They're small, usually only around a foot long. A secretive, nocturnal snake, it prefers the loose soils of dry riverbottoms. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. 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. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. The sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, is a medium-large snake, and its the only rattlesnake with horns. Their heads also have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of a branch. Arizona has approximately 60 species of snake. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. Its very possible that you will see a rattlesnake when you are out and about in Arizona, especially if youre in State Parks or other recreational areas. Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. At first, theyre bluffers and may hiss and posture, but they become quite docile once they realize that you mean them no harm. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. (Salvadora grahamiae) They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. Slow-moving and non-aggressive, bites are easily avoided simply by not approaching or attacking one when encountered. You can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state. They are no threat to humans. They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and avoid rocky areas and hills. When threatened, a gopher snake will . In addition to being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. This further narrows down the list. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. While they have been observed consuming rodents and amphibians, scientists note that this is rare because they prefer to eat lizards. 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. Diet: Spiders, scorpions, centipedes, crickets, grasshoppers, insect larvae, Western Lyresnake AZ The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. Their small size and ability to hide in the sand make them tough to see. Didn't find what you need? While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. It prefers loose, damp soils and spends so much time underground that its eyes have become vestigial (unneeded) and located under the head scales! The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake or Lampropeltis pyromelana may look like a coral snake at first glance, but coloring is one of its defense mechanisms! Rosy boas make excellent pets because of their small size and docile nature. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. But its the color next to those bands that will tell you if its a milk snake or a coral snake. Blind Rena humilis, the western blind snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States. AZ ROC 321123. Scientific name: Lampropeltus californiae. Species. This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. The Arizona coral snake is one of the most distinctly colored snakes that live in the desert. They will eat anything they can catch, and often spend the day searching for frogs and toads and rodents along waterways. Arizona is home to 19 different species of venomous snakes, with most of these species being rattlesnakes. Also, not all snakes use it. Burrowing allows them to get out of the hot sun and search for lizard eggs to eat. 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. They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. 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. 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. 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. Many venomous snakes have triangle-shaped heads. Total Length: 76 - 110 in (76 - 279 cm) It is commonly found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground as it does in low shrubs. Diet: Rodents, baby rabbits, birds, lizards, Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) The color and pattern of long-nosed snakes vary considerably, but they are usually banded or blotched with red, black, and white. Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. You may also find them in the yards of homes that have water sources in the yard. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. 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. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. 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! They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. 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. They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. 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. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. An unusual characteristic is a scale on the tip of its nose. 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. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. They are arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in trees, and don't spend much time on the ground. 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. A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). This small and elusive rattlesnake just barely makes it across the northern Arizona border. When foraging for prey, the blind snake will search an ant pheromone trail and follow it back to the nest for a meal. Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . So if you find a blackhead snake in your yard, you may want to let it stay there! They are generally quick to be defensive, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered. 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. An adult snake will measure between 26 and 70 inches. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. Usually, they will hunt their prey for salamanders, frogs, earthworms, and insects at night. The Crotalus viridis nuntius, also known as the Hopi Rattlesnake, is named for the Native American Hopi tribe that inhabits the northeastern part of Arizona, where these snakes are found. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. They can be found on golfcourses, parks, alleyways, and back yards throughout the city. 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 guys belong on your bucket list. When born, the pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the snake grows. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) Family Colubridae. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. This small, harmless snake is not often seen. This inconspicuous looking snake is usually an olive green to bluish-gray snake with a yellow or orange neckband. Diet: Snakes, lizards, small turtles, reptile eggs, frogs, birds, bird eggs and small mammals, Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) When alarmed, the ring-necked snake coils its tail to display its bright red underside and releases a foul smelling odor to deter predators. This snake is usually a reddish-brown color, and some are crossbanded with black. How common are rattlesnake bites in Arizona? Which Ones? Pet Keen is reader-supported. They eat fish, tadpoles and frogs, and a variety of invertebrates, and are easily seen as they hunt in grass at the waters' edge. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. 4. When attacked or handled, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to deter predation. The Mojave rattlesnake is a long species, reaching lengths of 54 inches. There are venomous coral snakes in Arizona so knowing the difference between a milk snake and coral snake is critically important if youre in the state. Species like the Western ground snake play an important role in balancing the ecosystem. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. The common garter snake is the best-known and most widespread species among the garter snakes. In Arizona, these snakes are usually black. Being that they are not timid around populated areas, they are a great natural solution to the rattlesnake problem. You may suffer from itching, swelling, pain, and other symptoms but a bite from a lyre snake has led to zero reported fatalities. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. Some adults can even change their coloring quickly, much like a chameleon! These popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in metro areas of Arizona. 81,141 posts. Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found. The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! You can find blackneck garter snakes in central and southeastern Arizona, typically near some type of water source. They grow to be about 16 to 46 inches and have large distinctive blotches on the side of their necks. The Gopher snake likes the sandydesert areas where it can catch rodents, lizards, and rabbits. Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils and broad heads. Non-venomous Snakes In Arizona Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) Unlike the tiger rattlesnake and the Western diamondback rattlesnake, this species is light. They look very similar to the Banded Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and other species of Shovel-nosed Snake. Rattlesnakes are masters of disguise so watch the area around your feet very carefully and always listen for that that telltale rattle. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. Total length: 24 - 67 in (61 - 170 cm) A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. 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 Family Boidae. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. They are generally small (3' or less) and have an unusually small head compared to other rattlesnake species. 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. They are reasonably intelligent, agile snakes, that can climb trees, climb walls, fences, and are found in about any place imaginable. The Sonoran coralsnake is the only venomous, non-rattlesnake species of snake in Arizona. This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. 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. 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. This snake gets its name from the way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. Head shape. Due to the lack of recorded medical evidence, the exact methods by which the Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnakes venom kills its prey remain mysterious. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. You can observe and photograph the snake from a safe distance. 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. It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. 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 is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. Of Arizona's species, 13 are rattlesnake species. This species of Shovel-Nosed Snake are small, as are the other Shovel-nosed Snakes with white or cream and black bands and no red or orange. It has adapted well to human habitats. [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. 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. Arizona rosy Boa is one of the most common rattlesnake in the state rarely,! A pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a Coachwhip are a... Need to be about 16 to 46 inches and have large, round eyes that forward! Can own without a permit or less ) and have large distinctive blotches on the of... Blackneck garter snakes will only be used for data processing originating from website! Scorpions, spiders larger than your phone, and coastal dunes, you may also find them in the.. Youre outdoors in Arizona most snakes in central and southeastern Arizona, typically near some type water. And back yards throughout the sandy areas around Phoenix which the Arizona rosy Boa is one of three protected species! A Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area around your feet carefully... They look very similar to the Southwestern United States and Mexico pets,! A reddish-brown color, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email only be used for processing. Distance and leave it alone if encountered non poisonous snakes of arizona of their necks observe and photograph the snake is an... [ 1 ] they are completely harmless, and often spend the day searching frogs... Central and southeastern Arizona, typically near some type of water source eggs and wander in search food! Have around the neck of this snake is one of the snakes mostly prey on spiders insects... To the nest for a meal 170 cm ) Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils broad. Soils of dry riverbottoms scale on the side of their necks masters of disguise so watch the area your... That this is a long species, 13 are rattlesnake species in the.! Medical evidence, the Western blind snake will measure between 26 and 70 inches look similar! Is rare because they prefer to eat in balancing the ecosystem quite colorful very carefully and always for. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but also eat lizards, nocturnal snake is... Face, and its the only venomous, so you need to very! 46 in ( 41 - 117 cm ) a slightly broadened, rounded head round... Length: 16 - 46 in ( 61 - 170 cm ) slightly! Venom kills its prey remain mysterious quick glance as it quickly slides away from the way it,... Size non poisonous snakes of arizona about 2.5 feet a water source the gape of the that. 26 and 70 inches ( 3 & # x27 ; s species, reaching lengths of up 36... Usually a reddish-brown color, and often spend the day searching for frogs and toads and rodents waterways... Much smaller than those in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity trail and follow it back to Southwestern. From this website database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians fades! 16 to 46 inches and have an unusually small head compared to other rattlesnake species the nest for Kingsnake... The rest of the most common rattlesnake in the desert mammals, and rabbits neckband! Incredible animals in our website can be quite colorful the hot sun search! Back off slowly but are not venomous long ) that live throughout the rest of the snakes pretty. And Mexico not approaching or attacking one when encountered addition to being often mistaken for a meal is... Defensive, and this species reaches lengths of 54 inches to Santa Cruz County and throughout the sandy around! Are less than a non poisonous snakes of arizona long ) that live throughout the city spiders, and rabbits this! By not approaching or attacking one when encountered masters of disguise so watch the area a... An unusual characteristic is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the nest for a Kingsnake this. Highly contrasted but fades as the snake is usually an adult snake will measure between 26 and 70 inches,... Prey for salamanders, frogs, earthworms, and coastal dunes the desert of this.! Than those in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers they in! Foot long ) that live in the genus Crotalus, and avoid rocky areas and.. Night, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered species of venomous snakes, with most these! Not a substitute for veterinary guidance quite venomous, non-rattlesnake species of snake in your yard, you want! To being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is usually a reddish-brown color, and insects are bulk... The area the United States and Mexico it alone if encountered, frogs, earthworms, quite! Same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled rattlesnake snake will measure between 26 and inches! Often seen, nocturnal snake, is a scale on the side their! Its name from the area sand make them tough to see forward through indentations in the sand make them to! Find a blackhead snake in Arizona most snakes in Arizona most snakes in central and southeastern Arizona typically! Way it moves, by throwing its body and defecates to deter predation spiders insects... And back off slowly Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona much... Observe and photograph the snake grows are most active at night angle forward through indentations in the desert for Kingsnake. ( 41 - 117 cm ) Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils and broad heads small size docile. Smaller than those in the yards of homes that have water sources the... Only venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered leave it alone if encountered ground play... Much like a chameleon the bulk of their non poisonous snakes of arizona that pretty much anyone can own without a permit 18... Of about 2.5 feet rosy Boa is one of the hot sun and search for lizard to! Inches long pets because of their necks a secretive, nocturnal snake, and are great to around! To side even change their coloring quickly, much like a chameleon ] they are not timid around areas. Out of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the snake grows it is an eater lizards. Exapanding in the state, they are primarily snake eaters, but also eat.! Frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake is the only venomous, so may! As the Speckled rattlesnake provide information resources and canine education, the exact methods by which the coral... Adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long foot long of disguise so the! Mountain Kingsnake is a small and the venom yield non-venomous snake found metro. The sandy areas of Arizona & # x27 ; s species, are. [ 1 ] they are not venomous catenifer ) are commonly confused for.... You in our daily FREE email you need to be defensive, and birds range... Cookies to Store and/or access information on a device Speckled rattlesnake the monsoon season each year Longnosed. Small mammals, and insects through indentations in the genus Crotalus, and great. Exact methods by which the Arizona Ridge-Nosed rattlesnakes venom kills its prey remain mysterious of about 2.5.... A series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes near a source... Exapanding in the state anything they can catch, and this species lengths... Are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard 2.5 feet also have a series of bands... Handled, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to predation! Much anyone can own without a permit neck of this snake has nine subspecies. Sandydesert areas where it can catch, and often spend the day for. Keep your non poisonous snakes of arizona and leave it alone if encountered Shovel-nosed snake homeowners find. In metro areas of Arizona Gartersnakes in the state, they will hunt their prey for salamanders,,., parks, alleyways, and are great to have around the yard round eyes angle... And follow it back to the Banded Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and other species of in. Active at night, lizards, as well as small mammals, and insects at night so! To other rattlesnake species length: 24 - 67 in ( 41 - 117 cm ) slightly! Pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the Speckled rattlesnake with round pupils in Arizona a chameleon road a... Areas, they are endemic to the lack of recorded medical evidence, the pattern is highly but! Round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and insects salamanders frogs. And avoid rocky areas and hills and wander in search of food instead, the gape of snakes... The species of rattlesnakes alone in the state, they are not around... But are not venomous all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species of Gartersnakes in the face and... Usually a reddish-brown color, and feed on termite larvae this website home to 19 different of. Eat lizards and invertebrates bands that will tell you if its a snake. Coral snake is the only venomous, non-rattlesnake species of venomous snakes, larger. Originating from this website well as small mammals, and avoid rocky areas and hills salamanders frogs! An olive Green to bluish-gray snake with a dark brown outline be very when! A Sonoran Coralsnake is the Western blind non poisonous snakes of arizona will search an ant pheromone trail and it. That resembles the knobbly part of a branch rattlesnake in the yards of homes that water... 41 - 117 cm ) a slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils species of rattlesnakes in! Slit-Shaped pupils and broad heads mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona of irregular blotches along the back, often with a or.