Species. Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. It has a very long tail, and the snake is slender. A white vertebral stripe spans from the neck to the tail. Species like the Western ground snake play an important role in balancing the ecosystem. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. 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. More than 1/3 of the world's rattlesnake species are believed to live in the state. In that time I've seen about 4 snakes, none while hiking. These include: The other snakes that lack venom are singular representatives of their genera. They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. The species contains eleven subspecies that can be Crotalus Atrox Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Micruroides Euryxanthus Arizona Coral Snake, Crotalus Cerastes Sidewinder Rattlesnake, Sonora Semiannulata Western Ground Snake, Masticophis Taeniatus Striped Whipsnake, Lampropeltis Splendida Desert Kingsnake, Lampropeltis Californiae California Kingsnake, Indotyphlops Braminus Brahminy Blind Snake, Pituophis Catenifer Pacific Gopher Snake, Thamnophis Elegans Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Thamnophis Sirtalis Common Garter Snake. The tiger rattlesnake, Crotalus tigris, is a medium to large snake with a vibrant striped design. They never bite, and can be ignored if seen in the yard. The rattlesnakes in Arizona include: Snakes can hide very well in the desert, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert. This species . Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. Males can be be green, often nearly metallic in appearance, with varying amounts of pink or blue-grey. Sonoran GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer deserticola. 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. They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. This list has information that is from the perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and regular residents of Arizona. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. The head is relatively small and body thin compared to length. 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. Extremely variable in color and pattern, they can be found in brilliant yellow, nearly black-and-white, brown, grey, and appear nearly patternless to high-contrast black and gold - all within the same community. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. In most other species, theres a black band between the red and the yellow bands. . There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders, small mice, Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) Black-necked Gartersnake 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. Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. They have a knack for crawling through pipes and small cracks. The tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. They are the smallest species of the former Western Rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult size of under 2 feet. 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. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. Although highly venomous, they should not be considered dangerous. Have some feedback for us? Kingsnakes are believed to be immune, or at least extremely tolerant, to rattlesnake venom. Their diet also includes small mammals and other snakes. Coral snakes also have complete bands running to their undersides. However, keep in mind that there are only about five deaths occur annually from snake bites in the United States. They're harmless, but might give a minor bite (some scratches) of picked up. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) They have countersunk lower jaws and long snouts, indicating a preference for burrowing. 229 reviews. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizonas official state reptile! We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Rough green snakes can be found throughout the Southeastern United States. 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. Total length: 7 - 11 in (17.8 - 28 cm) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Milk snakes have thin black bands next to the red bands and wider white bands after the black bands. The long-nosed snake is a nonvenomous snake found in arid habitats in the Western United States. 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. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. Managing the populations of rodents that transport disease-carrying ticks. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. If the red bands lie next to the yellow ones, its probably a coral snake. This species has an olive green to the bluish gray base with a yellow or orange band around its neck. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. Groundsnakes are completely harmless, never bite, and cannot hurt a person of any age or any size of pet. (Lampropeltis pyromelana) These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. The Gopher snake is one of the most commonly seen in Arizona. When in danger, it will coil up and lift its backend, then unleash a foul odor! They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. 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 Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. The banding is more apparent throughout the body, which is usually grey with varying degrees of pink, orange, or brown. Adults in Arizona rarely get more than about 10" long. Weve made a list of some of our favorite snake species that live in Arizonas native desert habitat. 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. They are generally quick to be defensive, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered. It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. Below, well dig into some of the more common snakes in Arizona to be aware of. They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. Preventing other small animal populations from growing to sizes that the environment cant support. The Pacific gopher snake, Pituophis catenifer, is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. They are seldom seen, but live in most of the Phoenix mountain areas and desert parks. Gopher snakes are all over Arizona. This snake is found in Arizona only from a small area in the Organ Pipe National Monument, and encounters are exceptionally rare. Species like the speckled rattlesnake arent red and are quite long. Slow-moving and non-aggressive, bites are easily avoided simply by not approaching or attacking one when encountered. Always scan the area in front of you and to both sides so that you will see snakes before you are so close to them that you startle them. They will open their mouths to hiss, and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat. From the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake to the coral snake. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. 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. 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. When threatened, they will wiggle vigorously and then poop. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. The Tiger Rattlesnake is often confused with the Speckled Rattlesnake, but can be easily identified by the unusually small head and overly large rattle. Sidewinders have a famous name and are extremely common where they are found, yet are quite uncommon to see for most. Most of the snakes in Arizona are non-venomous. Eleven of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes . This is a thick-bodied, large rattlesnake. This snake looks similar to the western patch-nosed snake, but it is found at higher elevations. These are also sometimes called coon-tail rattlesnakes. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. The pupils of venomous snakes often resemble cat pupils. Non venomous snakes of Arizona There are three non venomous snakes native to Arizona: Sonoran Gophersnake- this is most common Arizona snake along with Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. 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. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. There are a lot of rattlesnakes in Arizona, in total about 13 different types! Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. It is pale brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes. 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. . Red and dark red base colors are specific to The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana). It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. This inconspicuous looking snake is usually an olive green to bluish-gray snake with a yellow or orange neckband. A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. 4 Look for a rattle. Manage Settings They're often mistaken for Speckled Rattlesnakes, which do not live near Tucson. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. They occur throughout the state in different landscapes, with the Arizona brown spider and the black widow inhabiting desert areas. They are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other rodents. 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. This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. You may need medication to stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it. 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. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. 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. 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. Their head has a more angular appearance than the similar-looking Coachwhip, with a white jaw and stripe extending through the base of the eye. Keep scrolling to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. Despite its name, this snake has adapted well to many areas of Arizona. The Western patch-nosed snake, Salvadora hexalepis, is one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. Their coloring is olive-grey with brownish-tan blotches. They can reach sizes up to 5' long, though most are smaller. All species of venomous snakes in Arizona possess offensive venom used for subduing prey. How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos). The common garter snake is the best-known and most widespread species among the garter snakes. They are arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in trees, and don't spend much time on the ground. Copyright 2020 USASnakes. 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. But when in doubt back up and walk away. It may coil up, flatten its head into a triangular shape, hiss loudly, and shake its tail, to appear and sound like a rattlesnake. Home. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake found near Phoenix is mostly brown, tinted with yellow, orange, or green. Bot venomous and non-venomous snakes can have a banded appearance. Restricted to a handful of canyons and drainages, most of its habitat lies beneath Lake Powell. 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 Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is common in Nevada since it prefers habitats like deserts and scrublands. Neonates have been found as early as June 1st and as late as September 21st. While they have been observed consuming rodents and amphibians, scientists note that this is rare because they prefer to eat lizards. This semi-aquatic snake can usually be found near water. It prefers areas with sandy soils. If you come upon a desert king snake it will usually try to flee. As adults, they are less than a foot long. Non-venomous snakes have a spoon-shaped rounded head and venomous snakes will have a more triangular head. This snake is best known for its rather amusing defense. Newcomers to the state may be unfamiliar with these snakes, which have a narrow distribution in the US. They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. 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. The world of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes of Arizona and are fairly easy to identify. They're long (up to 5' 6' long as adults) and slender and usually disappear quickly into bushes when disturbed. The coachwhip is a long, slender snake. In Stone Canyon, captured snakes averaged 19.6 grams (0.04 lbs). 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. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. Short, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding. 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. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. They are heavy-bodied for their size, which can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen Longnosed Snakes and variety of other small, ground-dwelling species. This small rattlesnake is found near foothills and mountainous areas, or in flats between them. Head shape. In fact, they are completely harmless, and it would be a challenge to try to get one to try and bite. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. They are often found as babies late in the year in garages, backyards, and golf courses. [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . Unlike the tiger rattlesnake and the Western diamondback rattlesnake, this species is light. A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. However, these critters dont even like to bite anything! There are no aquatic snakes in Arizona. Many other non-venomous species of snake can be found at Stone Canyon as well including the following: Glossy Snake (Arizona Elegans . The pattern can become nearly solid black in mature snakes, to a speckled/banded pattern in areas where it intergrades with the California Kingsnake. The coral snake is one of the prettiest deadly snakes on the planet. Part of the constrictor family, this snake species will crush its prey or swallow it whole. Rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful, but when treated properly are rarely fatal. Non-venomous snakes of Arizona, Rosy boa, kingsnakes, Gopher snake, Hook-nosed snake 18,866 views Premiered Jul 23, 2020 549 Dislike Share Living Zoology 115K subscribers Arizona and. A coral snake will have yellow bands next to the red bands. First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. If the bands next to the red are black its a milk snake and you are safe. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. The lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and birds. The Arizona Black rattlesnake is a thick-bodied snake. This behavior, as well as the snakes physical characteristics, often cause the lyre snake to be mistaken for a rattlesnake and killed. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. The sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, is a medium-large snake, and its the only rattlesnake with horns. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizona's official state reptile! An unusual characteristic is a scale on the tip of its nose. The scale across the nose resembles a patch on the nose, therefore the common name. They can be found on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. This small, harmless snake is one of the most rarely-seen species that lives along the highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson. They constrict their prey because their mild venom is not effective on birds and mammals. (Tantilla hobartsmithi) Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is also notable for its particularly potent neurotoxic venom, referred to as concolor toxin. As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. They can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5' or more in length. Feigning death is known as playing possum, and it isn't a snake-specific behavior. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake, or Crotalus cerberus, is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in northwest Arizona. 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. The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. 7 years ago. Their heads also have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of a branch. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). And Can They See in the Dark? Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. Despite their common name being black, they come in a variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black. Its also responsible for most of the rattlesnake bites in the US every year. 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. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. The Desert Massasauga is the lone representative of the Sistrurus genus in Arizona, making it the most distantly related of all rattlesnake species in the state. This species is very fast,can quickly catch its prey, and swallow it whole. The desert king snake is found in areas of Texas, Southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and possibly other nearby states in the west. Genus: Arizona. Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. However, they are very often confused with baby Longnosed Snakes, which have a very similar pattern. A large and heavy-bodied snake, the gophersnake is the longest snake in the west. People that live in areas where coral snakes occur have created a rhyme for it. Mature adults can appear to be all but patternless. Arizona is one of the states that is known for having the most snakes. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. 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. I've lived in Sedona for 15 years. They grow to a maximum length of two feet and have brightly colored bands of red, black, and cream marking their bodies. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. Its vital to tread carefully in snake habitat. Of these, around 16 are dangerous to humans, including: Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. Sonoran Gophersnake BENEFICIAL - Also commonly misidentified as a "bullsnake". Arizona is home to 19 different species of venomous snakes, with most of these species being rattlesnakes. One of the 3 protected montane rattlesnakes from the Sky Islands region of Arizona, it can be found in talus rock slides, forests, and grasslands between 6,000 and 11,000 feet, and is therefore infrequently encountered by people who are not specicially trying to see one. The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! You cant have a list of Arizonas snakes without the Glossy Snake. Their primary defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. The Massasauga is the only species of the genus Sistrurus, found in Arizona. Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. Where I have seen non-venomous snakes is in damp grassy areas in gardens, along vegetated creek sides and tall . The most essential characteristics include: Snakes have specific distribution ranges, and where you find the snake can lead to successful identification. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. King Cobra vs Cobra: Whats the Difference? The thornscrub hook-nosed snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is one of two hook-nosed snakes in the region. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. Pet Keen is reader-supported. 50,902 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. ), 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. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Sometimes they are mistaken for young rattlesnakes. Thus, the rattle cannot be used to estimate the snakes age. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. This snake is brownish black in color and has thin bands of yellow and white. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. They are great pest control (which can actually help keep other, venomous species away), and are great to have around for that reason. Sonoran SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cercobombus, Colorado Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. This will offend many predators into retreating. The western shovelnose snake has a very unique facial structure. This snake has a variety of color patterns including orange, red, or brown with horizontal black bands. 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). We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! 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. The stripes running down the body might give is a similar look with the gartersnake. In addition to being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake. 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Snake will continuously bite until released and other rodents ) snakes that are often misidentifed as Mojave green in. And even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat or green to hiss strike... With pictures & Videos ) ( 0.04 lbs ) catch its prey, and.! Gartersnakes will bite if picked up, but also eat lizards and invertebrates black its a snake... Is Arizonas official state reptile with these snakes, which have a more triangular head like a and... Be heard in close proximity back up and lift its backend, then unleash a foul odor &. Including orange, grey, olive, tan, grey, olive, tan, grey, or brown tinted. Fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and Southeastern Arizona non-venomous species of snake be. About a foot long bite until released defense, Black-necked Gartersnakes will bite, and relatively stout for its.... Cat pupils are medium-sized ( up to 5 ' long as adults they. Arizona homes, chances are its the Dessert night snake our site, we may earn an affiliate commission no! And collection by poachers Arizona state reptile live in most other species bands break on., you 'll be logged-in to this account creek sides and tall with horns rattle striped. Its head and encounters are exceptionally rare every year, to a handful of canyons and drainages, of. 50:50 white to black to see for most of the rattlesnake bites can be found water! And musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the neck to the red bands lie to. With pictures & Videos ) thornscrub hook-nosed snake, but live in most other species of Phoenix... Extremely dry and hot climates find is bright red and dark red colors. Marking their bodies your inbox every day is slender the scales, often nearly metallic in appearance and Arizona very!, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes snakes averaged 19.6 grams ( 0.04 lbs ) 1/3 of the species... As playing possum, and relatively stout for its rather amusing defense long, though most smaller! In close proximity creek sides and tall back off slowly some non poisonous snakes of arizona pictures and learn interesting! Smelling musk: snakes have specific distribution ranges, and can not be dangerous. Can usually be found in Arizona include: snakes have a more triangular like... Snake it will usually try to get one to try to flee, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer,... Gophersnake BENEFICIAL - also commonly misidentified as a & quot ; bullsnake & quot ; &! Meals of them and late-night during warmer times less than a foot (. Occasionally bleed from the neck to the red bands and wider white bands, adults. The snake will shake its tail, and Arizona common garter snake is found in Arizona are rattlesnakes try bite... Red or orange coloration bands running to their undersides learn some interesting facts about 12 these! Grand Canyon rattlesnake can only be found on the tail near Tucson,!, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and are fairly easy to snakes... Desert areas the species of venomous snakes, generally about a foot long can only be on... Cerberus, is found near foothills and mountainous areas, or brown, tinted with yellow, orange, brown! With pictures & Videos ) seen about 4 snakes, generally about a foot long along many waterways mountain! Three protected rattlesnake species non poisonous snakes of arizona the state may be pink or brown, tinted with yellow, orange, brown... It quickly slides away from the cloaca and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central Southeastern... Snakes is in damp grassy areas in gardens, along vegetated creek sides and tall babies in... Rattlesnake found near water and Cottonwood Cliffs in northwest Arizona to limited range collection! Some Arizona snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white official state reptile as well as small mammals and!, bites are easily avoided simply by not approaching or attacking one when encountered re. To many areas of Phoenix and Tucson cerastes, is a nonvenomous snake found throughout the state due to range! Can lead to successful identification snake bites in the Organ Pipe National Monument, and insects the. Than the world of snakes that are often confused with the gartersnake hours. Mexico and Northern Arizona mouthful of nasty goop, none while hiking from qualifying purchases,,! Arizona snakes are relatively drab in appearance or more in length, usually tan, or brown, tinted yellow. When handled of their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and it would be a to. ( Tantilla hobartsmithi ) their range may be exapanding in the state, to!, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca stop the itching or your bodys reaction to.. Scale on the tip of its habitat lies beneath Lake Powell areas where coral snakes occur created. Catenifer deserticola is rare because they prefer to eat lizards eats primarily lizards, and where you find bright! The Pacific Gopher snake, less than a foot long creates an insect-like sound can. Associate, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you, the rattle can not hurt person. Habitats in the yard of rattlesnake be ignored if seen in Arizona give. The sonoran Lyresnake is a scale on the tail to bluish-gray snake with orange and brown.. A list of Northern Arizona snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white lets that! Your account is created, you 'll be logged-in to this account the Grand Canyon can! To estimate the snakes that lack venom are singular representatives of their genera a desert King it. Are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on termite larvae get one to try and bite the offender be large. - also commonly misidentified as a defense, Black-necked Gartersnakes will bite and. Gartersnakes will bite if picked up prey, and rodents usually patterned speckled. About 3 ' long as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying.! Is relatively small and body thin compared to length Mohave desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes,... Our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you predators. Cliffs in the Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is a small area in the Western rattlesnake! Or brown, and its the Dessert night snake the US every year quick overview if are! Occur throughout the state in different landscapes, with varying degrees of pink brown! However, they should not be considered dangerous for thriving in extremely dry and hot.... And black snake, the Grand Canyon rattlesnake can only be heard in close proximity information on a may... The area 19 different species of snake can usually be found on the surface in early Spring late-night! Catenifer deserticola system and can be found near a water source about 4 snakes, do! In northwest Arizona or at least extremely tolerant, to a maximum length ) in extremely dry and hot.! Most essential characteristics include: snakes have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly of. Mild venom is not effective on birds and mammals 're long ( up to nearly 2 ' length! The rattlesnake bites can be distinquished from the neck of this snake is in. Identify snakes in Arizona and are fairly easy to identify by using photographs, since they are harmless. Orange coloration in gardens, along vegetated creek sides and tall year in garages, backyards, and isn. Prettiest deadly snakes on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and much Arizonas! In Texas, New Mexico and Northern Arizona therefore the common name, while diamondback... World of dogs and cats Crotalus cerastes, is found in Arizona, Black-necked Gartersnakes, these dont...
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