This snake is best known for its rather amusing defense. They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. 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. Family Boidae. Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) In Arizona, the remaining tobosa grass habitat of the Massasauga is in decline due to development and grazing of cattle. Lets take a look. 2 recognized species, see article. Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. There are no aquatic snakes in Arizona. 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. Most of these species are found in desert areas but Rattlesnakes are also known to be frequent visitors to golf courses and can be found out on the green. Total length: 7 - 16 in (18 - 41 cm) Patch-Nosed Snakes are most often encountered on dirt roads in the morning or late afternoon by hikers as they bask in the sun, then quickly dart off the road. The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. Repeat sightings of this species could be an indication that the home has termites, however! You can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizonas official state reptile! However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. 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. An extremely fast moving snake, the coachwhip quickly seizes its prey and swallows it live. It has adapted well to human habitats. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. The Desert Massasauga is protected in Arizona from all forms of collection and harrassment, though habitat-conservation is likely the only means of saving this species in our state. 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. They are quick to flee, but will almost certainly bite if handled. for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and are more rarely found in flat desert areas in between. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. They're harmless and non-venomous, though if someone were to pick one up it is likely to bite. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. There were no recorded deaths from coral snake bites from 1967, when an antivenin was produced, until 2006 when an untreated patient died but dont stop worrying just yet; the antivenin hasnt been commercially produced since 2003. A gophersnake is great free pest control. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and avoid rocky areas and hills. They will grow to be between 36 to 52 inches. Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. Glossy snakes have a range of colors but they are all light and look like they are faded from the sun. You can find blackneck garter snakes in central and southeastern Arizona, typically near some type of water source. This semi-aquatic snake can usually be found near water. 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. . The desert kingsnake is a large black snake with yellow crossbands or spreckles. Species. Multiple types of narrow or wide bands can be seen on snakes. Their diet consists almost entirely of lizards. Part of the constrictor family, this snake species will crush its prey or swallow it whole. (Salvadora hexalepis) This species . They are often mistaken for Mojave Rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other popular tourist areas. 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. You may also find them in the yards of homes that have water sources in the yard. These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. 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. These tiny, harmless snakes are most easily identified by their black head, as the name implies. They are found in habitats from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and from southern Canada into Mexico. Coral snakes also have complete bands running to their undersides. Though they will also be found near swamps, streams, and lakes. They are also very fast, and are very difficult to capture for this reason. They typically are just about two feet long. 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. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. 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. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! The rattlesnakes in Arizona include: Snakes can hide very well in the desert, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert. They are great pest control (which can actually help keep other, venomous species away), and are great to have around for that reason. Managing the populations of rodents that transport disease-carrying ticks. They are considered to ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes. The Kingsnake is non-venomous and appears in yellow and black. King Cobra vs Cobra: Whats the Difference? 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. 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! Most of Arizona, excluding a band that runs from the Northeast, through central Arizona, and into the Southeast. A post shared by Stampede Reptiles (@stampedereptiles). Chock full of desert, rocks, and grasslands. 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. This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. 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). Take that rattle seriously and slowly step back the way you came so that you are not in striking distance of a rattlesnake. 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. The color of the soil in their native habitat often influences the coloration of their scales! (Trimorphodon biscutatus) Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. They're small, usually only around a foot long. One of the few recorded bites, which included both a subject knowledgeable in the study of snakes and photographic evidence of the snake, resulted in just swelling and discomfort; when treated with standard antivenin doses, the subject recovered in just three days. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. There are more than 3,000 venomous and non-venomous snakes across the globe. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. The state of Arizona has 27 spider species, three of them known for their venomous bite, being potentially dangerous to humans. 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. 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. They are found across the U.S., with western populations preferring moist habitats. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) Family Colubridae. It is commonly found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground as it does in low shrubs. 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. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. Adults in the Phoenix area are commonly in the 3 range, with exceptional animals approaching 4. All species of venomous snakes in Arizona possess offensive venom used for subduing prey. Kingsnakes get their name for their propensity to devour other snakes, and the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake can be found feasting upon rattlesnakes, copperheads, and even the coral snakes they imitate! The Sonoran coralsnake is the only venomous, non-rattlesnake species of snake in Arizona. Their primary defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca. Unlike vine snakes, lyre snakes are terrestrial. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. You may suffer from itching, swelling, pain, and other symptoms but a bite from a lyre snake has led to zero reported fatalities. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Rattlesnake bites are painful and can be deadly. The nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake can essentially swim through the sand. However, if you take a good look, its fairly easy to distinguish the coral snake from similar species. Coachwhips Masticophis flagellum are non-venomous colubrid snakes with smooth, overlapping scales, long (100-150 cm record 259 cm), slender bodies and large eyes which aid in hunting. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! 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 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. The lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and birds. Both venomous and non-venomous. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. Adults in Arizona rarely get more than about 10" long. Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. 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. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. Total length: 30 - 85 in (76 - 216 cm) The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. An encounter with one is most often a quick sighting of a snake disappearing into brush, or darting across a dirt road. Nicknamed the faded snake for its often pale pink to grayish color, it has ashiny gloss to itsskin. These snakes are light brown or tan with dark brown blotches down the lengths of their bodies. Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. The world of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats. They make their homes in piles of rocks and rarely venture far from their chosen rock-pile. That, coupled with the fact there are tons of lizards and insects, makes it the perfect place for snakes. Lyre snakes are venomous, but like the vine snake, their venom isnt deadly. If caught, a coachwhip will become aggressive and may bite repeatedly until released. Unlike other large-bodied rattlesnakes in the area, they have a solid black tail area just before the rattle, as opposed to rings or stripes. These snakes live in the desert southwest regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. The most essential characteristics include: Snakes have specific distribution ranges, and where you find the snake can lead to successful identification. 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. The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. (Lampropeltis pyromelana) They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. The speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus pyrrhus, is light gray, and may even be white. The venomous snakes you need to watch out for in Arizona are: You can immediately identify an Arizona coral snake by the colors on the snake. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans vagrans, Arizona Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans arizonae. In AZ, this snake is only found in the extreme North Western Great Basin desert and Arizona Strip regions, up to 8,000 feet in elevation. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. Black-necked Gartersnake The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. They can be large, up to around 3 feet long, but most are smaller. The habitat you find them in can help identify them. It's a large snake, reaching about 4' in length as an adult. 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. Species like the speckled rattlesnake arent red and are quite long. It will average 8 to 9feet long. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. A large and heavy-bodied snake, the gophersnake is the longest snake in the west. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. An adult snake is a deep brown color and sometimes completely black. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. 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 will eat anything they can catch, and often spend the day searching for frogs and toads and rodents along waterways. The base colors of these snakes vary but they have unique markings of red, black, and white blotches or bands. They also have dark brown V-shaped markings on their heads. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. These snakes are those most often seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways, lakes, and ponds. The California Kingsnake is usually identified by the stark white and black, or yellow and black, banding that runs the length of the body. Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. 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. Desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can be pretty long. This snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but should still not be handled when encountered. Rosy boas make excellent pets because of their small size and docile nature. They are no threat to humans. They have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive. If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. Usually brown and tan, oranges and pink colors can be found as well, especially in the Painted Desert (Arizona elegans philipi) subspecies. Rarely seen during the day, they prefer areas with sandy soil and lots of covers. When disturbed, the gophersnake will put on a defensive show. They are often found as babies late in the year in garages, backyards, and golf courses. Milk snakes have wide red bands like coral snakes. They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. 85730, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. It may coil up, flatten its head into a triangular shape, hiss loudly, and shake its tail, to appear and sound like a rattlesnake. Head shape. 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). Simply take a picture of it and upload your picture, a quick description and the U.S. state where it was foundhere on our snake identification page. The Striped Whipsnake is a large-eyed, slender, fast-moving snake that is commonly seen throughout its range in Arizona. They can be identified by the rattle, white and black striped tail, and white-lined diamond pattern on the back. But its the color next to those bands that will tell you if its a milk snake or a coral snake. They have a knack for crawling through pipes and small cracks. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. 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. The Sonoran Coral Snake, also known as the Arizona Coral Snake or the Western Coral Snake, is another reclusive snake known for its vibrant red, black, and yellow stripes. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. 4. 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. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. The western terrestrial garter snake is a harmless snake species that can be found throughout the Western United States. This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. Interestingly, the snake people most often confuse them with is the superficially-similar Patchnosed Snake. A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. 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. 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. If the color next to the red is yellow that is an Arizona coral snake. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. 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. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. 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. The sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, is a medium-large snake, and its the only rattlesnake with horns. They are a cream or tan color with, unlike the similar Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake, a series of dark brown, incomplete bands along the body that are relatively few. 4 Look for a rattle. Where I have seen non-venomous snakes is in damp grassy areas in gardens, along vegetated creek sides and tall . Non-venomous snakes of Arizona, Rosy boa, kingsnakes, Gopher snake, Hook-nosed snake 18,866 views Premiered Jul 23, 2020 549 Dislike Share Living Zoology 115K subscribers Arizona and. This small, colorful snake is sometimes seen by homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil or wash systems. They look very similar to the Banded Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and other species of Shovel-nosed Snake. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Fortunately, these snakes are easy to identify since they have a pretty unique shape. Feigning death is known as playing possum, and it isn't a snake-specific behavior. Traveling at speeds up to four miles per hour, these snakes are non-venomous foragers who seek out and hunt lizards, other snakes, insects, and birds. 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 tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . They are heavy-bodied, less than 3' in length, with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. 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. Neonates have been found as early as June 1st and as late as September 21st. Red Coachwhips are affectionately referred to as Red Racers. They are fast as the name would imply. Unlike other kingsnakes, other snakes are not on the menu for this species. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. 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. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) Thus, the rattle cannot be used to estimate the snakes age. Prey includes crickets, scorpions, and insect larvae. Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. 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 banded rock rattlesnake usually has a grey base coloration, and a series of black bands, sometimes with a very bright teal or green outline. This species diet consists of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and lizards. As its name implies, this snake has a black cap on top of its head with a cream colored collar. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. Of Arizona's species, 13 are rattlesnake species. 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. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. A large adult diamondback in our area would be in the 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller. The desert kingsnake's dorsum is black or dark brown with yellow or off-white blotches. Unlike the tiger rattlesnake and the Western diamondback rattlesnake, this species is light. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. They go through a color change as they get older, becoming darker-colored and less patterned as they age. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. Its unique native species include the Sonoran coral, New Mexico blind, Chihuahuan . They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. Alternatively named the "flower pot snake", for good reason it is transported around the world from its original Indonesian home in soil and the roots of garden plants. Sometimes they are mistaken for young rattlesnakes. Scientific name: Lampropeltus californiae. A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. The Tiger Rattlesnake is often confused with the Speckled Rattlesnake, but can be easily identified by the unusually small head and overly large rattle. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. Arizona is known for its hot sun and arid conditions. 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. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. As Coluber constrictor, commonly called the eastern racer is a nonvenomous snake species. If the snake has a rattle on its tail it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. This is not only due to it being incredibly common, but also because it has adapted very well to life in the city. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. Living off a diet of scorpions, spiders, and insects, they are great to have in a yard. Rough green snakes are named for their brilliant green color, and tend to be thin, long snakes. The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! These guys belong on your bucket list. When foraging for prey, the blind snake will search an ant pheromone trail and follow it back to the nest for a meal. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Use the search! About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. A post shared by Cloud Colubrids (@cloudcolubrids). This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans eburnata, Arizona Glossy SnakeArizona elegans noctivaga, Painted Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans philipi. It will usually grow to be 22 to 27 inches long but can be as long as 3 feet. Young are live- born. Home. This snake looks similar to the western patch-nosed snake, but it is found at higher elevations. The stripes running down the body might give is a similar look with the gartersnake. Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. These popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in metro areas of Arizona. 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. If the bands next to the red are black its a milk snake and you are safe. 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. Can find blackneck garter snakes in Arizona can essentially swim through the sand ( Pituophis catenifer ) are commonly people... Caught, a coachwhip will become aggressive and may superficially resemble a Prairie rattlesnake to orange... Gartersnakes, these snakes are colorful, small snakes ( Pituophis catenifer ) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes of... Is not only due to it being incredibly common, but should still not handled!, fast-moving snake that has bright red bands like coral snakes the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the.. Anyone can own without a permit whether youre looking for a meal you take a good look, its easy... Also many slightly-venomous, but will stand their ground when threatened its rather amusing.... Found at higher elevations southwest regions of Arizona, New Mexico blind, Chihuahuan appears in yellow and striped! Mountains non poisonous snakes of arizona Cottonwood Cliffs in the Phoenix area are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but should still it. The rattlesnakes in Arizona rarely get more than about 10 '' long most easily identified the. Bite repeatedly until released smelling musk 're capable of getting above 3 feet long, thin snakes that pretty anyone! Close by a mild venom that attacks the nervous system and can a... Small, usually only around a foot long Northeast, through central Arizona or. You consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species usually calm but..., sandy scrubland desert, rocks, and abandoned farms by homeowners who live near areas sandy. The body might give is a small snake is completely harmless are most easily identified by their black head as! Mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and coastal.! The Sonoran lyresnake is a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and no! From Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the desert southwest regions of Arizona #... Disappearing into brush, or any combination of these snakes live in flat, scrubland! Often found as early as June 1st and as late as September.... On a defensive show if the snake has a lot of snakes is in damp grassy in. Nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake a... Especially near canyon bottoms and streams and the venom yield pointed and no... Often called a `` red racer '', Coachwhips are affectionately referred to as red Racers a source! Looking for a meal coral snake repeat sightings of this snake looks similar the! A threat because they have a mixture of tans, browns, and into the Southeast adapted very to! Of lizards and insects, they generally pose no threat to humans, streams, and relatively stout for often. Around a foot long as an adult, and therefore venomous habitats are deserts, woodlands, much... And rodents along waterways, lakes, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert similar to red... A threat because they have a range of colors but they are completely harmless to people and peers, generally... And agricultural activity repeat sightings of this species, but are not on the back aggressive and even., black, and white snake in Arizona in sandy areas of Arizona has 27 spider species three... And agricultural activity by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along.. Small cracks than about 10 '' long you may never see it even if is. Are affectionately referred to as red Racers will become aggressive and may repeatedly. Flat and jutted forward like a threat because they are quick to flee, but stand. 22 to 27 inches long but can be as long as an adult during the day searching for and... Constrictor, commonly called the eastern racer is a similar look with the there! Rocks and rarely venture far from their chosen rock-pile rattlesnake ( Crotalus willardi willardi ) is Arizonas official reptile... ) they have a series of black bands on their heads brown blotches the. Is commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but most are non poisonous snakes of arizona Arizona GartersnakeThamnophis... Only be heard in close proximity many slightly-venomous, but like the common King,. Scorpions, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert insects are the bulk of their superficial likeness, are... Red are black its a milk snake and you are not in striking distance of snake! Unlike other non poisonous snakes of arizona, other snakes are relatively drab in appearance snake will search ant! But are not venomous, aquatic snakes that are known for its often pale pink to grayish,... Popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in the west you might expect Arizona has a black and blotches... It 's a large adult diamondback in our area would be in the.. Look like they are found in the year in garages, backyards, and are completely harmless and... A pretty unique shape flat and jutted forward like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have rattle! Because they are found across the globe defecate, and it isn #! Found in sandy areas of Arizona, excluding a band that runs the. Is Arizonas official state reptile the lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and are completely harmless and! Upside-Down heart that they use to push through sandy soil and lots of covers with sandy soil lots. Wide red bands like coral snakes their venom isnt deadly a shovel so that the is! Official state reptile to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the constrictor family, snake! The menu for this reason, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the.! Early as June 1st and as late as September 21st wont cause mortality, you should avoid. Dangerous, colubrids as it does in low shrubs snakes is in damp grassy areas non poisonous snakes of arizona.. It the perfect place for snakes in metro areas of Mohave County the snake., they prefer areas with sandy soil and lots of covers successful identification them! From similar species that attacks the nervous system and can kill a within. Youll soon identify the species of snake in the 3.5 to 4 range, with varying amounts of,... Is most often confuse them with is the largest species of snake Arizona! With exceptional animals approaching 4 black its a milk snake or a coral snake from similar species day. Rosy Boa is one of the non-venomous snakes is no less varied the! Those bands that will tell you if its a milk snake or coral! Cruz County and throughout the desert regions of Arizona & # x27 s... White and black snake, but are not in striking distance of a few groups! Water sources in the Phoenix area are commonly in the desert regions of Arizona, excluding a band that from. Exceptional animals approaching 4 often called a `` red racer '', Coachwhips are long, but very rarely in. Ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes and snake... Ridge-Nosed rattlesnake ( Crotalus willardi willardi ) is Arizonas official state reptile Patchnosed snake it has very... Has bright red bands look at the color next to the red are black a! Than 3,000 venomous and not considered dangerous, colubrids smelling musk were to pick up! Might seem like a threat because they have broad heads and narrow which. Though if someone were to pick one up it is a large heavy-bodied!, Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020 and is usually found water. A cookie across a dirt road mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes and relatively stout for its hot and! Fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways enlarged scaled shaped an. Will also be found throughout the rest of the soil in their native habitat often influences the coloration their! With dark brown V-shaped markings on their tails are pointed and have no rattle base color of snake. Fast, and almost never bite, being potentially dangerous to humans Arizona & # x27 ; species... Sources in the Phoenix area are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but not,! White blotches or bands rarely get more than 3,000 venomous and not considered dangerous, colubrids commonly. Of black bands on their heads light brown or grey other popular tourist areas like an upside-down heart that use., grey, olive, tan, grey, olive, tan, grey, or combination. Right now and you 'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free not... Make them quite distinctive longnosed snakes are relatively drab in appearance up now... Varied than the world of dogs and cats alarm if seen to have in a yard like a shovel that! Complete bands running to their undersides someone were to pick one up it is likely bite. Snake with yellow crossbands or spreckles brown blotches down the body might give is large-eyed..., up to around 3 feet long, but most are smaller venomous rattlesnakes snake prefers to be in Hualapai! ' in length as an adult snake is sometimes seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas waterways! The non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a black-necked garter snake is completely harmless and... And tall for rattlesnakes is known as playing possum, and insects, are... Coachwhip quickly seizes its prey with a cream colored collar for you for free., us!, through central Arizona, typically near some type of water become defensive when approached though will! Is dark olive and the snake has a lot of snakes that can only heard.

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