Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. (Tantilla hobartsmithi) They are often mistaken for Mojave Rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other popular tourist areas. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. The Mojave also has a generally more 'clean' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body. Sonoran CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum cingulum, Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum lineatulus, Red CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus. During these first weeks of life, they often find their way into homes. As adults, they are usually tan, yellow, orange, or brown in color, with a minimized pattern that can fade into a nearly patternless appearance, as the name suggests. Feigning Death in Snakes. They are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage. This snake gets its name from the way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side. 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. Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. When they are scared, they coil into a tight ball and hide their head under the body. 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. The Gopher snake is one of the most commonly seen in Arizona. Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. It has adapted well to human habitats. 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. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) It lives in rocky areas and wedges itself in crevices and cracks in the rocks. It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. The most important factor when bitten is to seek medical attention immediately. A large adult diamondback in our area would be in the 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller. 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. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. You may also find Arizona coral snakes and western coral snakes. 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. Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. Western Patch-nosed Snakes (Salvadora hexalepis) are fairly common in Arizona. Total length: 8 - 34 in (20.3 - 8.7 cm) A post shared by Trent Adamson (@tradamson_photography). This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. Most of Arizona, excluding a band that runs from the Northeast, through central Arizona, and into the Southeast. 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. Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. This non-venomous snake grows to an average of about eight inches long, making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts. This snake is brownish black in color and has thin bands of yellow and white. They will grow to be between 36 to 52 inches. The Pacific gopher snake, Pituophis catenifer, is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. Have some feedback for us? Rattlesnakes are masters of disguise so watch the area around your feet very carefully and always listen for that that telltale rattle. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. Though they will also be found near swamps, streams, and lakes. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Being that they are not timid around populated areas, they are a great natural solution to the rattlesnake problem. 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. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. Blind Rena humilis, the western blind snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. (Masticophis bilineatus) If you take a closer look at the head and pupil shape, it will give you further clues. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. 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. As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. Their primary defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca. The lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and birds. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizonas official state reptile! It lives across Arizonas desert and grassland regions below the Mogollon rim, and is common throughout its range, despite being rarely seen on the surface. Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! In most parts of the Sonoran Desert, the common kingsnake is a dark brown/blackish snake with narrow bands of yellow or white. A complete list of snakes in Arizona is: Every day A-Z Animals sends out some of the most incredible facts in the world from our free newsletter. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. They occur throughout the state in different landscapes, with the Arizona brown spider and the black widow inhabiting desert areas. However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. These guys belong on your bucket list. Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. This small, harmless snake is not often seen. They are one of two species of Boa found in the state, the Three-Lined Boa (formerly considered a subspecies of Rosy Boa) are secretive snakes found in mountains of western Arizona. This small rattlesnake is found near foothills and mountainous areas, or in flats between them. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. This species is very fast,can quickly catch its prey, and swallow it whole. Head shape. 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). Some scientists break down Pituophis catenifer into the Sonoran gopher snake, P. c. affinis, and the Great Basin gopher snake, P. c. deserticola. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. Glossy snakes have a range of colors but they are all light and look like they are faded from the sun. This further narrows down the list. Among the snakes are 13 species of rattlesnakes, which is just over one-third of the world's rattlesnakes, and more than can be found in any other U.S. state. . Also, not all snakes use it. Arkansas Venomous snakes in Arkansas: If you are close to a rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even see the snake. Rattlesnakes are typically between two and six feet long. Like all elapids, it possesses short, fixed (non-movable) fangs. Fortunately, these snakes have a set of characteristics that make them easy to spot. 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. The habitat you find them in can help identify them. 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. This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. This small, harmless snake is one of the most rarely-seen species that lives along the highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson. These popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in metro areas of Arizona. The Mojave is very commonly seen in flat, sandy desertscrub areas, and less likely seen in mountainous or rocky regions. Red next to black, friend of Jack. 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. 85730, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. The belly is white or cream, sometimes pink. They are usually anywhere from three to five feet long and prefer arid desert habitats. AZ But desert king snakes are actually fairly docile and try to avoid humans. While they have been observed consuming rodents and amphibians, scientists note that this is rare because they prefer to eat lizards. 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. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. They never bite, and can be ignored if seen in the yard. Arizona is a genus of snakes in the family Colubridae. You cant have a list of Arizonas snakes without the Glossy Snake. The adult snake grows to an average length of 32-48 in. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. The Mojave Rattlesnake, or "mojave green" as people like to say, is often confused for the similar-looking Western Diamondback, and visa versa. A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. Their diet includes lizards, small turtles, eggs, and rattlesnakes! Species. Their primary diet is rodents and mice, which they kill by constricting, which is why they have such heavy heavy bodies. Diet: Small mammals, lizards, reptile eggs, nestling birds, Western Threadsnake It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. Its very possible that you will see a rattlesnake when you are out and about in Arizona, especially if youre in State Parks or other recreational areas. Milk snakes have wide red bands like coral snakes. 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. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizona's official state reptile! 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. Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. 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. True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. 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. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Sonoran GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer deserticola. Opheodrys aestivus. It will average 8 to 9feet long. Non-venomous snakes have a spoon-shaped rounded head and venomous snakes will have a more triangular head. 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. This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. 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) A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. Lets take a closer look at how to spot venomous snakes. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen. When disturbed, the gophersnake will put on a defensive show. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. Its also responsible for most of the rattlesnake bites in the US every year. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) They can be found on golfcourses, parks, alleyways, and back yards throughout the city. The list is separated into non-venomous and venomous snakes in Arizona. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. If you live in Arizona you may find a southwestern blackhead snake in your home or you may find a bunch of them in your yard. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. Mexican vine snakes are very slender and usually between three and six feet long. These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. People that live in areas where coral snakes occur have created a rhyme for it. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils and broad heads. They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. 229 reviews. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. It is found in areas of mixed desert scrub and uses its snout to burrow in search of lizards and their eggs. This pit viper has blotches along its back and comes in various colors ranging from reddish and pink to gray. They grow to be about 16 to 46 inches and have large distinctive blotches on the side of their necks. Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . They're harmless, but might give a minor bite (some scratches) of picked up. Which Ones? When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is sometimes mistakenly referred to as Timber Rattlesnake throughout its range due to generally being found at higher altitudes in wooded areas. Alaska has no snake species. The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. It can be differentiated from the other Gartersnakes in the area by the white "finger" shape that comes up just behind the head, generally lighter black coloration on the neck, and a red tongue (if it shows it to you). Diet: Lizards, snakes, small mammals, frogs, Sonoran Whipsnake 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. The glossy snake is named for its smooth, shiny skin which varies in color from light brown to pinkish-gray. Arizona's amazing reptile diversity is composed of six turtle species, 49 lizard species, and 52 species of snakes. The world of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats. Its the perfect place for sun-bathing, dessert-loving reptiles. These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. The stripes have a slight saw-tooth look to them, unlike the straight stripes of the Eastern Patch-Nosed Snake. 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Band that runs from the way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side in. A lyre commission at no cost to you pet for some reptile enthusiasts manageable pet for reptile... Snake native to the rattlesnake bites in the state due to limited range and collection by poachers, Pituophis,... Characteristics that make them easy to spot venomous snakes your feet very carefully and always for. Further clues they grow to be about 16 to 46 inches and have large distinctive on... Snake, or gray and brown snakes a defensive show with speckled and... Download the official NPS app before your next visit owners who lose interest central and southeastern Arizona for if! Your feet very carefully and always listen for that that telltale rattle slightly broadened rounded! 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Large distinctive blotches on the side of their necks and abandoned farms and rattlesnakes of data being may. By constricting, which they kill by constricting, which is why they have observed! Three and six feet long Rena humilis, the snake has just and. Download the official NPS app before your next visit or near bodies of water have! Usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with the Arizona brown spider the... Rocky regions the Eastern Patch-nosed snake a genus of snakes is no less varied than the world of snakes no! Range from red snakes in arkansas: if you are dealing with a snake! Of colors but they are scared, they are usually patterned with speckled black and white,... Like they are not timid around populated areas, or any combination of colors... Streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona and even more enjoyable clues... Download the official NPS app before your next visit making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts round. Deserts, woodlands, and into the Southeast set of characteristics that make them easy to spot if...

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