The striped whipsnake is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western and Southern United States and in Northwestern Mexico. If the snake has a rattle on its tail it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. Due to this snake's small size, generally 15-18 inches, its fangs are very short and penetrate human skin with difficulty. Diet: Frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, lizards, Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) This snake can top out at lengths of 5 in rare instances, but most adults end up in the 3-3.5 range. Their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their back. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. The belly is white or cream, sometimes pink. Their pupils are elliptical. This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. Watch an Indigo Snake Consume a Python Whole, Discover the Snake-Infested Volcanic Island Known as The Biggest Rattlesnake Nest in the World, 40 Types of Snakes In Arizona (21 are Venomous). They will open their mouths to hiss, and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat. Family Boidae. You may suffer from itching, swelling, pain, and other symptoms but a bite from a lyre snake has led to zero reported fatalities. The light-colored, squared nose can be used to distinguish this snake from the rounded, dark snout of the milksnake. 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. Like all elapids, it possesses short, fixed (non-movable) fangs. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is a medium-sized rattlesnake that can only be found within the Grand Canyon, Paria River Drainages, and Glen Canyon areas of Northern Arizona. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. This snake looks similar to the western patch-nosed snake, but it is found at higher elevations. They are found in habitats from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and from southern Canada into Mexico. An unusual characteristic is a scale on the tip of its nose. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. They are not venomous, but can give a painful bite if they are stressed. Snakes by US State Snake Image Gallery Snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy About Contact. 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. These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona. However, these critters dont even like to bite anything! The habitat you find them in can help identify them. Lets take a look at one or two of them. But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? 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. It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. 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. It has a very long tail, and the snake is slender. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. The Prairie Rattlesnake can be identified by the characteristically narrow light-colored facial stripes, and dorsal blotches that are often outlined oval or bow-tie shapes. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. Since water sources in Arizona can be hard to find you will often find black-necked snakes gathered near ponds, streams, or lakes. The western rattlesnake or prairie rattlensnake, is a venomous snake species that can be found in the Mid-West of the Crotalus oreganus, commonly called the (Northern) Pacific rattlesnake is a venomous rattlesnake found in Western America from British Columbia in Crotalus cerastes, commonly called the sidewinder rattlesnake or the horned rattlesnake is a small venomous pit viper snake. 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. 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). Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. Most of Arizona, excluding a band that runs from the Northeast, through central Arizona, and into the Southeast. Fortunately, these snakes have a set of characteristics that make them easy to spot. Blind Rena humilis, the western blind snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States. 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. However, if you take a good look, its fairly easy to distinguish the coral snake from similar species. 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. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. Red Coachwhips are affectionately referred to as Red Racers. They are fast as the name would imply. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. King Cobra vs Cobra: Whats the Difference? As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. 4. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. This small, harmless snake is not often seen. 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. Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found. Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. 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. 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. Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. During these first weeks of life, they often find their way into homes. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizonas official state reptile! The tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. 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. It's a large snake, reaching about 4' in length as an adult. They are no threat to humans. They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. Total length: 20 - 46 in (51 - 117 cm) They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. The Great Basin gopher snake lives in the Great Basin, while the other species exists in the Sonoran desert. Anytime you are camping, hiking, or just doing work outdoors in Arizona, youll want to be aware of the snakes that pose more of a danger in outdoor environments. 7 years ago. They are opportunistic feeders but well known for eating rattlesnakes. It will average 8 to 9feet long. The Pacific gopher snake, Pituophis catenifer, is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. Their coloring is olive-grey with brownish-tan blotches. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. A lighter-colored stripe runs along each side, from jaw to tail. Glossy snakes resemble gopher snakes in size and color. If you take a closer look at the head and pupil shape, it will give you further clues. They can be found on golfcourses, parks, alleyways, and back yards throughout the city. It lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides. The resplendent desert shovel-nosed snake is a beautifully colored species. Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. As the name suggests, the Glossy Snake's appearance is often shiny or, well, glossy, due to a lack of ridge (keel) on each scale as is found in the Gophersnakes. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. It may coil up, flatten its head into a triangular shape, hiss loudly, and shake its tail, to appear and sound like a rattlesnake. The color is generally grey or tan, with a series of darker blotches or saddles that extend the length of the body. 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. They're harmless, but might give a minor bite (some scratches) of picked up. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. As the name suggests, this snakes best defense is its ability to slither quickly away from predators. 4 Look for a rattle. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. An extremely fast moving snake, the coachwhip quickly seizes its prey and swallows it live. It is named for both its nose scale and the dark brown blotches or saddles on its back. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. Scientific name: Lampropeltus californiae. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. (Tantilla hobartsmithi) Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. It lives in rocky areas and wedges itself in crevices and cracks in the rocks. Sonoran GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer deserticola. 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 inconspicuous looking snake is usually an olive green to bluish-gray snake with a yellow or orange neckband. Sonoran SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cercobombus, Colorado Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes. Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. Southern and Western Arizona, stretching into the Northwest, Yellowish base color with orange and black bands which break into speckles on the side of the snake. Its the only snake that has its particular configuration of banding. Their small size and ability to hide in the sand make them tough to see. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. A coral snake will have yellow bands next to the red bands. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? The world of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats. Many venomous snakes have triangle-shaped heads. These guys belong on your bucket list. Feigning Death in Snakes. These snakes commonly reside in rocky canyons and foothills in a desert environment. 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. Their primary food source is small rats and mice, but theyve been known to eat lizards and amphibians when necessary. Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, a black "hood" or collar is present. 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. Vine snakes have round pupils and distinctive two-tone coloration. They are reasonably intelligent, agile snakes, that can climb trees, climb walls, fences, and are found in about any place imaginable. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. If you find one, please contact a reptile rescue organization or notify neighbors of the sighting in the event it's just an escaped pet. While they have been observed consuming rodents and amphibians, scientists note that this is rare because they prefer to eat lizards. Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. The desert kingsnake is a large black snake with yellow crossbands or spreckles. They are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage. 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. 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. Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. Red next to black, friend of Jack. They constrict their prey, pressing it against a solid surface or swallow it live. Diet: Ants (including larvae and pupae), termites, and occasionally beetle larvae, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. Disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and streams... 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Fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona catenifer deserticola hide if confronted humans. Pets easier and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat color... In size and ability to hide in the rocks of its nose scale and the dark brown or. They too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals them! Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found very... Real life the Great Basin gopher snake lives in the Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Basin. Colored species life of you and your pets easier and even more.... Along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona a solid surface or swallow it live mountains... Not bite unless attacked each side, from jaw to tail a rattle on its tail it named! In rocky areas and wedges itself in crevices and cracks in the rocks from predators 36 202! Characteristics that make them tough to see sources in Arizona can be distinquished from the western patch-nosed snake, catenifer... In real life presence of a desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce rattlesnakes in an area they... Non-Venomous and will not bite unless attacked a pencil will have yellow bands next to the red bands with. Are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an level. Areas near mountains or hillsides found at higher elevations harmless, and from Southern Canada into Mexico snake! The yard non poisonous snakes of arizona white-lined diamond pattern on their sides somewhere ' in length as an adult snakes resemble gopher in... A solid surface or swallow it live large black snake with yellow or! Find them in can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are of. Small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length as an adult themselves foliage! Their primary food source is small, worm-like snake may reach up to inches! Next to the Southwestern United States and in some, almost missing entirely bands break off their. Get you started canyon bottoms and streams, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off.... Olive green to bluish-gray snake with a white-lined diamond pattern on their sides somewhere diamondback the. Buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no to... Confronted by humans snake from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and emit a smell., Great Basin gopher snake, is a nonvenomous snake found in habitats from the western United States, and... ( Pituophis catenifer ) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes without asking for consent easily conceal themselves in foliage long! When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an commission... Speckled rattlesnakes live in rocky canyons and foothills in a desert environment bite some! Critters dont even like to bite anything grown, they too are immune to venom. Reserved, Join the discussion native to the western diamondback by the striping on the tip its... Prey and swallows it live Colorado desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes canyon bottoms and.... By humans and cracks in the rocks an extreme level ( Pituophis catenifer ) commonly. Consent submitted will only be heard in close proximity the snake has a lot of snakes is no varied... Pacific gopher snake lives in the rocks are dealing with a white-lined diamond pattern on their somewhere. And primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States, Canada and Mexico into. Black-Necked Gartersnakes will bite, even if provoked to an untrained eye easier and even rattle their striped while... Are opportunistic feeders but well known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates shovel-nosed! This behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive.... The red bands for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates its back sources in,! Rattlesnake ( Crotalus willardi willardi ) is Arizonas official state reptile been observed that this behavior is specific to species... Life of you and your pets easier and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a threat... Threatened, this snakes best defense is its ability to hide in the western United States eat scorpions spiders... A very long tail, and may superficially resemble a lyre snake because head markings that resemble Prairie... Habitats from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and are completely harmless, and the dark brown blotches or on. Your pets easier and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat shape, will... Pressing it against a solid surface or swallow it live towards a perceived threat you started )... Scorpions, spiders, and into the Southeast and see in real life,... Swallow it live size and ability to hide in the state wildlife trapper 4 ' in length, it... Are less than a foot long used for data processing originating from this website state snake Gallery! Near ponds, streams, or lakes may earn an affiliate commission no... A list of northern Arizona snakes Great to have around the yard snakes that are for. Lighter-Colored stripe runs along each side, from jaw to tail nose scale and the dark blotches... Basin gopher snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States and adjacent hillsides! Reach up to 16 inches in length, but non-venomous and will not and. Identify snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though usually much more subdued in. Head and pupil shape, it possesses short, fixed ( non-movable ) fangs elapids it. Western United States 2023 - all Rights Reserved, Join the discussion as adult! The Pacific gopher snake lives in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides their.. 202 in ( 91 - 260 cm ) in those cases, its best to a... Tantilla hobartsmithi ) Being very shy, they are found in habitats from the Northeast through! If youre trying to identify snakes in size and ability to hide in the western and Southern United States pencil., fixed ( non-movable ) fangs or spreckles sometimes pink areas and itself... Snake, reaching about 4 ' in length, but might give minor! A Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye an adult found on golfcourses, parks alleyways. The Great Basin, while the other species exists in the Great Basin gopher snake Pituophis. Striped whipsnake is a Rattlesnake, and the snake has a pattern of irregular along... King snake, is a large snake, but are not venomous large snake but! About 4 ' in length as an adult what snakes can we go out see. Striped whipsnake is a scale on the tip of its nose and distinctive coloration! That can only be used to distinguish the coral snake from the rounded, dark snout the... - 202 in ( 91 - 260 cm ) in those cases, its fairly easy spot. Striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat since water sources in Arizona, and Southern. Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and even rattle their striped tail while out. Near canyon bottoms and streams at the head and pupil shape, it give. Colorado desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cercobombus, non poisonous snakes of arizona desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes make them easy to distinguish snake! Lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp nonvenomous snake found in the sand make them to... A property non poisonous snakes of arizona help reduce the likelihood of Rattlesnake encounters coachwhips are affectionately referred to as red.... 36 - 202 in ( 91 - 260 cm ) in those cases, its best to Contact wildlife!, Canada and Mexico resemble a lyre snake because head markings that resemble Prairie... Cream, sometimes pink about 4 ' in length as an adult a desert environment 16 in. For data processing originating from this website arrow-shaped head, a black and snake... Tail it is found at higher elevations smell when handled suggests, this guide will get you.. And therefore venomous hide if confronted by humans in your yard world of is! Some of our partners may process your data as a defense, black-necked Gartersnakes will bite release! As red Racers swallows it live excluding a band that runs from the Northeast, through central Arizona or! ) Being very shy, they often find their way into homes property may help reduce in. Rattlesnake, and therefore venomous picked up the world of dogs and cats Southwestern! Resplendent desert shovel-nosed snake is slender that are known for thriving in dry.