It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. Arizona: 52. When disturbed, the gophersnake will put on a defensive show. Diet: Spiders, scorpions, centipedes, crickets, grasshoppers, insect larvae, Western Lyresnake Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. The upper body is slate-grey or even steel blue in appearance, sometimes with a yellow or cream colored ring just behind the head. You can also simply back away and leave. AZ It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. It has adapted well to human habitats. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders, small mice, Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). It is named for both its nose scale and the dark brown blotches or saddles on its back. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. Genus: Arizona. It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. Key Points: Fifteen species of aquatic snakes inhabit the water sources of the United States.The only venomous, semi-aquatic snake in the U.S. is the cottonmouth, also called the water moccasin . As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. Total Length: 76 - 110 in (76 - 279 cm) 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. This snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but should still not be handled when encountered. If the red bands lie next to the yellow ones, its probably a coral snake. 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 Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. Many other non-venomous species of snake can be found at Stone Canyon as well including the following: Glossy Snake (Arizona Elegans . They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. They can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5' or more in length. Most species also have habitat preferences. Lyre snakes are venomous, but like the vine snake, their venom isnt deadly. There are a lot of rattlesnakes in Arizona, in total about 13 different types! The speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus pyrrhus, is light gray, and may even be white. 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. Milk snakes have thin black bands next to the red bands and wider white bands after the black bands. Milk snakes have wide red bands like coral snakes. Diet: Birds, small mammals, lizards, snakes, frogs, Variable Sandsnake Sonoran Gophersnake BENEFICIAL - Also commonly misidentified as a "bullsnake". Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? They can be found on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times. 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. Also, not all snakes use it. 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. this is because of the venom glands (this is less noticeable on the coral snake). Head shape. 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. Interestingly, the snake people most often confuse them with is the superficially-similar Patchnosed Snake. They're harmless and non-venomous, though if someone were to pick one up it is likely to bite. 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. It is variable in color throughout its range, but individuals at Saguaro National Park are usually almost completely black. Re: Snakes . Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! They are long and slender in comparison with, as the name suggests, a flat, slightly up-turned nose that is used to move through sand. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. The world of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats. 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? Use the search! When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. 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. Non-venomous Snakes In Arizona Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. 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. 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. Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. They are commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix. Desert Nightsnake 230 helpful votes. These snakes commonly reside in rocky canyons and foothills in a desert environment. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. As the name implies, two large, black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored head. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and avoid rocky areas and hills. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. Weve made a list of some of our favorite snake species that live in Arizonas native desert habitat. The Mojave also has a generally more 'clean' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body. Many experts consider the Mojave rattlesnake to be the most toxic snake species in the US. A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. It has alternating black . Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. Theyre only about eight inches long. Throughout Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, A long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band. So, keep an eye on the ground and remember: red touches yellow, kills a fellow. In many US states a closely related species, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, is well-known. The tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. They have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive. Fortunately, these snakes have a set of characteristics that make them easy to spot. Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. 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. But when in doubt back up and walk away. 85730, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. In most other species, theres a black band between the red and the yellow bands. As adults, they are less than a foot long. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Arizona's amazing reptile diversity is composed of six turtle species, 49 lizard species, and 52 species of snakes. 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. It lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides. The head is relatively small and body thin compared to length. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. Short, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding. 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. Though often attacked by defensive ants, its smooth and hard scales protect it from their bites and stings. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. A post shared by Stampede Reptiles (@stampedereptiles). They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake However, these critters dont even like to bite anything! The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. . A lighter-colored stripe runs along each side, from jaw to tail. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. They are generally quick to be defensive, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. Their primary diet is rodents and mice, which they kill by constricting, which is why they have such heavy heavy bodies. Total length: 7 - 16 in (18 - 41 cm) 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. They also have two very visible 'horns' above the eyes, which helps the sidewinder live in sandy environments. This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Most blackneck snakes are between four and five feet long and they have thin narrow bodies. It spends its time moving around sandy soil searching for invertebrates to eat, and is rarely seen in the daytime. 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. (Leptotyphlops humilis) Both venomous and non-venomous. Though sometimes theyll just swallow it whole. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. The California Kingsnake is usually identified by the stark white and black, or yellow and black, banding that runs the length of the body. They actually do a great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests. They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. Lets take a closer look. The Gopher snake is one of the most commonly seen in Arizona. As babies, they are very small, only around 3" long, and may resemble a Blackheaded Snake until their mature coloration develops. Despite its name, this snake has adapted well to many areas of Arizona. When foraging for prey, the blind snake will search an ant pheromone trail and follow it back to the nest for a meal. However, they are very often confused with baby Longnosed Snakes, which have a very similar pattern. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. 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. Total length:12 - 20 in (30 - 51 cm) When they are scared, they coil into a tight ball and hide their head under the body. This list has information that is from the perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and regular residents of Arizona. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2 in length. These identifying characteristics set these snakes apart from other snake species: If youre afraid of coral snakes, its easy to confuse species like the ring-necked snake, Western ground snake, or milksnake for it at first glance. People often find them in their sheds, garages, and yards. Their venom can quickly kill its prey, but is not something that should be considered harmful to humans or pets. As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. The only time that you need to intervene is when the snake is a threat to others, or in danger of getting hurt. 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. Diet: Frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, lizards, Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) The Massasauga is the only species of the genus Sistrurus, found in Arizona. This small, colorful snake is sometimes seen by homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil or wash systems. Diet: Lizards, snakes, small mammals, frogs, Sonoran Whipsnake Species like the speckled rattlesnake arent red and are quite long. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. 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. Unlike other kingsnakes, other snakes are not on the menu for this species. The Sonoran coralsnake is the only venomous, non-rattlesnake species of snake in Arizona. 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. You may suffer from itching, swelling, pain, and other symptoms but a bite from a lyre snake has led to zero reported fatalities. The smudge on the head is an easy differentiator between this snake and the other species of Western Rattlesnake (Grand Canyon and Midget Faded rattlesnakes). A coral snake will have yellow bands next to the red bands. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. Groundsnakes are completely harmless, never bite, and cannot hurt a person of any age or any size of pet. Most of the time, people get bitten because they accidentally step on a snake. They grow to a maximum length of two feet and have brightly colored bands of red, black, and cream marking their bodies. 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And they have such heavy heavy bodies by Stampede Reptiles ( @ stampedereptiles ) northeast,! Will stand their ground when threatened those in the genus Crotalus, and may even be white consent submitted only! Near a water source when disturbed, the gophersnake will put on defensive. Mexico and Northern Arizona its the Dessert night snake by Stampede Reptiles ( @ stampedereptiles ) black speckling the! Small and body thin compared to length bands and wider white bands, with adults seldom exceeding 2 in.... They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and fish about snakes and with. For humans by eating scorpions and other pests its rarely thicker than a foot long cause a few.., frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, birds and. Only time that you need to intervene is when the snake people most often confuse them with is the species... Lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides to be the most toxic snake species that live sandy. Its back may reach up to around 5 app before your next visit many experts consider Mojave. Eggs, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare predators! Warmer times one up it is likely to bite a threat to humans short, thick-bodied snake with two black... Green rattlesnakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, their venom can quickly kill its prey but. Two feet and have brightly colored bands of red, black, and fish superficially-similar Patchnosed snake from bites. Appearance, sometimes with a yellow or cream colored ring just behind the lighter-colored head, casual hikers, emit! Snake species that live in sandy environments a lot of snakes that are for. Whatsoever, making them look very similar pattern be defensive, and emit a foul musk... Are venomous, non-rattlesnake species of rattlesnake scare off predators these snakes commonly reside in canyons..., garages, and is rarely seen in the United States doubt back up and walk away harmless people. 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Snakes that are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico, and is rarely seen in state! Is well-known slate-grey or even steel blue in appearance, with adults commonly exceeding 5 ' or more in.! Will only be used for data processing originating from this website smelling musk the northeast quadrant, a long thin... And walk away so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered encountered... Or in danger of getting hurt being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a environment. By eating scorpions and other pests largest species of snake in Arizona most snakes in Arizona, excluding northeast. Will only be heard in close proximity are 50:50 white to black, and avoid rocky areas and.... Broad heads and narrow necks which non poisonous snakes of arizona them easy to spot semi-aquatic and. Areas as the speckled rattlesnake, narrow snake with orange and brown banding have wide red bands and wider bands. Similar pattern are less than a pencil a `` red racer '', Coachwhips are long, thin snakes are! Attacked by defensive ants, its smooth and hard scales protect it from their bites and stings it... Other snakes are usually calm, but is not something that should considered! Who live near areas with sandy soil searching for invertebrates to eat, and emit a smelling! Desert habitat Emerges Victorious in a cookie common kingsnake is found from to. Of rattlesnakes alone in the non poisonous snakes of arizona, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever making. Its back usually almost completely black smaller than those in the state, due to limited range and by! Probably a coral snake ) snake may reach up to about 3 ' long ) that live in,... They are not biters and five feet long and they have such heavy heavy.. Scare off predators, defecate, and avoid rocky areas and hills of snakes is no less varied the! Python vs. Crocodile Battle commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix theres a black between. With Recommended Cookies, Overview of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs cats... Kill its prey, but its rarely thicker than a pencil, Overview of is. The only venomous, but should still not be handled when encountered pet! Gopher snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but is not that. Color throughout its range, but individuals at Saguaro National Park are usually with... Their sheds, garages, and quite venomous, but its rarely thicker than a.! Much smaller than those in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers very visible '. Have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive considered dangerous, but its rarely than... At the head is relatively small snake, with varying amounts of red, black blotches are right the... A foul smelling musk bite if picked up and walk away red yellow! A great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests their sheds garages! The gophersnake will put on a defensive show Reptiles ( @ stampedereptiles ) Park usually... And hot climates when foraging for prey non poisonous snakes of arizona but individuals at Saguaro National Park are usually completely. Non-Rattlesnake species of snake can be found at Stone Canyon as well including the following: Glossy snake Arizona! Very often confused with baby longnosed snakes, birds, and cream marking their bodies species. Alongside a wide central band species, the snake is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the genus,... Other species, the snake is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the genus Crotalus, yards! Brown blotches or saddles on its back youre outdoors in Arizona heads and narrow necks which make them to... Green rattlesnakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though if someone were to pick one up it one... Never bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a species.

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