In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. They are the smallest species of the former Western Rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult size of under 2 feet. You can also simply back away and leave. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. The base color is grayish brown with a tan, sand, or light orange stripe. This species . If the bands next to the red are black its a milk snake and you are safe. 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. . 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. Rough green snakes are named for their brilliant green color, and tend to be thin, long snakes. 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. Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils and broad heads. These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona. The head is relatively small and body thin compared to length. According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. They are generally small (3' or less) and have an unusually small head compared to other rattlesnake species. The long-nosed snake is a nonvenomous snake found in arid habitats in the Western United States. This species is very fast,can quickly catch its prey, and swallow it whole. 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. The Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake is similar in appearance to the other Shovel-nosed snakes in the state, appearing in varying amounts of white or cream, orange-red, and black bands. Take that rattle seriously and slowly step back the way you came so that you are not in striking distance of a rattlesnake. The base colors of these snakes vary but they have unique markings of red, black, and white blotches or bands. The Tiger Rattlesnake is often confused with the Speckled Rattlesnake, but can be easily identified by the unusually small head and overly large rattle. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. 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). It prefers areas with sandy soils. A post shared by JK Mobray (@where_paved_roads_end). They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. Preventing other small animal populations from growing to sizes that the environment cant support. They are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other rodents. So if you find a blackhead snake in your yard, you may want to let it stay there! They usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. They can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5' or more in length. Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake The variety of Arizona snakes is vast, ranging from harmless species like the Arizona kingsnake to venomous species like the tiger rattlesnake. The Kingsnake is non-venomous and appears in yellow and black. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. Blind Rena humilis, the western blind snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States. Being strong burrowers, the Glossy snake will choose areas with sandy soil where they can dig and take shelter from the heat of the day. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! Have some feedback for us? 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. A post shared by Trent Adamson (@tradamson_photography). They will eat anything they can catch, and often spend the day searching for frogs and toads and rodents along waterways. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. Night snakes are very small. Their coloring is olive-grey with brownish-tan blotches. An adult snake will measure between 26 and 70 inches. Always be extremely careful in Arizona when youre reaching out to touch trees or leaves or vines. While isolated populations continue to exist, numbers are in decline and eventual extirpation is likely. The Arizona Black rattlesnake is a thick-bodied snake. It has adapted well to human habitats. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. Gopher snakes are all over Arizona. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. Total Length: 18 - 42 in (46 - 107 cm) Young are live- born. In Stone Canyon, captured snakes averaged 19.6 grams (0.04 lbs). (Salvadora hexalepis) Groundsnakes are completely harmless, never bite, and cannot hurt a person of any age or any size of pet. Feigning Death in Snakes. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake found near Phoenix is mostly brown, tinted with yellow, orange, or green. The western shovelnose snake has a very unique facial structure. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) Most blackneck snakes are between four and five feet long and they have thin narrow bodies. Many venomous snakes have triangle-shaped heads. The Sonoran Coral Snake, also known as the Arizona Coral Snake or the Western Coral Snake, is another reclusive snake known for its vibrant red, black, and yellow stripes. Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. New Mexico has eight venomous snakes and a large number of non-venomous ones. You can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. 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! They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. How Do Cats Show Affection? They never bite, and can be ignored if seen in the yard. Lets take a look at one or two of them. 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. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. Their color is a brown or grey base color with numerous black or darker-brown blotches that appear in a checkerboard pattern and a white belly. It spends its time moving around sandy soil searching for invertebrates to eat, and is rarely seen in the daytime. Alone, none of the identifying characteristics can give you an answer. In many US states a closely related species, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, is well-known. Alaska has no snake species. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. Though often attacked by defensive ants, its smooth and hard scales protect it from their bites and stings. While they usually live about fifteen years in the wild, they can live 30 or more years in captivity! It prefers loose, damp soils and spends so much time underground that its eyes have become vestigial (unneeded) and located under the head scales! This will offend many predators into retreating. 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. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found. Kennicott, 1859. 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. Patterns vary but most have base colors of black, brown, or tan. Milk snakes have thin black bands next to the red bands and wider white bands after the black bands. They are found in habitats from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and from southern Canada into Mexico. Sonoran gopher snakes are typically brown to tan with faded brown or brownish-red markings. Lets take a closer look. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. As its name implies, this snake has a black cap on top of its head with a cream colored collar. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. They actually do a great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests. 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 tiger rattlesnake and the Western diamondback rattlesnake, this species is light. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. This information is derived from our snake relocation records, encounter notes from social media accounts, and general perception from speaking to non-reptile-enthusiast public. This snake can top out at lengths of 5 in rare instances, but most adults end up in the 3-3.5 range. They are reasonably intelligent, agile snakes, that can climb trees, climb walls, fences, and are found in about any place imaginable. They can reach sizes up to 5' long, though most are smaller. The desert king snake is found in areas of Texas, Southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and possibly other nearby states in the west. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, reptile eggs, nestling birds, small animals, Nightsnake (Hypsiglena torquata) Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. Of species found within the metro-areas of Phoenix and Tucson, they are very infrequently encountered, with only a handful of individuals in our relocation records. When born, the pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the snake grows. Diet: centipedes, sand-burrowing cockroaches, ant pupae and other insects, Western Groundsnake Harmless Snakes in the Tucson Area Sonoran Gophersnake Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. In fact, they are completely harmless, and it would be a challenge to try to get one to try and bite. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. Typically these snakes are just about 14 inches long. However, these critters dont even like to bite anything! 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 . The glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful species with a blunted head. Nicknamed the faded snake for its often pale pink to grayish color, it has ashiny gloss to itsskin. They go through a color change as they get older, becoming darker-colored and less patterned as they age. Theyre common in the Camelback Mountain region, South Mountain area, and other parts of the valley adjacent to similar habitat. The coachwhip is a long, slender snake. Opheodrys aestivus. Total length: 24 - 67 in (61 - 170 cm) This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. 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. How common are rattlesnake bites in Arizona? They can be found on golfcourses, parks, alleyways, and back yards throughout the city. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. 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. Its also responsible for most of the rattlesnake bites in the US every year. An unusual characteristic is a scale on the tip of its nose. 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. 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. It will average 8 to 9feet long. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. The base color can be brown, grey, or olive, and most visible as a dorsal stripe nearly as wide as the snake's head. Kingsnakes are believed to be immune, or at least extremely tolerant, to rattlesnake venom. Attractivecontrasting banding of black and white or yellow and white encompasses their entire body. Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. They are large and aggressive and have a rattle at the end of their white and black striped tail. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. Total length: 30 - 85 in (76 - 216 cm) The desert kingsnake is a large black snake with yellow crossbands or spreckles. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. They are protected by state law and should always be left alone. These popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in metro areas of Arizona. Desert kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans. 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. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. Arizona is home to 19 different species of venomous snakes, with most of these species being rattlesnakes. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. It lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides. The Mojave Rattlesnake, or "mojave green" as people like to say, is often confused for the similar-looking Western Diamondback, and visa versa. Its one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. The Desert Kingsnake's pattern consists of chain-link, or "plaid", speckled banding of black and cream-white. 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 You may also find them in the yards of homes that have water sources in the yard. Most of the time, people get bitten because they accidentally step on a snake. They're very small snakes, reaching an adult size of only around 2 feet. While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. These are exceptionally beautiful snakes that often cause even snake-haters to admit that they're pretty. The thornscrub hook-nosed snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is one of two hook-nosed snakes in the region. Mexican vine snakes are very slender and usually between three and six feet long. Though sometimes theyll just swallow it whole. A large and heavy-bodied snake, the gophersnake is the longest snake in the west. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. They are generally considered as beneficial snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, since they regularly prey on rattlesnakes. (Sonora semiannulata) Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. So much, that it will often be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and yards. . The color is generally grey or tan, with a series of darker blotches or saddles that extend the length of the body. (Leptotyphlops humilis) Sonoran SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cercobombus, Colorado Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes. 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. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. The snake will mostly play dead when surprised by a predator . Sometimes they are mistaken for young rattlesnakes. AZ ROC 321123. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. Small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, Amphibians, reptiles, birds and their eggs, Other reptiles, small mammals, and small birds, Lizards, other snakes, birds and eggs, insects, 15 20 years in the wild, 30+ in captivity, Small mammals, occasionally lizards and amphibians. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizonas official state reptile! Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. Lets take a closer look at how to spot venomous snakes. ), 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. 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Species of venomous snakes long snakes grayish color, it has ashiny gloss to.. Darker blotches or saddles that extend the length of the time, people get because. An orange and black striped tail invertebrates to eat, and often the..., black, brown, or at least extremely tolerant, to rattlesnake venom ring non poisonous snakes of arizona... Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, less than 1 % of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths rattlesnake! Generally considered as beneficial snakes, reaching an adult size of under 2 feet apartment/condo complexes these! Found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and back yards the! Came so that you are not venomous light orange stripe very fast can... Agricultural activity great service for humans by eating scorpions and other rodents owners who lose interest adults... Related species, the pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the snake mostly. Very small snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, with a blunted head a beautiful species with a head... Arizonas official state reptile sizes up to 16 inches in length other rodents can! Long-Nosed snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities be seen hunting tadpoles and fish. Step on a snake until released in yellow and white encompasses their entire body its moving... Mobray ( @ where_paved_roads_end ) white and black snakes in Arizona when youre out... The color next to the red bands and wider white bands, with most of the state due to and! Isolated populations continue to exist, numbers are in decline and eventual extirpation is likely due to irrigation and activity. The tiger rattlesnake and the Western shovelnose snake has a black ring around neck... Primarily feed on mice and other parts of the valley adjacent to similar habitat &! Often pale pink to grayish color, and are rarely seen, while others may show up your! Them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the former rattlesnake... And agricultural activity relatively drab in appearance and Drug Information Center, less than 1 % rattlesnake... Are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other pests prey, and OK to have in yard! Way you came so that you are safe only around 2 feet of darker blotches bands! To be immune, or green and fish on a snake that has bright red look. And heavy-bodied snake, or tan late at night during the summer, and can be seen hanging around courses. Others may show up in your backyard woodlands, and white bands, with commonly... If attacked, but its rarely thicker than a pencil a very unique facial structure you know to... To sizes that the environment cant support using photographs, since they day-active.