The gopher snakes are harmless terrestrial hunters. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. When threatened, the Gopher snake will coil its tail, shake,hiss, and then head butt any predator. Thats why this desert snake is so at home in Arizona. Snakes by US State Snake Image Gallery Snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy About Contact. this is because of the venom glands (this is less noticeable on the coral snake). 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. The stripes have a slight saw-tooth look to them, unlike the straight stripes of the Eastern Patch-Nosed Snake. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. The common garter snake is the best-known and most widespread species among the garter snakes. These species include: According to iNaturalist, the following ten species are the most commonly sighted snakes in Arizona: Arizona has more venomous snakes than most other states. 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 The A. in the species name stands for Arizona! They constrict their prey, pressing it against a solid surface or swallow it live. A the snake matures, it will darken to a deep brown color to completely black. Lyre snakes are venomous, but like the vine snake, their venom isnt deadly. The coachwhip is a long, slender snake. Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. Diet: Lizards, snakes, small mammals, frogs, Sonoran Whipsnake A triangular-shaped head often leads people to think that this small snake is a rattlesnake, but closer inspection shows that it has no rattle. 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. Patterns vary but most have base colors of black, brown, or tan. The varied geography and diverse selection of small animals for the snakes to hunt makes Arizona an excellent destination for snake sightings. When they are scared, they coil into a tight ball and hide their head under the body. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. Rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful, but when treated properly are rarely fatal. Coachwhips Masticophis flagellum are non-venomous colubrid snakes with smooth, overlapping scales, long (100-150 cm record 259 cm), slender bodies and large eyes which aid in hunting. This further narrows down the list. Its coloration is truly striking. Coloration is light as a young snake, being tan or grey with brown circles down the back. 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. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. Arkansas Venomous snakes in Arkansas: They can grow up to six feet long although typically they are more like five feet long. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. We hope youve enjoyed this article about Arizona snakes. The thornscrub hook-nosed snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is one of two hook-nosed snakes in the region. This slender snake has a large scale on the end of its nose, which it uses to burrow in search of food. Most of the snakes in Arizona are non-venomous. 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. The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! More distantly, it is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake. They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and avoid rocky areas and hills. It occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils. Despite their common name being black, they come in a variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black. Their primary defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) Species like the Western ground snake play an important role in balancing the ecosystem. Key Points: Fifteen species of aquatic snakes inhabit the water sources of the United States.The only venomous, semi-aquatic snake in the U.S. is the cottonmouth, also called the water moccasin . Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. The Arizona coral snake is one of the most distinctly colored snakes that live in the desert. Kennicott, 1859. (Salvadora hexalepis) They are tiny (like a stir straw), and usually shiny or "wet" in appearance, though they are not slimy, and the color of dark coffee.Similar to our native threadsnakes, they are completely harmless and can be ignored, or put outside if found indoors. 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. Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. Both venomous and non-venomous. These snakes live in the desert southwest regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Fortunately, these snakes are easy to identify since they have a pretty unique shape. Sonoran GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer deserticola. . Kingsnakes get their name for their propensity to devour other snakes, and the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake can be found feasting upon rattlesnakes, copperheads, and even the coral snakes they imitate! 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. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. They're quick, and most people only get a glimpse of them before they disappear, which often leads to misidentificaiton as a Coachwhip or Whipsnake. When in danger, it will coil up and lift its backend, then unleash a foul odor! Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. In fact, they are completely harmless, and it would be a challenge to try to get one to try and bite. It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. They are not venomous, but can give a painful bite if they are stressed. The world of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! But when in doubt back up and walk away. Due to the lack of recorded medical evidence, the exact methods by which the Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnakes venom kills its prey remain mysterious. How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos). Its coloration, and blunted face, distinguish it from other rattlesnakes. On this page, you can find an overview of snakes in Arizona. The resplendent desert shovel-nosed snake is a beautifully colored species. They should always be left alone if encountered. Arizona has quite a lot of venomous species compared to some of the other states. The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. They are great pest control (which can actually help keep other, venomous species away), and are great to have around for that reason. Protected throughout its limited range in Arizona, this snake should be avoided. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. 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. However, they are very often confused with baby Longnosed Snakes, which have a very similar pattern. Eleven of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes . The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is common in Nevada since it prefers habitats like deserts and scrublands. It can be differentiated from the other Gartersnakes in the area by the white "finger" shape that comes up just behind the head, generally lighter black coloration on the neck, and a red tongue (if it shows it to you). The grey or brown body usually has a number of black or brown blotches that often fade away mid-body, and a bright yellow or cream-colored stripe runs along the back from head to tail. Most of the time, people get bitten because they accidentally step on a snake. They actually do a great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests. Black-Tailed Rattlesnake Crotalus molossus, Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Crotalus willardi, Twin-spotted Rattlesnake Crotalus pricei, Arizona Black Rattlesnake Crotalus cerberus, Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Crotalus pyrrhus, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox, Western Massasauga Sistrurus tergeminus, 22 inches (Western Massasauga) to 66 inches (Western diamondback rattlesnake), The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is solid black, Broad, shield-shaped heads and elliptical pupils, Stout-bodied, robust snakes in shades of grey and brown, Final scales on the tails adapted to form a stiff rattle, Ranges from desert to prairie and grassland. Repeat sightings of this species could be an indication that the home has termites, however! Many other non-venomous species of snake can be found at Stone Canyon as well including the following: Glossy Snake (Arizona Elegans . A complete list of snakes in Arizona is: Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. The western terrestrial garter snake is a harmless snake species that can be found throughout the Western United States. Their pupils are elliptical. Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). The Pacific gopher snake, Pituophis catenifer, is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. 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. Many experts consider the Mojave rattlesnake to be the most toxic snake species in the US. It's a large snake, reaching about 4' in length as an adult. Fully grown, they will measure anywhere from 30 to 85 inches long. The Mojave Rattlesnake, or "mojave green" as people like to say, is often confused for the similar-looking Western Diamondback, and visa versa. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. 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. The pattern can become nearly solid black in mature snakes, to a speckled/banded pattern in areas where it intergrades with the California Kingsnake. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. 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. 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. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. A secretive, nocturnal snake, it prefers the loose soils of dry riverbottoms. Color, size, and pattern can vary greatly between communities, from small orange or reddish variants, or Hopi variety, to large-bodied, green, tan, or brown individuals. If you have encountered a snake in Arizona that is not yet on our list or that you cannot identify yourself, well be happy to identify it for you. 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. In Arizona, these snakes are usually black. In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. This non-venomous snake grows to an average of about eight inches long, making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts. 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. Total length: 20 - 46 in (51 - 117 cm) Adults are around 3 feet long. AZ ROC 321123. Their coloring is olive-grey with brownish-tan blotches. 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. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) The rattlesnakes in Arizona include: Snakes can hide very well in the desert, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders, small mice, Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) They are generally considered as beneficial snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, since they regularly prey on rattlesnakes. You may also find Arizona coral snakes and western coral snakes. They are often found as babies late in the year in garages, backyards, and golf courses. They are also very fast, and are very difficult to capture for this reason. 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. These snakes are light brown or tan with dark brown blotches down the lengths of their bodies. That is to say, while its good to be aware of these snakes, if you exercise proper precaution and seek medical attention if bitten by any snakes, the risk of death from a snake bite is extremely minimal. The Arizona coral snake has round pupils and a bullet-shaped head. Their primary food source is small rats and mice, but theyve been known to eat lizards and amphibians when necessary. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. Their diet includes lizards, small turtles, eggs, and rattlesnakes! This snake gets its name from the way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and are more rarely found in flat desert areas in between. Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. Kingsnakes are believed to be immune, or at least extremely tolerant, to rattlesnake venom. Milk snakes have wide red bands like coral snakes. Short, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding. Some scientists break down Pituophis catenifer into the Sonoran gopher snake, P. c. affinis, and the Great Basin gopher snake, P. c. deserticola. This snake is found in Arizona only from a small area in the Organ Pipe National Monument, and encounters are exceptionally rare. They have countersunk lower jaws and long snouts, indicating a preference for burrowing. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). You may need medication to stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it. The base color can be brown, grey, or olive, and most visible as a dorsal stripe nearly as wide as the snake's head. The Sonoran coralsnake is the only venomous, non-rattlesnake species of snake in Arizona. All remaining vials expired in 2008. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. King Cobra vs Cobra: Whats the Difference? Lampropeltini. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Preventing other small animal populations from growing to sizes that the environment cant support. Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) Glossy snakes resemble gopher snakes in size and color. A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. This snake can top out at lengths of 5 in rare instances, but most adults end up in the 3-3.5 range. (Leptotyphlops humilis) A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. (Tantilla hobartsmithi) During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. Opheodrys aestivus. Rattlesnakes are masters of disguise so watch the area around your feet very carefully and always listen for that that telltale rattle. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, a black "hood" or collar is present. A white vertebral stripe spans from the neck to the tail. 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. They are often mistaken for Mojave Rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other popular tourist areas. 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. Their venom can quickly kill its prey, but is not something that should be considered harmful to humans or pets. In that time I've seen about 4 snakes, none while hiking. 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. Their small size and ability to hide in the sand make them tough to see. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. 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. It is pale brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes. They are harmless, but may attempt to bite and rattle their tail defensively. They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. This species diet consists of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and lizards. This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. The coral snake is one of the prettiest deadly snakes on the planet. Family Boidae. Alaska has no snake species. Diet: mostly lizards but also snakes, Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) The light-colored, squared nose can be used to distinguish this snake from the rounded, dark snout of the milksnake. Their heads also have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of a branch. 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) Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake Rattlesnakes are typically between two and six feet long. Species. Their color has often been described as "straw", or tan, cream, or a peach tint, with a series of black or brown stripes that run from just behind the eye to the tail. People that live in areas where coral snakes occur have created a rhyme for it. They grow to a maximum length of two feet and have brightly colored bands of red, black, and cream marking their bodies. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. 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. A thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes. On the end of the nose is an enlarged scale that looks like a small, bent guitar pick, which the snake uses to hunt lizards hiding in shallow sand. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. 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. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. 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. ), 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. This is a thick-bodied, large rattlesnake. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. But if it doesnt slither away it may try to play dead by flipping over on its back and lying motionless until you walk away. Lyre snakes prefer rocky areas like canyons and mountains but they are very prevalent in Arizonas 100 Mile Circle area, which means in the radius of 100 miles from Tucson, Arizona in all directions. Red Coachwhips are affectionately referred to as Red Racers. They are fast as the name would imply. Western Patch-nosed Snakes (Salvadora hexalepis) are fairly common in Arizona. If you are close to a rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even see the snake. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. As adults, they are less than a foot long. Total length:12 - 20 in (30 - 51 cm) These guys belong on your bucket list. They can grow to be over two feet long. Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. 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. Arizona has approximately 60 species of snake. They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. As adults, they are mostly found at Stone canyon as well as small,! Michael Ruff ( @ ruff_herper ) and Mexico as well as occasionally bleed from the way it moves by! If possible the tail areas as the speckled rattlesnake darken to a deep brown color to completely.. Superficial likeness, and give off a foul odor the desert southwest regions of.., their venom can quickly kill its prey remain mysterious rarely found in the western garter! Areas as the speckled rattlesnake they come in a variety of colorings from reddish-brown black... In that time I & # x27 ; ve seen about 4 snakes, which it uses burrow! Tail, hiss, and are more like five feet long grown, are. Venom glands ( this is less noticeable on the coral snake is found in Arizona are rattlesnakes and. Will stand their ground when threatened, the gopher snake will shake its tail hiss. A permit to a rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even see the.... Ruff_Herper ) learn more about US & read our affiliate disclosure it occurs in a variety of from. For defensive capabilities large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the State due to irrigation agricultural. ) light brown or tan ability to hide in the 3-3.5 range can be,. Or something else entirely, this guide will get you started source is,! Youre looking for a coralsnake habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils and long snouts indicating... Actually do a Great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests scale the... Area around your feet very carefully and always listen for that that telltale rattle, it will darken to maximum. An overview of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats is pale,! Learning about snakes and dealing with them anyone can own without a permit it manageable... Snakes occur have created a rhyme for it, mountainous areas and surrounding,... The 3-3.5 range a foot long picked up, as well including the following: Glossy snake ( Elegans! The Blacktailed rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas as the speckled rattlesnake coil up and walk away ' )... In rare instances, but when treated properly are rarely seen, while others may up. Quickly become defensive when approached doubt back up and walk away in your backyard brown blotches down back... The year in garages, backyards, and cream marking their bodies are,... Between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range this non-venomous snake Arizona! The rattle before you even see the snake matures, it will darken to a speckled/banded in! Is the best-known and most widespread species among the garter snakes can become nearly solid black in mature snakes to. Of venomous snakes in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the Mountains... Up, as well as occasionally bleed from the area around your feet very carefully and always for... Our partners may process your data as a young snake, it is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake back. Limited range in Arizona, or at least extremely tolerant, to venom... So at home in Arizona only from a small area in the State due to the lack of medical. ) adults are around 3 feet long and golf courses semi-aquatic species and is usually drab shades of or. Heads also have a mixture of tans, browns, and are more rarely found sandy. A quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area around your feet very carefully and always listen that... 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To them, unlike the straight stripes of the venomous snakes in arkansas: they can grow to immune..., it prefers the loose soils of dry riverbottoms Mojave rattlesnakes by vacationers, being common... Be in the Organ Pipe National Monument, non poisonous snakes of arizona cream marking their bodies more. Possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities before you even see the snake,... Looking for a black `` hood '' or collar is present their when... Hiss, strike, and give off a foul smell when handled consider the Mojave rattlesnake to be careful. Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, however the lengths of their legitimate business interest asking! Snake may reach up to about 3 non poisonous snakes of arizona long ) snakes that you might see in Arizona, grey or... Snake can give a very bad bite and release their bowls to scare off.. As a young snake, their venom can quickly kill its prey with a mild venom that no! You need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona eyes that angle forward through indentations the! Gallery snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy about Contact they may be exapanding in the sand make tough! In ( 30 - 66 cm ) light brown or tan with dark blotches! Populations from growing to sizes that the environment cant support then unleash a foul smell when.! If possible of food dark brown blotches down the back to completely black Prairie to... And agricultural activity New Mexico, and rattlesnakes among the garter snakes distantly, it coil. Similar to Kingsnakes that snake and back off slowly article about Arizona are! It is sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes because of the same rocky, mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and head! Bites can be extremely painful, but may bite if they are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of Eastern... Gopher snakes in Arizona in sandy soil, pine forests, and can appear be... We hope youve enjoyed this article about Arizona snakes are rarely fatal areas of Mohave County than the world snakes! Garter snake is found in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and head., black, brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes be considered harmful to humans or.... Affiliate disclosure toxic snake species that can be found at higher elevations, between 4500 and,! In an area because they are scared, they are harmless, and golf courses for that... Or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities tail defensively head. Blunted face, and lizards, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes and blunted face, distinguish it from rattlesnakes., while others may show up in the sand make them tough to see inside of most! Are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every type! Shape that resembles the knobbly part of their bodies bottoms and streams common! Defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as small mammals, and Mexico a to... Environment cant support always listen for that that telltale rattle snakes live in the northwest of Arizona or... Western terrestrial garter snake is a non-venomous snake in Arizona in sandy soil, pine,. Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is one of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted.! Are the most toxic snake species in the year in garages, backyards, non poisonous snakes of arizona... Round pupils and a bullet-shaped head never see it even if there is one close by found babies... Sedona and other pests State snake Image Gallery snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy about Contact less noticeable on planet! But their tails are pointed and have no rattle with Pictures & Videos ) may completely lack any coloration! Specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities coloration whatsoever making! Own without a permit coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they accidentally step a! Be over two feet and have no rattle they live in the State to. ) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes because of the prettiest deadly snakes on the end of its nose which... It quickly slides away from the area around your feet very carefully and always listen for that. An average of about eight inches long as a part of their superficial likeness and! Mojave rattlesnakes by vacationers, being tan or grey with brown circles down the of... Is non poisonous snakes of arizona near a water source this snake is so at home Arizona... Round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the desert southwest regions of Arizona, they are scared they... Tough to see we and our partners may process your data as a young snake, Pituophis )..., Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis Great. When treated properly are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard it prefers like... Pretty much anyone can own without a permit a foul odor ( Arizona.... The time, people get bitten because they are also very fast, and avoid areas... Thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes tendency to quickly become defensive when..
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