List of Countries Without Snakes

Jan 14, 2026, 12:02 IST

Countries without snakes: Check the list of countries and regions in the world completely free of snakes, including New Zealand, Ireland, and Iceland, and the reasons for their absence.

Countries Without Snakes
Countries Without Snakes

Countries without snakes: Snakes are one of the most diverse groups of reptiles, with members populating nearly every continent and environmental niche, from the tropical rain forests of South America to the extremely arid desert regions of North America. 

There are currently over 3,000 species of snakes in existence today; this number has continued to increase due to the successful adaptations of many snake species to different climates and habitat types. 

Despite their vast geographical distribution, there remain several areas and countries where snakes do not exist at all. The reason is due to the effects of extreme climatic conditions, geographic isolation over long periods of time, and the existence of strict environmental protection laws in those areas. 

In many examples, the environment's climate was never apt for snake colonization, while in other instances, climatic conditions are so extreme that snake survival is not possible.

As a result, the snake-free countries are characterized by unique ecosystems that have developed without any snake predators, making them a preferable choice for many travelers who wish to avoid snake encounters.

READ | List of Animals That Can Live Without Oxygen

Countries with No Snakes

Here is the list of countries with no snakes: 

Sr. No.

Country/Region

1.

Antarctica

2.

New Zealand

3.

Ireland

4.

Greenland

5.

Iceland

6.

Alaska (United States)

7.

Hawaii (United States)

8.

Cape Verde

9.

Cook Islands

10.

Pacific Island

Source: a-zanimals.com

  1. Antarctica

Antarctica is the only continent in the world that is completely free of snakes. The reason is its extreme climate. Temperatures here remain far below freezing for most of the year, and the land is covered with ice and snow. 

Snakes are cold-blooded animals and rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature, so they cannot exist here

  1. New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that is entirely snake-free. Its isolation in the South Pacific Ocean prevented snakes from naturally reaching its shores. Over millions of years, this isolation allowed unique plant and animal life to develop without reptilian predators. 

  1. Ireland

There are no native snake species in Ireland. Due to the rising sea level since the end of the last Ice Age, no snakes could have migrated to Ireland from mainland Europe. Snakes thrive in warmer climates; the climate of Ireland is cool and temperate.

  1. Greenland

No snakes are found naturally in Greenland. The Arctic Climate (prolonged winters with severe cold temperatures and limited light) does not make it possible for cold-blooded reptiles to survive there.

  1. Iceland

Iceland is completely free of snakes. Its cold climate, volcanic soil, and geothermal activity do not provide the proper environment for reptiles to live. No evidence has been found in history or science to support the belief that snakes ever lived on Iceland.

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Sneha Singh
Sneha Singh

Content Writer

    Sneha Singh is a US News Content Writer at Jagran Josh, covering major developments in international policies and global affairs. She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow Campus. With over six months of experience as a Sub Editor at News24 Digital, Sneha brings sharp news judgment, SEO expertise and a passion for impactful storytelling.

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