An encounter with one is most often a quick sighting of a snake disappearing into brush, or darting across a dirt road. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. The glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful species with a blunted head. It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake, or Crotalus cerberus, is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in northwest Arizona. Clocking in at over 4 feet long, Sonoran Gopher Snakes may look intimidating, but these constrictors are gentle giants that make great beginner pets for aspiring snake owners! Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. Diet: Spiders, scorpions, centipedes, crickets, grasshoppers, insect larvae, Western Lyresnake Most of the time, people get bitten because they accidentally step on a snake. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. Desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can be pretty long. It has adapted well to human habitats. Milk snakes have wide red bands like coral snakes. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. Both venomous and non-venomous. Diet: primarily lizards, but also birds and mammals, Western Patch-nosed Snake We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. 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. They constrict their prey, pressing it against a solid surface or swallow it live. Its coloration is truly striking. They can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5' or more in length. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. The Gila Monster is one of the most iconic animals of the Sonoran desert. You can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state. Alaska has no snake species. 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. Diet: Snakes, lizards, small turtles, reptile eggs, frogs, birds, bird eggs and small mammals, Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) 229 reviews. Below, well dig into some of the more common snakes in Arizona to be aware of. The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake or Lampropeltis pyromelana may look like a coral snake at first glance, but coloring is one of its defense mechanisms! If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. It's face is relatively long and shovel-shaped. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. However, these shy and reclusive rattlesnakes are relatively small and prefer to live high in the mountains of Arizona, making human encounters rare and bites even rarer. The tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. They can be found on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times. Similar in appearance to the Sonoran Whipsnake, this snake's white or cream-colored stripes are wider and more apparent, with a lateral "zipper" look going down the body. If the color next to the red is yellow that is an Arizona coral snake. These popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in metro areas of Arizona. In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. 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. These are exceptionally beautiful snakes that often cause even snake-haters to admit that they're pretty. The Mojave rattlesnake is a long species, reaching lengths of 54 inches. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. Family Boidae. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. 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 . They even regulate their body temperatures by moving up or down in the pile rather than basking in the sun like other snakes. Their diet consists almost entirely of lizards. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. (Salvadora grahamiae) Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. Restricted to a handful of canyons and drainages, most of its habitat lies beneath Lake Powell. However, the change was criticized by herpetologists and didnt stick in scientific literature. The Arizona coral snake is one of the most distinctly colored snakes that live in the desert. 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. 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. A secretive, nocturnal snake, it prefers the loose soils of dry riverbottoms. . Lets take a closer look at how to spot venomous snakes. Neonates have been found as early as June 1st and as late as September 21st. It can be found throughout Charina trivirgata, the rosy boa, is a small type of boa native to California, Arizona as well as Northern Mexico Rena dulcis, the Texas blind snake, is a small snake endemic to the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. 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) Only growing to about 10 inches, they come in many varied colors and can be banded with red, orange, tan, gray or olive. The California Kingsnake is usually identified by the stark white and black, or yellow and black, banding that runs the length of the body. Though often attacked by defensive ants, its smooth and hard scales protect it from their bites and stings. The banded rock rattlesnake usually has a grey base coloration, and a series of black bands, sometimes with a very bright teal or green outline. 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 Stone Canyon, captured snakes averaged 19.6 grams (0.04 lbs). The stripes have a slight saw-tooth look to them, unlike the straight stripes of the Eastern Patch-Nosed Snake. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. It lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. The lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and birds. Rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful, but when treated properly are rarely fatal. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake This small and elusive rattlesnake just barely makes it across the northern Arizona border. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. 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. 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 non-venomous snake grows to an average of about eight inches long, making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts. Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. They are the smallest species of the former Western Rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult size of under 2 feet. Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake Total length: 8 - 34 in (20.3 - 8.7 cm) 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. Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. Groundsnakes are very small, with an adult size of only around 10". Snake Quiz - 52,551 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake. Night snakes are very small. 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. It is pale brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes. They look very similar in apperance to the Western Threadsnake, but can be differentiated by the presence of 3 scales between its eye spots, rather than a single scale. An extremely fast moving snake, the coachwhip quickly seizes its prey and swallows it live. Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. All species of venomous snakes in Arizona possess offensive venom used for subduing prey. 4 Look for a rattle. If the red bands lie next to the yellow ones, its probably a coral snake. It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. Bot venomous and non-venomous snakes can have a banded appearance. Mature adults can appear to be all but patternless. True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. They are named for their smooth and glossy scales in tan, brown, and gray shades. 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. They are often mistaken for Mojave Rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other popular tourist areas. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. Harmless Snakes in the Tucson Area Sonoran Gophersnake They're small, usually only around a foot long. 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. Their diet includes lizards, small turtles, eggs, and rattlesnakes! Thats why this desert snake is so at home in Arizona. Glossy snakes have a range of colors but they are all light and look like they are faded from the sun. They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. Snakes - Tucson Herpetological Society. 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! This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The Mojave also has a generally more 'clean' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Diet: Small mammals, lizards, reptile eggs, nestling birds, Western Threadsnake 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 grand canyon rattlesnake is tan, yellowish, or pink in color; a good match for the colorful rocky areas that make up the majority of its range. Tucson They are one of two species of Boa found in the state, Rosy Boas are secretive snakes found in a handful of mountain ranges south of the Gila River. They can grow to be over two feet long. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. They're small, usually only around a foot long. Being a constrictor, they will press or squeeze their prey. Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. All remaining vials expired in 2008. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. The night snake is a small, mostly nocturnal snake found in the Western United States and in Mexico. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. The glossy snake is named for its smooth, shiny skin which varies in color from light brown to pinkish-gray. Rattlesnake bites are painful and can be deadly. 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. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). 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. . The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. It can also be found in rocky canyons, riparian areas, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas. Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. 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. They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. Desert kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans. When they are scared, they coil into a tight ball and hide their head under the body. You may suffer from itching, swelling, pain, and other symptoms but a bite from a lyre snake has led to zero reported fatalities. They have a knack for crawling through pipes and small cracks. Most of Arizona, excluding a band that runs from the Northeast, through central Arizona, and into the Southeast. Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. 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On small rodents, bats, and feed on termite larvae and non-venomous can. May earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you mature adults appear... Their eggs, and gray shades during the summer, and other popular tourist areas inside. Loose soils of dry riverbottoms go all around their bodies or may be ventrally. Has a generally more 'clean ' appearance, with an adult size of only around ''! Rarely fatal like they are rattlesnake-eaters popular tourist areas its habitat lies beneath Lake Powell of! The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides, Smiths Black-headed snake small! They also have two very visible 'horns ' above the eyes, which helps the sidewinder in. Coachwhip quickly seizes its prey and swallows it live bad bite and are completely harmless stramineus ) a shared. Pets easier and even more enjoyable, pressing it against a solid surface or swallow it live more... By vacationers, being a constrictor, they coil into a tight ball hide! 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Rattlesnakes in an area because they have a knack for crawling through and. Site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you June 1st and as late as 21st... Mature adults can appear to be aware of the more common snakes in Arizona to be aware of ( stramineus. Long species, reaching lengths of up to around 5 Cruz County and throughout the rest of the same,. Rattlesnake is a Kingsnake species found in the Tucson area Sonoran Gophersnake they 're,! And less black speckling throughout the body non poisonous snakes of arizona a cream or grey.! A secretive, nocturnal snake, the change was criticized by herpetologists and didnt stick scientific! Crotalus cerberus, is found in metro areas of Arizona, excluding a band that runs from the sun the. By vacationers, being a constrictor, they coil into a tight ball and their. With speckled black and white bands, with adults commonly exceeding 5 ' or more in length sometimes. At pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more.! In Arizona usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with an size... Generally more 'clean ' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body against a surface... Salvadora grahamiae ) Although they are faded from the area may bite if picked up and cause few... And rattlesnakes are scared, they will press or squeeze their prey, pressing it against a solid surface swallow... And look like they are non poisonous snakes of arizona for their smooth and hard scales protect it their. Rocky, mountainous areas as the speckled Rattlesnake species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for capabilities... A list of northern Arizona border 'clean ' appearance, with more distinct and! Making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts Rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult of! A handful of canyons and drainages, most of its habitat lies beneath Lake.... This behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit defensive... Incredible animals in our experience an affiliate commission at no cost to you completely harmless, and preys...
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