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. Reptile Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders, small mice, Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) Below, well dig into some of the more common snakes in Arizona to be aware of. Pet Keen is reader-supported. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. This snake is a strong burrower, complete with a countersunk lower jaw to prevent sand from getting in its mouth. Family Boidae. 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. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. 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 are typically small snakes, with adults in the Phoenix and Tucson areas usually in the 12-18" range but elsewhere in Arizona they can reach sizes up to almost 3' long. The nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake can essentially swim through the sand. Lampropeltini. The Twin Spotted Rattlesnake is a very small, grey, blue-grey, or tan rattlesnake from the highest elevations of South East Arizona. Its coloration is truly striking. They are named for their smooth and glossy scales in tan, brown, and gray shades. 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. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. As adults, they are less than a foot long. 4 Look for a rattle. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. Arizona has approximately 60 species of snake. They are commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix. These include: The other snakes that lack venom are singular representatives of their genera. Their diet also includes small mammals and other snakes. If you have encountered a snake in Arizona that is not yet on our list or that you cannot identify yourself, well be happy to identify it for you. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. Just click on any of the images or links to learn more about the snake. Sonoran GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer deserticola. 2 Types of Scorpions in Tennessee(ID Pictures), 8 Turtles With Red Eyes (Interesting Facts). Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake 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. Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. 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. Similar to the coachwhip, the Sonoran whipsnake is smaller and greenish-gray in color with two or three light colored stripes on each side of its body. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. This small snake is one of the most efficient sandswimmers. Its adaptations for burrowing include a narrow head, a deeply countersunk lower jaw, flat nose, nasal valves, small and upturned eyes, and a concave belly. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. They're long (up to 5' 6' long as adults) and slender and usually disappear quickly into bushes when disturbed. Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. A post shared by Trent Adamson (@tradamson_photography). Sonoran gopher snakes are typically brown to tan with faded brown or brownish-red markings. They can be most easily identified by their distinct sideways motion (sidewinding), where the snake throws a loop of its body forward and pulls the rest along rather quickly. 81,141 posts. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. Diet: Rodents, baby rabbits, birds, lizards, Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) The color and pattern of long-nosed snakes vary considerably, but they are usually banded or blotched with red, black, and white. When threatened, the Gopher snake will coil its tail, shake,hiss, and then head butt any predator. When threatened, they will wiggle vigorously and then poop. Some of the different types of nonvenomous snakes that you will find in Arizona are: Arizona Milk Snake Milk snakes mimic the color of venomous snakes (such as the coral snake) but aren't dangerous. ), Pennsylvania Snakes Identification Guide: All Species & Pics, The Ultimate Bearded Dragon Care Guide for Beginners, Small Pet Turtles: 6 Tiny Babies to Melt Your Heart, Ball Python Care Sheet: First-Time Owners Guide (Updated), Leopard Gecko Care Sheet: New Owners Guide, Ball Python Morphs With Pictures: The 50 MOST Popular, Large heat pits located between the eyes and nostrils, Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake Chionactis occipitalis, Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake Chionactis palarostris, Resplendent Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake Chionactis annulata, Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake Gyalopion quadrangulare, Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake Gyalopion canum, Desert Nightsnake Hypsiglena chlorophaea, Desert Kingsnake Lampropeltis splendida, Eastern Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum, Western Milksnake Lampropeltis gentilis, California King Snake Lampropeltis californiae, Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis pyromelana, Chihuahuan Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis knoblochi, Striped Whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus, Sonoran Whipsnake Masticophis bilineatus, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus browni, Western Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus decurtatus, Big Bend Patchnose Snake Salvadora deserticola, Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora grahamiae, Western Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora hexalepis, Yaqui Black-headed Snake Tantilla yaquia, Plains Black-headed Snake Tantilla nigriceps, Southwestern Blackhead Snake Tantilla hobartsmithi, Chihuahuan Black-headed Snake Tantilla wilcoxi, Checkered Garter Snake Thamnophis marcianus, Narrowhead Garter Snake Thamnophis rufipunctatus, Black-necked Garter Snake Thamnophis cyrtopsis, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans, Western Ground Snake Sonora semiannulata. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. Its vital to tread carefully in snake habitat. They are found in habitats from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and from southern Canada into Mexico. A white vertebral stripe spans from the neck to the tail. 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. These snakes are light brown or tan with dark brown blotches down the lengths of their bodies. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. Kingsnakes are immune, or quite unaffected by, the rattlers venom, or any snake venom for that matter. The head is relatively small and body thin compared to length. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Theyre only about eight inches long. Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? 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. In most other species, theres a black band between the red and the yellow bands. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. They have a highly toxic bite and should always be left alone when seen. It is variable in color throughout its range, but individuals at Saguaro National Park are usually almost completely black. In Stone Canyon, captured snakes averaged 19.6 grams (0.04 lbs). Groundsnakes are very small, with an adult size of only around 10". They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. 230 helpful votes. Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. It lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides. They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. It has a very long tail, and the snake is slender. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. The toxin in the Mexican vine snakes venom wont cause a lot of pain just a lot of itch. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes of Arizona and are fairly easy to identify. Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) These guys belong on your bucket list. Also, not all snakes use it. 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. AZ Though often attacked by defensive ants, its smooth and hard scales protect it from their bites and stings. There are several lethal rattlesnake species found in Arizona, including Grand Canyon rattlesnakes, Arizona black rattlesnakes, Mojave rattlesnakes, and prairie rattlesnakes. Theyre common in the Camelback Mountain region, South Mountain area, and other parts of the valley adjacent to similar habitat. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. It can also be found in rocky canyons, riparian areas, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas. However, keep in mind that there are only about five deaths occur annually from snake bites in the United States. The western terrestrial garter snake is a harmless snake species that can be found throughout the Western United States. Unlike the tiger rattlesnake and the Western diamondback rattlesnake, this species is light. They're very small snakes, reaching an adult size of only around 2 feet. This small rattlesnake is found near foothills and mountainous areas, or in flats between them. Lyre snakes prefer rocky areas like canyons and mountains but they are very prevalent in Arizonas 100 Mile Circle area, which means in the radius of 100 miles from Tucson, Arizona in all directions. 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. How Do Cats Show Affection? Western Patch-nosed Snakes (Salvadora hexalepis) are fairly common in Arizona. Living off a diet of scorpions, spiders, and insects, they are great to have in a yard. 4. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. 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. A post shared by JK Mobray (@where_paved_roads_end). This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. Although highly venomous, they should not be considered dangerous. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. You may need medication to stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Red and dark red base colors are specific to The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana). The lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and birds. The Gila Monster is one of the most iconic animals of the Sonoran desert. As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake Arizona has the most venomous snakes of any state. 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. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) Family Colubridae. Only growing to about 10 inches, they come in many varied colors and can be banded with red, orange, tan, gray or olive. The western patch-nose snake does not constrict its prey, but it does throw loops of its body over the prey, pinning it down until it can be swallowed. They can be identified by the rattle, white and black striped tail, and white-lined diamond pattern on the back. The night snake is a small, mostly nocturnal snake found in the Western United States and in Mexico. They are protected by state law and should always be left alone. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. Feigning Death in Snakes. Interestingly, the snake people most often confuse them with is the superficially-similar Patchnosed Snake. This small, harmless snake is not often seen. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. While they usually live about fifteen years in the wild, they can live 30 or more years in captivity! Diet: Frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, lizards, Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) The venom of a Mexican vine snake wont kill you, but it may make you itch to the point where you wish it would. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. National Park Arizona Maps Nonvenomous Snakes image courtesy of dave prival Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) The black-necked gartersnake is named for large blotches on either side of its neck. 7 years ago. Adults are around 3 feet long. 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. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! Both venomous and non-venomous. (Salvadora hexalepis) Snakes are a highly beneficial group of animals in most cases. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. Slow-moving and non-aggressive, bites are easily avoided simply by not approaching or attacking one when encountered. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) Species. The majority of poisonous snake bites in the U.S. each year are at the fangs of a rattlesnake. Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. Rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful, but when treated properly are rarely fatal. They also have two very visible 'horns' above the eyes, which helps the sidewinder live in sandy environments. It is pale brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. The resplendent desert shovel-nosed snake is a beautifully colored species. 50,902 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? Total length: 8 - 34 in (20.3 - 8.7 cm) They are quick to flee, but will almost certainly bite if handled. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. Rusty Dodson/Shutterstock.com This is a non-venomous species of kingsnake native to Arizona, and other states like Texas and New Mexico. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. Burrowing allows them to get out of the hot sun and search for lizard eggs to eat. . 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