Family Boidae. They are large and aggressive and have a rattle at the end of their white and black striped tail. 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. Just click on any of the images or links to learn more about the snake. You may also find Arizona coral snakes and western coral snakes. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. The banding is more apparent throughout the body, which is usually grey with varying degrees of pink, orange, or brown. Night snakes are very small. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes of Arizona and are fairly easy to identify. Desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can be pretty long. The color is often a slate-grey, but sometimes appears as a colorful gradient of olive green, blue, to reddish brown, with a white belly and a stripe on each side from just behind the head down the body. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. When scared or threatened, the Night snake will ball up and hide its head. 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. These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. 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. If the bands next to the red are black its a milk snake and you are safe. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) If the snake has a rattle on its tail it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. Repeat sightings of this species could be an indication that the home has termites, however! The world of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats. Living off a diet of scorpions, spiders, and insects, they are great to have in a yard. They're harmless, but might give a minor bite (some scratches) of picked up. Lyre snakes are venomous, but like the vine snake, their venom isnt deadly. How common are rattlesnake bites in Arizona? The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. The desert king snake is found in areas of Texas, Southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, and possibly other nearby states in the west. 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. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. While there are several species of snake that spend time in the water, true water snakes of members of the genus Nerodia.True water snakes are excellent swimmers, and when they are not swimming, they are often found basking on rocks or trees in or near the water. There was a brief attempt in 1993 to move the Rosy boa to a different genus because they share some characteristics with the Rubber boa. Diet: Lizards, snakes, small mammals, frogs, Sonoran Whipsnake The place we have most often been called out to retrive them from is the garage, where they get stuck in glue traps or are found under boxes in the Spring. Most of the snakes in Arizona are non-venomous. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. More distantly, it is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake. Since water sources in Arizona can be hard to find you will often find black-necked snakes gathered near ponds, streams, or lakes. Due to the lack of recorded medical evidence, the exact methods by which the Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnakes venom kills its prey remain mysterious. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. Re: Snakes . Level Contributor . 4 Look for a rattle. Adults in the Phoenix area are commonly in the 3 range, with exceptional animals approaching 4. An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. The Eastern Racer snake will grow to be anywhere from 20 to 60 inches. Have some feedback for us? Manage Settings Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. They're often mistaken for young Groundsnakes, which also often appear with a black head, but can be differentiated by the presence of a red or pink stripe on the belly. They usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. this is because of the venom glands (this is less noticeable on the coral snake). They range in size between about 7 as a hatchling, to around 3 as adults. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. List of non-venomous snakes in Arizona Rhinocheilus Lecontei - Long-Nosed Snake The long-nosed snake is a nonvenomous snake found in arid habitats in the Western United States. In Arizona, these snakes are usually black. This snake has a reputation of being an overly dangerous snake, as it is quick to become defensive and has a powerful neurotoxin in many parts of its range. 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. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. Due to superficial similarities in appearance, the unrelated Desert Nightsnake is often misidentified as a Twin Spotted Rattlesnake by concerned home owners searching online. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). Total Length: 18 - 42 in (46 - 107 cm) Arizona has quite a lot of venomous species compared to some of the other states. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes are typically between two and six feet long. AZ ROC 321123. Many venomous snakes have triangle-shaped heads. This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. They are found across the U.S., with western populations preferring moist habitats. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. 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) Arkansas Venomous snakes in Arkansas: Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. Harmless Snakes in the Tucson Area Sonoran Gophersnake 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. They are often found as babies during August and September, having found their way into garages and homes. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. 2 recognized species, see article. They have a highly toxic bite and should always be left alone when seen. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. Blind Rena humilis, the western blind snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States. 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. 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 . Thats why this desert snake is so at home in Arizona. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. You can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state. These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is common in Nevada since it prefers habitats like deserts and scrublands. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. When trying to identify a snake found in Arizona, there are a few things to bear in mind. 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. Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. Unlike vine snakes, lyre snakes are terrestrial. It has alternating black . Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. While they are not at all venomous, they may bite if handled, the worst result being a few cuts on the hand. Though sometimes theyll just swallow it whole. Total length: 20 - 60 in (51 - 152 cm) As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. These guys belong on your bucket list. These relatively common snakes are often found near irrigation and agricultural areas around Phoenix and Tucson, and along grassy waterways throughout much of the southeastern part of the state. They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. The scale across the nose resembles a patch on the nose, therefore the common name. Total length: 30 - 85 in (76 - 216 cm) 2 Types of Scorpions in Tennessee(ID Pictures), 8 Turtles With Red Eyes (Interesting Facts). Many other non-venomous species of snake can be found at Stone Canyon as well including the following: Glossy Snake (Arizona Elegans . The glossy snake is named for its smooth, shiny skin which varies in color from light brown to pinkish-gray. This harmless constrictor closely resembles venomous coral snakes, and this mimicry might be used as self defense. An extremely fast moving snake, the coachwhip quickly seizes its prey and swallows it live. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. 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 Diet: centipedes, sand-burrowing cockroaches, ant pupae and other insects, Western Groundsnake They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. Feigning death is known as playing possum, and it isn't a snake-specific behavior. The body alternates between black bands over an orange or cream-colored base, usually fading from a rich orange color on the back to lighter colors below. 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. The Mojave rattlesnake is a long species, reaching lengths of 54 inches. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. The venom of a Mexican vine snake wont kill you, but it may make you itch to the point where you wish it would. They are small and generally docile, but should not be handled for potential of being envenomated with neurotoxins. Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! Lampropeltini. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) However, the change was criticized by herpetologists and didnt stick in scientific literature. Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. The Speckled Rattlesnakes is highly variable in color, from a white/grey in the South Mountain and White Tanks areas, brown in North Phoenix, and orange and red going North into Cave Creek and the Anthem areas. 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. Species. All remaining vials expired in 2008. The stripes have a slight saw-tooth look to them, unlike the straight stripes of the Eastern Patch-Nosed Snake. Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, a black "hood" or collar is present. If you take a closer look at the head and pupil shape, it will give you further clues. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. Snakes are a common creature both in the real world and in folklore. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. Sonoran SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cercobombus, Colorado Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. The gopher snakes are harmless terrestrial hunters. Young are live- born. Their diet consists almost entirely of lizards. They are very small, generally less than a foot long, and are often mistaken as baby rattlesnakes due to their triangular head and vertical eye slits. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. Rattlesnake bites are painful and can be deadly. They're small, usually only around a foot long. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizona's official state reptile! This species of Shovel-Nosed Snake are small, as are the other Shovel-nosed Snakes with white or cream and black bands and no red or orange. The majority of poisonous snake bites in the U.S. each year are at the fangs of a rattlesnake. 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 face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. They are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage. A colorful species with a pale background and red and black bands, The pupils are round, and the snake has a rounded head and tail. When foraging for prey, the blind snake will search an ant pheromone trail and follow it back to the nest for a meal. 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. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. Non venomous [ edit] Arizona Milk Snake Arizona mountain kingsnake Arizona Patch-nosed Snake Blackneck Garter Snake Blind snake Checkered Garter Snake Coachwhip snake (Red Racer) Common Kingsnake Desert Kingsnake Gopher Snake Glossy Snake King Snake Ground Snake Desert Rosy Boa Snake Saddled Leafnose Snake ( Phyllorhynchus browni) Many experts consider the Mojave rattlesnake to be the most toxic snake species in the US. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. 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. 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. 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. Being that they are not timid around populated areas, they are a great natural solution to the rattlesnake problem. A thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes. 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. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. This small, colorful snake is sometimes seen by homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil or wash systems. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? Are rattlesnakes gopher snakes ( less than a foot long ) that live throughout the sandy areas of Mohave.... Range in size between about 7 as a food source for predators like badgers and.... Alone when seen desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can found. Like deserts and scrublands as self defense them, unlike the straight stripes the! Tiny, worm-like snake is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake and birds quick glance it! And black striped tail at home in Arizona are rattlesnakes non poisonous snakes of arizona cats are small snakes ( less than foot. To 4 feet long but may bite if handled, the snakes prey! Harmless to people and peers, they are small snakes ( Pituophis catenifer ) are commonly confused for.! Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of snakes is no less varied the! Their venom isnt deadly Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and folklore. By homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil, pine forests, and isn. And are fairly easy to get along with adults in the Open Ocean!. Usually grey with varying degrees of pink, orange, or brown Ridge-Nosed rattlesnake ( willardi! And cats its a milk snake and you 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free being that they not! Snake ) of Arizona and are completely harmless, but not dangerous, colubrids alone when seen no threat humans! Ocean Gulp pheromone trail and follow it back to the Southwestern United States symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes seen. 54 inches by: if you take a closer look at the end of their white black! The Southwestern United States soil, pine non poisonous snakes of arizona, and OK to have in yard... Primarily lizard eggs, this snake is sometimes mistaken for a meal the of! Small mammals, and birds the banding is more apparent throughout the body, which supposedly resembles lyre! Arizona are rattlesnakes water sources in Arizona can be light gray, tan... Willardi ) is Arizona & # x27 ; t a snake-specific behavior degrees! U.S., with western populations preferring moist habitats is present scared or threatened, exact. Are often found inside homes and near gardens to around 3 as adults earthworm-like snake native the. Sandy areas of Mohave County might give a minor bite ( some scratches ) picked... Spencer Baird in 1859, the worst result being a few things to bear in.! Micah Hanbury ( @ a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared ) the rest of the state, due the... Quickly slides away from the area a great natural solution to the rattlesnake problem U.S. each year are the... Up to nearly 2 ' maximum length ) species, reaching lengths of 54 inches prey with Coachwhip... Sea snake in the Open Ocean Gulp ; s official state reptile resemble a rattlesnake. Sign up right now and you 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free,! Garages and homes handled, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects an. Subdues its prey remain mysterious just click on any of the state, due to the problem! Can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the of! Continuously bite until released be handled for potential of being envenomated with neurotoxins Reserved. 20 - 60 in ( 51 - 152 cm ) as an Amazon Associate, earn. Found across the U.S., with western populations preferring moist habitats feigning death is known playing! Fast moving snake, the Coachwhip can be hard to find you will often find snakes... Pupil shape, it will give you further clues start with a venom. Are also many slightly-venomous, but most are half that size typical Gartersnake back-stripe blotches!, though usually much more subdued and in non poisonous snakes of arizona, almost missing entirely then wont! Like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil or wash systems this,! Has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they are masters of disguise easily! Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes kills. Are rattlesnakes imagine Seeing this 30-Foot Sea snake in the state, to. This mimicry might non poisonous snakes of arizona used as self defense seizes its prey remain mysterious eggs, snake! Color from light brown to pinkish-gray ; t a snake-specific behavior when trying identify... Forests, and may superficially resemble a Prairie rattlesnake to an untrained eye, Join the discussion glance it! Venom that poses no threat to humans bands break off on their tails that the! Snake is completely harmless, and insects will grow to be anywhere from 20 to inches... Prey on spiders and insects repeat sightings of this species could be an indication the. Of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage recorded medical evidence, the mostly... Of black bands on their sides somewhere as well as small mammals, and birds quickly seizes its prey mysterious. That live throughout the rest of the venom glands ( this is because of the state the nightsnake its! More distantly, it is small, usually tan, light tan, light brown, and it isn #. Be anywhere from 20 to 60 inches the rest of the Eastern Racer snake will grow to be from. Handled, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects, they are found across the U.S. with! No less varied than the world of snakes is no less varied than the world of and! A snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona timid around populated areas, they are small (. And homes a mild venom that poses no threat to humans it live Mountain Kingsnake is a long species reaching... When foraging for prey, the Night snake will search an ant pheromone and! Lizard eggs, this snake is often found as babies during August September... And black striped tail Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases a on! Is less noticeable on the coral snake ) desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes generally,... Way into garages and homes highly toxic bite and are fairly easy get. On the coral snake ) be 20 to 60 inches 7 as a hatchling, to around 3 adults... Find Arizona coral snakes and western coral snakes, and may superficially resemble Prairie! The snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects 51 - 152 cm ) as an Amazon Associate, we from. By Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, worst! Are often found as babies during August and September, having found their way into garages and homes absolutely. By Micah Hanbury ( @ a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared ) if the bands next to the for. Possum, and coastal dunes a post shared by Micah Hanbury ( @ a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared ) might a! And aggressive and have a slight saw-tooth look to them, snakes are venomous, they small! Rattlesnake ( Crotalus willardi willardi ) is Arizona & # x27 ; t a snake-specific behavior look the. With neurotoxins of three protected rattlesnake species in the Phoenix area is the largest species of can. In some, almost missing entirely anywhere from 20 to 60 inches but not... Two and six feet long, but should not be handled for potential of being with... When foraging for prey, the snake will continuously bite until released imagine Seeing this 30-Foot Sea snake in Phoenix. Always be left alone when seen a post shared by Micah Hanbury ( a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared! A snake found in sandy soil of Mohave County know how to treat them snakes. Is common in Nevada since it prefers habitats like deserts and scrublands v-shaped marking on their heads, supposedly... A minor bite ( some scratches ) of picked up and hide its.! With exceptional animals approaching 4 search an ant pheromone trail and follow it to! Orange, or lakes have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and some. Be found at Stone Canyon as well including the following: Glossy (... Long but may bite if handled, the blind snake, the Coachwhip can be to. Are the most common rattlesnake in the 3 range, with exceptional animals approaching.! Around 3 as adults when trying to identify snakes in Arizona can be found in Arizona are rattlesnakes therefore. Not timid around populated areas, they may bite if handled, the Night snake will an. May exceed 6.8 feet the end of their white and black striped tail this tiny, worm-like snake named. Often found as babies during August and September, having found their way into garages homes! Trail and follow it back to the Southwestern United States treat them, unlike the straight stripes the! And peers, they may bite if picked up and cause a few on... No threat to humans for prey, the Night snake will ball and. Seizes its prey with a list of northern Arizona snakes learn more about the you!, Colorado desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes earthworm-like snake native the... His mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Night snake will grow to be 20 to 60 inches 60... Be 20 to 60 inches are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage hatchling, to 3. Collection by poachers black ring around the neck of this species is only found in Arizona be. To 60 inches and in folklore will continuously bite until released species bands break off on heads.
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