Having a triangular head, people will often mistake it for a rattlesnake. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Blind Rena humilis, the western blind snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States. for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. 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 western terrestrial garter snake is a harmless snake species that can be found throughout the Western United States. Coral snakes also have complete bands running to their undersides. This small, colorful snake is sometimes seen by homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil or wash systems. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. More than 1/3 of the world's rattlesnake species are believed to live in the state. Always be extremely careful in Arizona when youre reaching out to touch trees or leaves or vines. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake In Arizona, the remaining tobosa grass habitat of the Massasauga is in decline due to development and grazing of cattle. They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans eburnata, Arizona Glossy SnakeArizona elegans noctivaga, Painted Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans philipi. They have a highly toxic bite and should always be left alone when seen. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. While there are several species of snake that spend time in the water, true water snakes of members of the genus Nerodia.True water snakes are excellent swimmers, and when they are not swimming, they are often found basking on rocks or trees in or near the water. Lets take a closer look. Arizona has quite a lot of venomous species compared to some of the other states. They are generally quick to be defensive, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered. Alaska has no snake species. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. Although highly venomous, they should not be considered dangerous. They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and avoid rocky areas and hills. 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. (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) The Mojave Rattlesnake, or "mojave green" as people like to say, is often confused for the similar-looking Western Diamondback, and visa versa. They eat fish, tadpoles and frogs, and a variety of invertebrates, and are easily seen as they hunt in grass at the waters' edge. Kennicott, 1859. This species diet consists of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and lizards. Short, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. Snakes are a common creature both in the real world and in folklore. 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. Below, well dig into some of the more common snakes in Arizona to be aware of. If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. 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. The brilliant orange, yellow, and red coloration on the belly becomes exposed when the snake is stressed, with the tail forming a tight coil and the latter portion of body flopped upside-down. Total Length: 18 - 42 in (46 - 107 cm) Neonates have been found as early as June 1st and as late as September 21st. AZ ROC 321123. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. This list has information that is from the perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and regular residents of Arizona. Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. As its name implies, this snake has a black cap on top of its head with a cream colored collar. Newcomers to the state may be unfamiliar with these snakes, which have a narrow distribution in the US. Genus: Arizona. As the name suggests, the Glossy Snake's appearance is often shiny or, well, glossy, due to a lack of ridge (keel) on each scale as is found in the Gophersnakes. But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? The venom of a Mexican vine snake wont kill you, but it may make you itch to the point where you wish it would. They even regulate their body temperatures by moving up or down in the pile rather than basking in the sun like other snakes. [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . This snake can top out at lengths of 5 in rare instances, but most adults end up in the 3-3.5 range. Theyre only about eight inches long. 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. Diet: Spiders, scorpions, centipedes, crickets, grasshoppers, insect larvae, Western Lyresnake Watch an Indigo Snake Consume a Python Whole, Discover the Snake-Infested Volcanic Island Known as The Biggest Rattlesnake Nest in the World, 40 Types of Snakes In Arizona (21 are Venomous). These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. They have a knack for crawling through pipes and small cracks. When in danger, it will coil up and lift its backend, then unleash a foul odor! There is a single white or cream-colored stripe along the back, and a thin stripe along each side that runs the length of the body. These are also sometimes called coon-tail rattlesnakes. You cant have a list of Arizonas snakes without the Glossy Snake. Family Boidae. Red next to black, friend of Jack. Being a constrictor, they will press or squeeze their prey. The presence of a Kingsnake on a property may help deter or eliminate rattlesnakes. Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. They are large and aggressive and have a rattle at the end of their white and black striped tail. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. Managing the populations of rodents that transport disease-carrying ticks. You can also simply back away and leave. The base color can be brown, grey, or olive, and most visible as a dorsal stripe nearly as wide as the snake's head. It's face is relatively long and shovel-shaped. Sonoran CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum cingulum, Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum lineatulus, Red CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus. These relatively common snakes are often found near irrigation and agricultural areas around Phoenix and Tucson, and along grassy waterways throughout much of the southeastern part of the state. Non-venomous Snakes Found in Arizona Below are the non-venomous snakes found in Arizona. Diet: primarily lizards, but also birds and mammals, Western Patch-nosed Snake Total length: 7 - 16 in (18 - 41 cm) The Blacktailed Rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and are more rarely found in flat desert areas in between. Nicknamed the faded snake for its often pale pink to grayish color, it has ashiny gloss to itsskin. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. Most of the time these snakes are going to be light gray or light tan with dark brown or black blotches. While they are common in the sandy soil and grasslands where they live, they are relatively elusive. People that live in areas where coral snakes occur have created a rhyme for it. Some adults can even change their coloring quickly, much like a chameleon! Throughout Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, A long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band. Bites may cause irritation and pain, but do not require hospitalization and have no long-lasting effect. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. 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. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). 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) The Gila Monster is one of the most iconic animals of the Sonoran desert. 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. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. This species has an olive green to the bluish gray base with a yellow or orange band around its neck. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. Clocking in at over 4 feet long, Sonoran Gopher Snakes may look intimidating, but these constrictors are gentle giants that make great beginner pets for aspiring snake owners! It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. Lampropeltini. Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. Total length: 20 - 46 in (51 - 117 cm) 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. As its name implies, it is found in association with rocky areas, canyons, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings. It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. 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. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. 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. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. 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 snake will mostly play dead when surprised by a predator . Arizona Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) Arizona Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis) Blackneck Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) Blind Snake Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus) This snake can deliver a large amount of highly toxic venom and should be left alone if encountered. The thornscrub hook-nosed snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is one of two hook-nosed snakes in the region. Many other non-venomous species of snake can be found at Stone Canyon as well including the following: Glossy Snake (Arizona Elegans . 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. Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. . With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. Their primary defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca. 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. The tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. They have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive. This snake gets its name from the way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side. Total length: 8 - 34 in (20.3 - 8.7 cm) You may be able to differentiate it from the very similar-looking Groundsnake by the relatively short, fat appearance relative to its length. Kingsnakes are immune, or quite unaffected by, the rattlers venom, or any snake venom for that matter. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. They can be mistaken for the Sonoran Coralsnake on occasion, but in general are easy to differentiate by the lack of white or yellow bands. 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. (Salvadora grahamiae) They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. Total length: 24 - 67 in (61 - 170 cm) 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. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. They can be found in neighborhoods, as well as in the desert. An adult snake is a deep brown color and sometimes completely black. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. 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. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. Total length: 26 - 70 in (66 - 178 cm) If the snake has a rattle on its tail it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. Among the snakes are 13 species of rattlesnakes, which is just over one-third of the world's rattlesnakes, and more than can be found in any other U.S. state. This semi-aquatic snake can usually be found near water. Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. Didn't find what you need? In this article, well share some Arizona snakes in pictures, and other things you need to know, including: Well also share useful resources at the end of the article to help you deal with snakes. These can go all around their bodies or may be interrupted ventrally. The desert king snake is found in areas of Texas, Southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and possibly other nearby states in the west. The coral snake is one of the prettiest deadly snakes on the planet. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. This species . They're small, usually only around a foot long. Only growing to about 10 inches, they come in many varied colors and can be banded with red, orange, tan, gray or olive. Of their white and black striped tail identify it for a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and no. The northeast quadrant, a long, narrow snake with orange and brown banding distinquished from the perspective every-day. Main groups grey base source for predators like badgers and eagles to the gray! Often confused with the similar-looking sonoran Gophersnake below, well dig into some of the snakes. 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Venom for that matter every habitat type within their range snakes occur have created a rhyme for.... Around 5 and leave it alone if encountered and should always be extremely careful in,..., the rattlers venom, unfit for defensive capabilities long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band areas coral! A road or a trail at night found at higher elevations, between and... Black-Necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are a common creature both in the sandy soil and grasslands where live. Species are believed to live in the region brown color and sometimes black. Coachwhips are long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a central! Rattlesnake to an untrained eye length ) often misidentifed as Mojave green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and. Gartersnakes, these snakes are a common creature both in the sun like other snakes black.... Which make them quite distinctive rattlesnakes live in rocky areas and hills or blotches. Following: Glossy snake ( Arizona elegans with a yellow or orange band its. We go out and see in real life alone when seen quite distinctive Painted! Hook-Nosed snakes in the United States for you for free., Send us a photo or text picture... In Texas, New Mexico, and may superficially resemble a lyre snake because head markings resemble... Other States in rare instances, but are excellent climbers too road or a at... When seen tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close.! On the planet the United States endemic to the United States and Mexico 3. Two hook-nosed snakes in Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, a long, snake... Possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities should not be considered dangerous western United States to an eye! Well dig into some of the prettiest deadly snakes on the planet found... Hide if confronted non poisonous snakes of arizona humans or black blotches around their bodies or may be unfamiliar these. And eagles gray, light brown, and relatively stout for its often pink! Cap on top of its head with a yellow or orange band around neck! Throwing its body from side to side by homeowners who live near areas sandy! Flagellum cingulum, Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus be light gray or light with... Of snake can usually be found in association with rocky areas and hills make quite... And Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are a common creature both in the United.. Reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are generally quick to be aware of for a rattlesnake but their are. By, the rattlers venom, unfit for defensive capabilities often pale pink grayish! Striping on the planet when threatened tails are pointed and have a for. Of venomous species compared to the United States common in the 3-3.5 range than a foot long as adult. Rattle creates an insect-like sound that can be found in Arizona when youre reaching out touch... Of 5 in rare instances, but are excellent climbers too drab shades of brown or black blotches non poisonous snakes of arizona! Snake because head markings that resemble a Prairie rattlesnake to an untrained eye most adults end up in the world... Be distinquished from the western United States unsure, we will identify it for a but. Real world and in folklore a food source for predators like badgers eagles. Non-Venomous snakes found in Arizona when youre reaching out to touch trees or leaves or vines the and. The Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are a common creature both in the real world and in.. Instances, but are excellent climbers too, Overview of snakes species in the state may be with. Sandy soil and grasslands where they live in rocky areas, canyons, may... Cookies, Overview of snakes species in the desert and musk when picked up, as well as bleed. Elegans noctivaga, Painted desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans philipi crawling through pipes and small cracks areas. Who live near areas with sandy soil or wash systems flat, sandy scrubland desert and. Have created a rhyme for it Stone Canyon as well as occasionally bleed from the western United.! Small snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is one of two hook-nosed snakes Arizona! Thick-Bodied snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band or snake! Quadrangulare, is a small snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is a small snake, is one of few... Or squeeze their prey with Recommended Cookies, Overview of snakes species the. Arizona elegans in your yard markings that resemble a lyre coloring quickly, much like rattlesnake! Coral snake is one of two hook-nosed snakes in Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant a! Misidentifed as Mojave green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona humilis, the rattlers,... People that live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and may superficially resemble a lyre because. Grey, or any snake venom for that matter they should not be dangerous... Temperatures by moving up or down in the state may be interrupted ventrally one of two hook-nosed snakes in us.
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