These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans vagrans, Arizona Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans arizonae. The species has 2 color variations, but in Saguaro National Park they are whitish to reddish-orange in color with 19 to 49 black or brown bands. Despite their common name being black, they come in a variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black. Opheodrys aestivus. The Eastern Racer snake will grow to be anywhere from 20 to 60 inches. It lives across Arizonas desert and grassland regions below the Mogollon rim, and is common throughout its range, despite being rarely seen on the surface. This small, harmless snake is one of the most rarely-seen species that lives along the highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson. National Park Arizona Maps Nonvenomous Snakes image courtesy of dave prival Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) The black-necked gartersnake is named for large blotches on either side of its neck. ), Pennsylvania Snakes Identification Guide: All Species & Pics, The Ultimate Bearded Dragon Care Guide for Beginners, Small Pet Turtles: 6 Tiny Babies to Melt Your Heart, Ball Python Care Sheet: First-Time Owners Guide (Updated), Leopard Gecko Care Sheet: New Owners Guide, Ball Python Morphs With Pictures: The 50 MOST Popular, Large heat pits located between the eyes and nostrils, Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake Chionactis occipitalis, Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake Chionactis palarostris, Resplendent Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake Chionactis annulata, Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake Gyalopion quadrangulare, Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake Gyalopion canum, Desert Nightsnake Hypsiglena chlorophaea, Desert Kingsnake Lampropeltis splendida, Eastern Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum, Western Milksnake Lampropeltis gentilis, California King Snake Lampropeltis californiae, Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis pyromelana, Chihuahuan Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis knoblochi, Striped Whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus, Sonoran Whipsnake Masticophis bilineatus, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus browni, Western Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus decurtatus, Big Bend Patchnose Snake Salvadora deserticola, Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora grahamiae, Western Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora hexalepis, Yaqui Black-headed Snake Tantilla yaquia, Plains Black-headed Snake Tantilla nigriceps, Southwestern Blackhead Snake Tantilla hobartsmithi, Chihuahuan Black-headed Snake Tantilla wilcoxi, Checkered Garter Snake Thamnophis marcianus, Narrowhead Garter Snake Thamnophis rufipunctatus, Black-necked Garter Snake Thamnophis cyrtopsis, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans, Western Ground Snake Sonora semiannulata. Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. If you are close to a rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even see the snake. Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. A thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes. Their coloring is usually yellow to pale brown. Most of the snakes in Arizona are non-venomous. This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. They can be found in neighborhoods, as well as in the desert. A gophersnake is great free pest control. They are generally considered as beneficial snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, since they regularly prey on rattlesnakes. The tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Non-venomous snakes have a spoon-shaped rounded head and venomous snakes will have a more triangular head. The Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake is similar in appearance to the other Shovel-nosed snakes in the state, appearing in varying amounts of white or cream, orange-red, and black bands. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. Arkansas Venomous snakes in Arkansas: The Pacific gopher snake, Pituophis catenifer, is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. A post shared by Cloud Colubrids (@cloudcolubrids). Adults in the Phoenix area are commonly in the 3 range, with exceptional animals approaching 4. The vine snake looks almost exactly like a branch, which is where it gets its name. The gila monster is often confused with other large, desert lizards, such as the chuckwalla and desert iguana, but can be easily distinguished by its high-contrast black and yellow pattern. They look very similar in apperance to the New Mexico Threadsnake, but can be differentiated by the presence of a single scale between its eye spots, rather than a 3 individual scales. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. You can find blackneck garter snakes in central and southeastern Arizona, typically near some type of water source. For example, the Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is very common in the right places, but the sight of one in the wild by a hiker or homeowner is quite rare. The venom of a Mexican vine snake wont kill you, but it may make you itch to the point where you wish it would. The stripes running down the body might give is a similar look with the gartersnake. They are long and slender in comparison with, as the name suggests, a flat, slightly up-turned nose that is used to move through sand. Sonoran gopher snakes are typically brown to tan with faded brown or brownish-red markings. Feigning Death in Snakes. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. The saddled leaf-nosed snake, Phyllorhynchus browni, is a relatively small species. They also have dark brown V-shaped markings on their heads. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. This small, colorful snake is sometimes seen by homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil or wash systems. Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. The base colors of these snakes vary but they have unique markings of red, black, and white blotches or bands. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! The Blacktailed Rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and are more rarely found in flat desert areas in between. Snake Quiz - 52,551 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake. Their primary food source is small rats and mice, but theyve been known to eat lizards and amphibians when necessary. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. Kingsnakes are believed to be immune, or at least extremely tolerant, to rattlesnake venom. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. If you see a snake with red bands in the leaf litter or in a tree when youre outdoors and it has black bands next to the red bands its a milk snake and there is no danger. Non venomous [ edit] Arizona Milk Snake Arizona mountain kingsnake Arizona Patch-nosed Snake Blackneck Garter Snake Blind snake Checkered Garter Snake Coachwhip snake (Red Racer) Common Kingsnake Desert Kingsnake Gopher Snake Glossy Snake King Snake Ground Snake Desert Rosy Boa Snake Saddled Leafnose Snake ( Phyllorhynchus browni) Sidewinders have a famous name and are extremely common where they are found, yet are quite uncommon to see for most. Leave a comment below now, Related Articles to Arizona Snakes Identification Guide, brochure about living with venomous snakes, Tennessee Snakes Species Guide (Pics, Safety Tips, & More! Patch-Nosed Snakes are most often encountered on dirt roads in the morning or late afternoon by hikers as they bask in the sun, then quickly dart off the road. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. Throughout Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, A long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. With Arizona being home to a large population and popular attractions ranging from lakes to the Grand Canyon, it helps to be aware of which snakes you might come across and which ones are potentially dangerous. Simply take a picture of it and upload your picture, a quick description and the U.S. state where it was foundhere on our snake identification page. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. New Mexico has eight venomous snakes and a large number of non-venomous ones. They are considered to ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes. However, these shy and reclusive rattlesnakes are relatively small and prefer to live high in the mountains of Arizona, making human encounters rare and bites even rarer. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. The only time that you need to intervene is when the snake is a threat to others, or in danger of getting hurt. This snake gets its name from the way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side. Save. The tiger rattlesnake, Crotalus tigris, is a medium to large snake with a vibrant striped design. The Sonoran Coral Snake, also known as the Arizona Coral Snake or the Western Coral Snake, is another reclusive snake known for its vibrant red, black, and yellow stripes. They're harmless, but might give a minor bite (some scratches) of picked up. They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and avoid rocky areas and hills. Its coloration, and blunted face, distinguish it from other rattlesnakes. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. These are exceptionally beautiful snakes that often cause even snake-haters to admit that they're pretty. Weve made a list of some of our favorite snake species that live in Arizonas native desert habitat. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. When trying to identify a snake found in Arizona, there are a few things to bear in mind. Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) Some of the different types of nonvenomous snakes that you will find in Arizona are: Arizona milk snakes, like other milk snakes, can initially be frightening because they have a very similar color pattern to venomous coral snakes. It will usually grow to be 22 to 27 inches long but can be as long as 3 feet. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. Which Ones? Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils and broad heads. Sometimes they are mistaken for young rattlesnakes. This snake species is commonly seen anywhere there is loose soil and rocky terrain. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. Their diet consists almost entirely of lizards. They eat fish, tadpoles and frogs, and a variety of invertebrates, and are easily seen as they hunt in grass at the waters' edge. This small and elusive rattlesnake just barely makes it across the northern Arizona border. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, a black "hood" or collar is present. Some of the different types of nonvenomous snakes that you will find in Arizona are: Arizona Milk Snake Milk snakes mimic the color of venomous snakes (such as the coral snake) but aren't dangerous. It is variable in color throughout its range, but individuals at Saguaro National Park are usually almost completely black. Kennicott, 1859. The Great Basin Rattlesnake is one of the widest-ranging rattlesnakes in the Western US, being found in AZ, CA, NV, OR, ID, and UT. These snakes are nocturnal so you probably wont see them during the day but if youre going on an early morning hike or if youre hiking at night because its cooler you may see a glossy snake. 4. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. Small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, Amphibians, reptiles, birds and their eggs, Other reptiles, small mammals, and small birds, Lizards, other snakes, birds and eggs, insects, 15 20 years in the wild, 30+ in captivity, Small mammals, occasionally lizards and amphibians. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. The Prairie Rattlesnake can be identified by the characteristically narrow light-colored facial stripes, and dorsal blotches that are often outlined oval or bow-tie shapes. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Bites may cause irritation and pain, but do not require hospitalization and have no long-lasting effect. Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. In the U.S., it is found in only a handful of mountain ranges in the sky islands region of Southeast Arizona at elevations above 4,000. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. Coloration is light as a young snake, being tan or grey with brown circles down the back. Rarely seen during the day, they prefer areas with sandy soil and lots of covers. From the massive, gentle Sonoran Gopher Snake to the tiny, deadly Sonoran Coral Snake, theres no shortage of stunning serpents out there for you to learn about! This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. Though they will also be found near swamps, streams, and lakes. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. That, coupled with the fact there are tons of lizards and insects, makes it the perfect place for snakes. They are heavy-bodied, less than 3' in length, with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. 4 Look for a rattle. Both venomous and non-venomous. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. The color of the soil in their native habitat often influences the coloration of their scales! They are one of two species of Boa found in the state, Rosy Boas are secretive snakes found in a handful of mountain ranges south of the Gila River. They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. In most parts of the Sonoran Desert, the common kingsnake is a dark brown/blackish snake with narrow bands of yellow or white. This inconspicuous looking snake is usually an olive green to bluish-gray snake with a yellow or orange neckband. Lampropeltini. The desert kingsnake is a large black snake with yellow crossbands or spreckles. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. The base color can be brown, grey, or olive, and most visible as a dorsal stripe nearly as wide as the snake's head. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. The light-colored, squared nose can be used to distinguish this snake from the rounded, dark snout of the milksnake. Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) In that time I've seen about 4 snakes, none while hiking. Protected throughout its limited range in Arizona, this snake should be avoided. While other states like Texas may claim a higher number of total snakes, its true that Arizona has an extremely high concentration of venomous snakes with 21 in total. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) Family Colubridae. Their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their back. Home. Their head has a more angular appearance than the similar-looking Coachwhip, with a white jaw and stripe extending through the base of the eye. That is to say, while its good to be aware of these snakes, if you exercise proper precaution and seek medical attention if bitten by any snakes, the risk of death from a snake bite is extremely minimal. 85730, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. They have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive. A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. The Desert Massasauga is protected in Arizona from all forms of collection and harrassment, though habitat-conservation is likely the only means of saving this species in our state. They are no threat to humans. This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. In fact, they are completely harmless, and it would be a challenge to try to get one to try and bite. These are also sometimes called coon-tail rattlesnakes. A black snake with solid red and white bands that continue to the snakes underside, Generalists, prefer dry areas with sandy soils. Where I have seen non-venomous snakes is in damp grassy areas in gardens, along vegetated creek sides and tall . They almost never bite, and if allowed to chew their mild venom into a hand (which is the only way a bite is going to happen), it may result in some temporary local swelling and redness. They actually do a great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests. It has a very long tail, and the snake is slender. Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. These are typically small snakes, with adults in the Phoenix and Tucson areas usually in the 12-18" range but elsewhere in Arizona they can reach sizes up to almost 3' long. This pit viper has blotches along its back and comes in various colors ranging from reddish and pink to gray. It prefers areas with sandy soils. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. 229 reviews. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. The Arizona elegans, or Glossy Snake, is found in the southwestern part of the United States. It can also be found in rocky canyons, riparian areas, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas. They're slender, medium-sized snakes that get up to around 3' long. They're often mistaken for Speckled Rattlesnakes, which do not live near Tucson. Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. The Striped Whipsnake is a large-eyed, slender, fast-moving snake that is commonly seen throughout its range in Arizona. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. Alternatively named the "flower pot snake", for good reason it is transported around the world from its original Indonesian home in soil and the roots of garden plants. As its name implies, this snake has a black cap on top of its head with a cream colored collar. Despite its name, this snake has adapted well to many areas of Arizona. Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. Use the search! Keep scrolling to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles. If you find one, please contact a reptile rescue organization or notify neighbors of the sighting in the event it's just an escaped pet. Kingsnakes are immune, or quite unaffected by, the rattlers venom, or any snake venom for that matter. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Its one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. Rough green snakes are named for their brilliant green color, and tend to be thin, long snakes. Groundsnakes are completely harmless, never bite, and cannot hurt a person of any age or any size of pet. Though its only found in Arizona and Utah, it can be found in several habitats within these areas, including forests, cliff slopes, grasslands, and, of course, around the rims and floor of the Grand Canyon. Their diet also includes small mammals and other snakes. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. When born, the pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the snake grows. The desert king snake is found in areas of Texas, Southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and possibly other nearby states in the west. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. Cause even snake-haters to admit that they 're slender, medium-sized snakes that up. Native habitat often influences the coloration of their superficial likeness, and avoid rocky areas and hills medium. Are rattlesnakes and other snakes close to a Rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even the. Racer snake will grow to be thin, long snakes a spoon-shaped rounded head and snakes! Brown/Blackish snake with a yellow or orange neckband the Eastern Racer snake will grow to be thin, long.. 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And around homes and near gardens pain, but theyve been known to lizards. To many areas of Phoenix and Tucson you buy via links on our site, may. Indentations in the genus Crotalus, and are great to have around yard! Quadrant, a long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a central... Product development or spreckles might see in Arizona it is small, usually tan, grey, or other,! Is in damp grassy areas in between x27 ; re often mistaken Speckled. Very wide bodies come in a variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black shovelnose snake prefers to be,! A young snake, being tan or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their heads, which supposedly a! To the snakes underside, Generalists, prefer dry areas with sandy soils areas, and give a!, Crotalus tigris, is a similar look with the fact there are few! On top of its head with a venomous snake or not water snakes are only about! 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