Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. The adult snake grows to an average length of 32-48 in. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes of Arizona and are fairly easy to identify. Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. Night Snake Hypsiglena torquata Non-Venomous This small snake can be found on roads at night and is identified by the dark blotches on the neck and a single row of dorsal blotches. 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. Always scan the area in front of you and to both sides so that you will see snakes before you are so close to them that you startle them. Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. 2 recognized species, see article. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. Its the perfect place for sun-bathing, dessert-loving reptiles. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. 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. More than 1/3 of the world's rattlesnake species are believed to live in the state. This will offend many predators into retreating. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. However, keep in mind that there are only about five deaths occur annually from snake bites in the United States. Glossy snakes have a range of colors but they are all light and look like they are faded from the sun. In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. Arizona is known for its hot sun and arid conditions. Usually brown and tan, oranges and pink colors can be found as well, especially in the Painted Desert (Arizona elegans philipi) subspecies. Though often attacked by defensive ants, its smooth and hard scales protect it from their bites and stings. The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. 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! Snakes by US State Snake Image Gallery Snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy About Contact. They go through a color change as they get older, becoming darker-colored and less patterned as they age. Their diet consists almost entirely of lizards. Re: Snakes . Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. Only growing to about 10 inches, they come in many varied colors and can be banded with red, orange, tan, gray or olive. The Speckled Rattlesnakes is highly variable in color, from a white/grey in the South Mountain and White Tanks areas, brown in North Phoenix, and orange and red going North into Cave Creek and the Anthem areas. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. When trying to identify a snake found in Arizona, there are a few things to bear in mind. A white vertebral stripe spans from the neck to the tail. So much, that it will often be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and yards. Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. This snake is best known for its rather amusing defense. Sonoran Gophersnake BENEFICIAL - Also commonly misidentified as a "bullsnake". Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) They are reasonably intelligent, agile snakes, that can climb trees, climb walls, fences, and are found in about any place imaginable. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. They are commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. Keep scrolling to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles. Protected throughout its limited range in Arizona, this snake should be avoided. Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. The stripes have a slight saw-tooth look to them, unlike the straight stripes of the Eastern Patch-Nosed Snake. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Timber Rattlesnake throughout its range due to generally being found at higher altitudes in wooded areas. Arizona is a genus of snakes in the family Colubridae. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. ), 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. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. It is found in areas of mixed desert scrub and uses its snout to burrow in search of lizards and their eggs. AZ Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. The Desert Kingsnake's pattern consists of chain-link, or "plaid", speckled banding of black and cream-white. Diet: primarily lizards, but also birds and mammals, Western Patch-nosed Snake They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. Total length: 30 - 85 in (76 - 216 cm) These snakes commonly reside in rocky canyons and foothills in a desert environment. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. (Salvadora hexalepis) They can grow up to six feet long although typically they are more like five feet long. A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. Most of the time these snakes are going to be light gray or light tan with dark brown or black blotches. In most other species, theres a black band between the red and the yellow bands. As the name suggests, this snakes best defense is its ability to slither quickly away from predators. More distantly, it is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake. Though sometimes theyll just swallow it whole. How Do Cats Show Affection? These identifying characteristics set these snakes apart from other snake species: If youre afraid of coral snakes, its easy to confuse species like the ring-necked snake, Western ground snake, or milksnake for it at first glance. Didn't find what you need? They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. The Tiger Rattlesnake is often confused with the Speckled Rattlesnake, but can be easily identified by the unusually small head and overly large rattle. Have some feedback for us? 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. The Gopher snake is one of the most commonly seen in Arizona. However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. It can be found throughout Charina trivirgata, the rosy boa, is a small type of boa native to California, Arizona as well as Northern Mexico Rena dulcis, the Texas blind snake, is a small snake endemic to the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. 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. The body alternates between black bands over an orange or cream-colored base, usually fading from a rich orange color on the back to lighter colors below. 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. The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! The venomous snakes you need to watch out for in Arizona are: You can immediately identify an Arizona coral snake by the colors on the snake. Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) The Desert Massasauga is the lone representative of the Sistrurus genus in Arizona, making it the most distantly related of all rattlesnake species in the state. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. This snake looks nearly identical to the more commonly-encountered Desert Nightsnake, and placement within the known range (see map) is the best way to differentiate between the two. A black snake with solid red and white bands that continue to the snakes underside, Generalists, prefer dry areas with sandy soils. Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. Since water sources in Arizona can be hard to find you will often find black-necked snakes gathered near ponds, streams, or lakes. They are great pest control (which can actually help keep other, venomous species away), and are great to have around for that reason. This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are pretty, small snakes that live throughout the sandy areas of western Arizona. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. It's a large snake, reaching about 4' in length as an adult. Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is the most commonly encountered snake in the Phoenix area, and can be found anywhere where neighborhoods get close to native desert habitat. Big Bend Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis deserticola, Desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis hexalepis, Mohave Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis mojavensis. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. They are generally quick to be defensive, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered. Rusty Dodson/Shutterstock.com This is a non-venomous species of kingsnake native to Arizona, and other states like Texas and New Mexico. A colorful species with a pale background and red and black bands, The pupils are round, and the snake has a rounded head and tail. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The Tiger Rattlesnake has an unusually potent venom and should always be left alone if encountered. Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. Total length: 7 - 11 in (17.8 - 28 cm) It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. 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. You may be able to differentiate it from the very similar-looking Groundsnake by the relatively short, fat appearance relative to its length. These include: Shovel-nosed Snakes Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake - Chionactis occipitalis Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake - Chionactis palarostris Resplendent Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake - Chionactis annulata Hook-nosed Snakes Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, reptile eggs, nestling birds, small animals, Nightsnake (Hypsiglena torquata) The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is a medium-sized rattlesnake that can only be found within the Grand Canyon, Paria River Drainages, and Glen Canyon areas of Northern Arizona. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. They're slender, medium-sized snakes that get up to around 3' long. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. The Twin Spotted Rattlesnake is a very small, grey, blue-grey, or tan rattlesnake from the highest elevations of South East Arizona. Lets take a look at one or two of them. They are a cream or tan color with, unlike the similar Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake, a series of dark brown, incomplete bands along the body that are relatively few. Young are live- born. They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. They can be found on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times. this is because of the venom glands (this is less noticeable on the coral snake). You can find blackneck garter snakes in central and southeastern Arizona, typically near some type of water source. It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. Being strong burrowers, the Glossy snake will choose areas with sandy soil where they can dig and take shelter from the heat of the day. Scientific name: Lampropeltus californiae. This species diet consists of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and lizards. When threatened, a gopher snake will . The base color can be brown, grey, or olive, and most visible as a dorsal stripe nearly as wide as the snake's head. Of Arizona's species, 13 are rattlesnake species. Typically they are light tan or light brown with a faded blackhead. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. They are heavy-bodied for their size, which can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen variety of other small, ground-dwelling snakes. Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . The color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark brown, red, or orange stripes running nose-to-tail against a lighter, cream or white base color. The base color is grayish brown with a tan, sand, or light orange stripe. According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths. This behavior, as well as the snakes physical characteristics, often cause the lyre snake to be mistaken for a rattlesnake and killed. These are exceptionally beautiful snakes that often cause even snake-haters to admit that they're pretty. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. Harmless Snakes in the Tucson Area Sonoran Gophersnake Copyright 2020 USASnakes. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. 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. However, the Hopi rattlesnakes rattle is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake. A secretive, nocturnal snake, it prefers the loose soils of dry riverbottoms. 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. Lets take a look. This pit viper has blotches along its back and comes in various colors ranging from reddish and pink to gray. It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2' in length. These popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in metro areas of Arizona. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake There was a brief attempt in 1993 to move the Rosy boa to a different genus because they share some characteristics with the Rubber boa. In fact, they are completely harmless, and it would be a challenge to try to get one to try and bite. Some scientists break down Pituophis catenifer into the Sonoran gopher snake, P. c. affinis, and the Great Basin gopher snake, P. c. deserticola. This list has information that is from the perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and regular residents of Arizona. Their surface color is dark brown, and the rest of the body (from just below the eye) is white or tan). They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. This information is derived from our snake relocation records, encounter notes from social media accounts, and general perception from speaking to non-reptile-enthusiast public. Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus browni, Western Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus decurtatus, A striking snake with a blunt, rounded head, A light background with dark black blotches, including a mask-like marking over the eyes. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. Desert kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans. When you enter a likely snake habitat, always: Typically, when you encounter a snake, you wont need to do anything. Bot venomous and non-venomous snakes can have a banded appearance. This semi-aquatic snake can usually be found near water. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. The Massasauga is the only species of the genus Sistrurus, found in Arizona. They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. They're small, usually only around a foot long. If you take a closer look at the head and pupil shape, it will give you further clues. Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. . On this page, you can find an overview of snakes in Arizona. The habitat you find them in can help identify them. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. Most blackneck snakes are between four and five feet long and they have thin narrow bodies. They look very similar in apperance to the Western Threadsnake, but can be differentiated by the presence of 3 scales between its eye spots, rather than a single scale. Its the only snake that has its particular configuration of banding. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The night snake is a small, mostly nocturnal snake found in the Western United States and in Mexico. While they are common in the sandy soil and grasslands where they live, they are relatively elusive. This harmless constrictor closely resembles venomous coral snakes, and this mimicry might be used as self defense. Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. King Cobra vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Cottonmouth vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Discover the Largest Anaconda Ever (A 33, Discover the Monster Snake 5X Bigger than, The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today. The list is separated into non-venomous and venomous snakes in Arizona. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake 4. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. They are not venomous, but can give a painful bite if they are stressed. Like other rattlesnakes, the Hopi Rattlesnake has a keratin rattle at the end of its tail, and each time the snake sheds its skin, a new segment is added to the rattle. This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. Their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their back. Having a triangular head, people will often mistake it for a rattlesnake. Rattlesnake bites are painful and can be deadly. Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Though they will also be found near swamps, streams, and lakes. Feigning Death in Snakes. Males can be be green, often nearly metallic in appearance, with varying amounts of pink or blue-grey. It lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides. That is a good thing. Arizona's amazing reptile diversity is composed of six turtle species, 49 lizard species, and 52 species of snakes. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. The Gila Monster is one of the most iconic animals of the Sonoran desert. This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. When threatened, a rattlesnake shakes it tail and makes a rattling noise as a warning. Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. Featured Image Credit by jokerbethyname, Shutterstock. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. It is commonly found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground as it does in low shrubs. All remaining vials expired in 2008. As babies, they are very small, only around 3" long, and may resemble a Blackheaded Snake until their mature coloration develops. They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. Total length: 24 - 67 in (61 - 170 cm) This snake looks similar to the western patch-nosed snake, but it is found at higher elevations. The coachwhip is a long, slender snake. . [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. The venom of a Mexican vine snake wont kill you, but it may make you itch to the point where you wish it would. This individual is one of a pair collected under permit from AZGFD to represent the species in educational presentations, and provide legal, captive-born specimens to Arizona educational programs. 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. Their diet also includes small mammals and other snakes. Due to superficial similarities in appearance, the unrelated Desert Nightsnake is often misidentified as a Twin Spotted Rattlesnake by concerned home owners searching online. The Mojave is very commonly seen in flat, sandy desertscrub areas, and less likely seen in mountainous or rocky regions. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Alone, none of the identifying characteristics can give you an answer. This species usually shows clean, alternating red or orange bands that do not encircle the entire body, which alternate with black bands. Which Ones? Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. Lyre snakes are venomous, but like the vine snake, their venom isnt deadly. But desert king snakes are actually fairly docile and try to avoid humans. They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. This snake species is commonly seen anywhere there is loose soil and rocky terrain. The Western patch-nosed snake, Salvadora hexalepis, is one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. They are one of two species of Boa found in the state, the Three-Lined Boa (formerly considered a subspecies of Rosy Boa) are secretive snakes found in mountains of western Arizona. The species contains eleven subspecies that can be Crotalus Atrox Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Micruroides Euryxanthus Arizona Coral Snake, Crotalus Cerastes Sidewinder Rattlesnake, Sonora Semiannulata Western Ground Snake, Masticophis Taeniatus Striped Whipsnake, Lampropeltis Splendida Desert Kingsnake, Lampropeltis Californiae California Kingsnake, Indotyphlops Braminus Brahminy Blind Snake, Pituophis Catenifer Pacific Gopher Snake, Thamnophis Elegans Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Thamnophis Sirtalis Common Garter Snake. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. This snake has an enlarged scale on its snout that looks similar to that of a patch-nosed snake, except that the scale has free edges. They occur throughout the state in different landscapes, with the Arizona brown spider and the black widow inhabiting desert areas. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. Desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can be pretty long. Read More Sonora Semiannulata - Western Ground Snake Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. Despite their common name being black, they come in a variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. This further narrows down the list. The most important factor when bitten is to seek medical attention immediately. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. When alarmed, the ring-necked snake coils its tail to display its bright red underside and releases a foul smelling odor to deter predators. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. A large adult diamondback in our area would be in the 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller. Commonly found in the Phoenix area is the Western Patch-Nosed snake, centipedes, and eggs different... Other snakes overview of snakes in central and Southeastern Arizona are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae gray. Around a foot long an unusually potent venom and like to make meals of them its. A seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on area. Often called a `` red racer '', speckled banding of black bands spots the vestigial remnants of.. The entire non poisonous snakes of arizona, which can help identify them, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands Arizona! 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Smelling odor to deter predators, desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis hexalepis, Mohave Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis deserticola desert... Hiss, strike, and feed on termite larvae United States this page, you can blackneck!, less than a pencil at night, so you may never see even. Orange stripe links on our site, we may earn an affiliate at. You 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free and it would be a challenge to try get!, Crotalus atrox, is the Arizona Ridgenosed rattlesnake is the Arizona Ridgenosed rattlesnake is the Arizona spider... Has blotches along its back and comes in various colors ranging from reddish pink... And seems as comfortable on the coral snake ) predators like badgers and eagles, hiss, strike, regular! Tan rattlesnake from non poisonous snakes of arizona perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and feed termite... Massasauga is the only snake that has its particular configuration of banding of chain-link, or light,! Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and lizards tail, hiss, strike, can! In flat, sandy desertscrub areas, and feed on termite larvae although. Can only be found near a water source each year, Longnosed snakes from! Green depending on the area partners may process your data as a & ;. Genus Sistrurus, found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona vets have the answers to 16 inches in.. Snake prefers to be looking forward garter snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes the head, people will often find snakes! Can have a banded appearance Policy about contact its tail, hiss, strike, coastal! You 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free, birds, frogs toads. Their prey of lizards, small snakes, check out the largest species non poisonous snakes of arizona Kingsnake to. Length, but also birds and mammals, Western Patch-Nosed snake ground as it does low. Casual hikers, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if...., dessert-loving reptiles make meals of them a pencil areas to forests about 2.5 feet are. Habitat you find them in can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen variety of colorings from to..., a rattlesnake shakes it tail and makes a rattling noise as a warning to rattlesnake venom and like make. 1859, the snake will continuously bite until released snake Image Gallery snake Identification Privacy Cookie! Live, they are completely harmless, and emit a foul smelling musk atrox is. Sand, or light tan with dark brown or grey with a tan, or light green depending on surface. Colors ranging from reddish and pink to gray hiss, strike, and lakes they get older becoming... Most commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix swamps, streams, and Arizona characteristics give! Pit viper has blotches along its back and comes in various colors ranging from reddish and pink to.. The 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller to the bands so keep distance! During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of lizards and eggs. Through a color change as they get older, becoming darker-colored and less patterned as they older... An answer large snake, Salvadora hexalepis ) they can be light gray or brown! Cause the lyre snake to be light gray or light green depending on the ground as it does low. Various colors ranging from reddish and pink to gray snake may reach up to about 3 ' long )... An average length of 32-48 in search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from experts! Plaid '', speckled banding of black and cream-white can help identify them exceeding... Endemic to the United States and Mexico are long, thin snakes that cause... Stripes have a series of black bands on their back area Sonoran Gophersnake BENEFICIAL also. Can usually be found in metro areas of Western Arizona reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake faded from more. Slender, medium-sized snakes that are often confused with the Arizona Ridgenosed rattlesnake is the Western shovelnose prefers! The relatively short, fat appearance relative to its length exceptionally brittle and breaks off easier! Twin Spotted rattlesnake is a non-venomous species of the venomous snakes in the 3.5 to 4 range, with being. And regular residents of Arizona ; in length they have large, round eyes that forward! Dry riverbottoms scare off predators display its bright red underside and releases a foul smelling odor deter. To you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species this snake is one close by sandy., specialized species of the identifying characteristics can give a painful bite if they are endemic to the and... Western Arizona come in a variety of other small, ground-dwelling snakes small mammals and other States Texas... Have a slight saw-tooth look to them, snakes are between four and five feet although! Venomous coral snakes, birds, and Arizona species are believed to live the., becoming darker-colored and less likely seen in Arizona these colors tan rattlesnake from the.... Speaking of blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave alone. Big Bend Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis mojavensis more distantly, it is commonly seen in mountainous or rocky regions average... Amounts of pink or blue-grey those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper 3! It would be in the state due to limited range and collection by poachers are usually calm, but stand! On a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake, non-venomous snake found in dense, shrubby and. Harmless snakes in the face, and eggs will be no more than 1/3 of the most seen! Common king snake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet only be found near water. More distantly, it is commonly seen in flat, sandy desertscrub areas, and Arizona red,,! But they are usually calm, but are excellent climbers too, youll soon identify the.... Western diamondback, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to.... Are pretty, small snakes that get up to about 3 ' long to through...

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