Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona. Nicknamed the faded snake for its often pale pink to grayish color, it has ashiny gloss to itsskin. They have a loosely banded pattern that is highly flecked to resemble granite within their habitat, and are usually small, with adults being typically around 2 in length. So if you find a blackhead snake in your yard, you may want to let it stay there! AZ Throughout Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, A long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band. They are very small, generally less than a foot long, and are often mistaken as baby rattlesnakes due to their triangular head and vertical eye slits. This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. The Kingsnakes head shape is slightly different, with a more rounded appearance. (Phyllorhynchus browni) An adult snake will measure between 26 and 70 inches. Below, well dig into some of the more common snakes in Arizona to be aware of. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. Most of these species are found in desert areas but Rattlesnakes are also known to be frequent visitors to golf courses and can be found out on the green. More than 1/3 of the world's rattlesnake species are believed to live in the state. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. The desert kingsnake's dorsum is black or dark brown with yellow or off-white blotches. A white vertebral stripe spans from the neck to the tail. Mexican vine snakes are very slender and usually between three and six feet long. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. There are more than 3,000 venomous and non-venomous snakes across the globe. Thank you for reading! This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. When threatened, a rattlesnake shakes it tail and makes a rattling noise as a warning. It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. They are protected by state law and should always be left alone. Tucson Diet: centipedes, sand-burrowing cockroaches, ant pupae and other insects, Western Groundsnake Their primary food source is small rats and mice, but theyve been known to eat lizards and amphibians when necessary. While they usually live about fifteen years in the wild, they can live 30 or more years in captivity! True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. Gaining its name from its appetite forgophers, thissnake is the longest in the Western United States. This harmless constrictor closely resembles venomous coral snakes, and this mimicry might be used as self defense. They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. But desert king snakes are actually fairly docile and try to avoid humans. It is found in areas of mixed desert scrub and uses its snout to burrow in search of lizards and their eggs. 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. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. Sonoran SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cercobombus, Colorado Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes. The coral snake is one of the prettiest deadly snakes on the planet. The toxin in the Mexican vine snakes venom wont cause a lot of pain just a lot of itch. Its also responsible for most of the rattlesnake bites in the US every year. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. Coloration is light as a young snake, being tan or grey with brown circles down the back. If the snake has a rattle on its tail it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. This small rattlesnake is found near foothills and mountainous areas, or in flats between them. Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . There are several lethal rattlesnake species found in Arizona, including Grand Canyon rattlesnakes, Arizona black rattlesnakes, Mojave rattlesnakes, and prairie rattlesnakes. One of the 3 protected montane rattlesnakes from the Sky Islands region of Arizona, it can be found in talus rock slides, forests, and grasslands between 6,000 and 11,000 feet, and is therefore infrequently encountered by people who are not specicially trying to see one. First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. The majority of poisonous snake bites in the U.S. each year are at the fangs of a rattlesnake. As the name implies, two large, black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored head. 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. These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. The Western patch-nosed snake, Salvadora hexalepis, is one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. 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. Lets take a closer look at how to spot venomous snakes. On this page, you can find an overview of snakes in Arizona. Southern, West Central, and Northwest Arizona, A distinctive v-shaped marking on the head, Brownish snakes with darker brown markings that are almost diamond-shaped. Males can be be green, often nearly metallic in appearance, with varying amounts of pink or blue-grey. They are seldom seen, but live in most of the Phoenix mountain areas and desert parks. Their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their back. Diet: Small mammals, birds, bird and reptile eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, carrion, Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. 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. Living off a diet of scorpions, spiders, and insects, they are great to have in a yard. In many US states a closely related species, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, is well-known. They can be most easily identified by their distinct sideways motion (sidewinding), where the snake throws a loop of its body forward and pulls the rest along rather quickly. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. Anytime you are camping, hiking, or just doing work outdoors in Arizona, youll want to be aware of the snakes that pose more of a danger in outdoor environments. In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. 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. Total length: 26 - 70 in (66 - 178 cm) While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Coachwhips are active generalist foragers and prey is simply overpowered and consumed - their diet consists mostly of lizards, amphibians, rodents, birds, and other snakes, including venomous snakes, but they . Rattlesnake bites are painful and can be deadly. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. The place we have most often been called out to retrive them from is the garage, where they get stuck in glue traps or are found under boxes in the Spring. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. Its one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. While they are common in the sandy soil and grasslands where they live, they are relatively elusive. It spends its time moving around sandy soil searching for invertebrates to eat, and is rarely seen in the daytime. A thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes. Lets take a look. They can be identified by the rattle, white and black striped tail, and white-lined diamond pattern on the back. Red next to black, friend of Jack. The smudge on the head is an easy differentiator between this snake and the other species of Western Rattlesnake (Grand Canyon and Midget Faded rattlesnakes). This snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but should still not be handled when encountered. Round pupils are normally associated with non-venomous snakes which is why the shape of the pupils needs to be taken into account to know how to react. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found. Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. They are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage. 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. The Mojave is very commonly seen in flat, sandy desertscrub areas, and less likely seen in mountainous or rocky regions. . This is large snake, capable to reach 5 feet of length. Similar to the coachwhip, the Sonoran whipsnake is smaller and greenish-gray in color with two or three light colored stripes on each side of its body. The banding is more apparent throughout the body, which is usually grey with varying degrees of pink, orange, or brown. It can also be found in rocky canyons, riparian areas, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. A post shared by JK Mobray (@where_paved_roads_end). Arizona has more rattlesnake species than several of the other states combined. . Their surface color is dark brown, and the rest of the body (from just below the eye) is white or tan). Total length: 20 - 46 in (51 - 117 cm) If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. The adult snake grows to an average length of 32-48 in. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Snakes are a common creature both in the real world and in folklore. They're small, usually only around a foot long. 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. When trying to identify a snake found in Arizona, there are a few things to bear in mind. They can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5' or more in length. Its body Indotyphlops Braminus, the Brahminy blind snake is a nonvenomous blind snake found throughout the world. Kingsnakes are believed to be immune, or at least extremely tolerant, to rattlesnake venom. The nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake can essentially swim through the sand. They're often mistaken for Speckled Rattlesnakes, which do not live near Tucson. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? They occur throughout the state in different landscapes, with the Arizona brown spider and the black widow inhabiting desert areas. 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. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders, small mice, Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake This is not only due to it being incredibly common, but also because it has adapted very well to life in the city. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. They are heavy-bodied for their size, which can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen Longnosed Snakes and variety of other small, ground-dwelling species. When disturbed, the gophersnake will put on a defensive show. Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. They're small, usually only around a foot long. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. This inconspicuous looking snake is usually an olive green to bluish-gray snake with a yellow or orange neckband. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. Lets take a closer look. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizonas official state reptile! Reptile Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. Opheodrys aestivus. They are named for their smooth and glossy scales in tan, brown, and gray shades. It's a large snake, reaching about 4' in length as an adult. Always be extremely careful in Arizona when youre reaching out to touch trees or leaves or vines. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) Use the search! Fully grown, they will measure anywhere from 30 to 85 inches long. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. They are great at getting into small cracks and even get through pipes, and end up on kitchen counters, in bathroom sinks, and all kinds of surprising places. 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. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) Family Colubridae. ), 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. Most species also have habitat preferences. The Arizona coral snake has round pupils and a bullet-shaped head. Save. While they are not at all venomous, they may bite if handled, the worst result being a few cuts on the hand. Tan, yellow, or orange in color, with dark brown blotches, between 1.5' and 5'in length. The glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful species with a blunted head. The belly is white or cream, sometimes pink. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. Adults are commonly in the 3 range. A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. The Prairie Rattlesnake, (or Hopi Rattlesnake, depending on the area) is a wide-spread and extremely variable species, found in the North Eastern portions of Arizona, East of the Colorado River. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. It is pale brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes. Having a triangular head, people will often mistake it for a rattlesnake. Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. The list is separated into non-venomous and venomous snakes in Arizona. 50,902 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. If the bands next to the red are black its a milk snake and you are safe. There were no recorded deaths from coral snake bites from 1967, when an antivenin was produced, until 2006 when an untreated patient died but dont stop worrying just yet; the antivenin hasnt been commercially produced since 2003. 229 reviews. As babies, they are very small, only around 3" long, and may resemble a Blackheaded Snake until their mature coloration develops. Its unique native species include the Sonoran coral, New Mexico blind, Chihuahuan . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. 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 name Coachwhip comes from this snakes resemblance to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers. Night snakes are very small. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) The grand canyon rattlesnake is tan, yellowish, or pink in color; a good match for the colorful rocky areas that make up the majority of its range. . These include: The other snakes that lack venom are singular representatives of their genera. Unlike other large-bodied rattlesnakes in the area, they have a solid black tail area just before the rattle, as opposed to rings or stripes. People often find them in their sheds, garages, and yards. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. The speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus pyrrhus, is light gray, and may even be white. 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. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. They grow to be about 16 to 46 inches and have large distinctive blotches on the side of their necks. Multiple types of narrow or wide bands can be seen on snakes. As its name implies, this snake has a black cap on top of its head with a cream colored collar. They look very similar to the Banded Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and other species of Shovel-nosed Snake. The most essential characteristics include: Snakes have specific distribution ranges, and where you find the snake can lead to successful identification. The color of the soil in their native habitat often influences the coloration of their scales! Some scientists break down Pituophis catenifer into the Sonoran gopher snake, P. c. affinis, and the Great Basin gopher snake, P. c. deserticola. So much, that it will often be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and yards. 2 Types of Scorpions in Tennessee(ID Pictures), 8 Turtles With Red Eyes (Interesting Facts). Young are live- born. They also have two very visible 'horns' above the eyes, which helps the sidewinder live in sandy environments. (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) Snakes are a highly beneficial group of animals in most cases. 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. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. All remaining vials expired in 2008. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. 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! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Diet: Birds, small mammals, lizards, snakes, frogs, Variable Sandsnake Arizona is one of the states that is known for having the most snakes. It will average 8 to 9feet long. That, coupled with the fact there are tons of lizards and insects, makes it the perfect place for snakes. If youre interested in other identification guides, have a look at: You can also check out our other articles on snakes we have vital guides that you can learn from! 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. This species is very fast,can quickly catch its prey, and swallow it whole. Total length:12 - 20 in (30 - 51 cm) These can go all around their bodies or may be interrupted ventrally. Most of the time these snakes are going to be light gray or light tan with dark brown or black blotches. The Mojave rattlesnake is a long species, reaching lengths of 54 inches. Groundsnakes are very small, with an adult size of only around 10". The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. This small, colorful snake is sometimes seen by homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil or wash systems. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged.