial exposure can be significant even outside felony territory. Chapter 77.15 confirms that unlawful taking of protected fish or wildlife is a misdemeanor, while more serious conduct escalates quickly: unlawful trafficking in species threatened with extinction in the first degree is a class C felony. Courts can also add direct financial assessments on top of standard fines — in some wildlife cases, the court shall require payment of a criminal wildlife penalty assessment in the amount of two thousand dollars, distributed to the state’s fish and wildlife enforcement fund.
These consequences apply whether the violation involved intentional killing, unlicensed possession, or relocating a protected species without authorization. Given how easily a well-meaning homeowner can cross into one of these categories — moving a garter snake to a neighboring lot, killing a rattlesnake that wasn’t posing immediate danger, or keeping a snake temporarily without a permit — the safer path is almost always contacting WDFW or a certified Wildlife Control Operator before taking action. A brief phone call costs far less than a misdemeanor citation, and it keeps both you and Washington’s native snake populations out of avoidable trouble.