However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. Though venomous, it constricts prey while venom is delivered by a chewing action. Arkansas Venomous snakes in Arkansas: All remaining vials expired in 2008. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. Though sometimes theyll just swallow it whole. You may be able to differentiate it from the very similar-looking Groundsnake by the relatively short, fat appearance relative to its length. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! The place we have most often been called out to retrive them from is the garage, where they get stuck in glue traps or are found under boxes in the Spring. Of Arizona's species, 13 are rattlesnake species. You can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state. The base color can be brown, grey, or olive, and most visible as a dorsal stripe nearly as wide as the snake's head. They will grow to be between 36 to 52 inches. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. Arizona's amazing reptile diversity is composed of six turtle species, 49 lizard species, and 52 species of snakes. This small, harmless snake is one of the most rarely-seen species that lives along the highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson. Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. The varied geography and diverse selection of small animals for the snakes to hunt makes Arizona an excellent destination for snake sightings. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. Species. This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. 229 reviews. They're small, usually only around a foot long. Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. They are considered to ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes. Arizona has quite a lot of venomous species compared to some of the other states. 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. Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. Sonoran gopher snakes are typically brown to tan with faded brown or brownish-red markings. Preventing other small animal populations from growing to sizes that the environment cant support. Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. 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. When threatened, they will wiggle vigorously and then poop. The tiger rattlesnake, Crotalus tigris, is a medium to large snake with a vibrant striped design. That is a good thing. Snakes by US State Snake Image Gallery Snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy About Contact. The grey or brown body usually has a number of black or brown blotches that often fade away mid-body, and a bright yellow or cream-colored stripe runs along the back from head to tail. Always scan the area in front of you and to both sides so that you will see snakes before you are so close to them that you startle them. These are also sometimes called coon-tail rattlesnakes. There are no aquatic snakes in Arizona. It has alternating black . Didn't find what you need? Diet: Lizards, snakes, small mammals, frogs, Sonoran Whipsnake It has adapted well to human habitats. The body alternates between black bands over an orange or cream-colored base, usually fading from a rich orange color on the back to lighter colors below. 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). It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2 in length. The only time that you need to intervene is when the snake is a threat to others, or in danger of getting hurt. Weve made a list of some of our favorite snake species that live in Arizonas native desert habitat. Arizona has approximately 60 species of snake. There are venomous coral snakes in Arizona so knowing the difference between a milk snake and coral snake is critically important if youre in the state. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are pretty, small snakes that live throughout the sandy areas of western Arizona. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. They are generally considered as beneficial snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, since they regularly prey on rattlesnakes. While they are common in the sandy soil and grasslands where they live, they are relatively elusive. In addition to being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake. However, there are no documented deaths from the venom of an Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake. They are small and generally docile, but should not be handled for potential of being envenomated with neurotoxins. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. 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 tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake found near Phoenix is mostly brown, tinted with yellow, orange, or green. If you take a closer look at the head and pupil shape, it will give you further clues. Have some feedback for us? Kennicott, 1859. (Lampropeltis pyromelana) Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. So much, that it will often be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and yards. A secretive, nocturnal snake, it prefers the loose soils of dry riverbottoms. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. This further narrows down the list. Harmless Snakes in the Tucson Area Sonoran Gophersnake Thats why this desert snake is so at home in Arizona. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. Most of the time, people get bitten because they accidentally step on a snake. 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. Many experts consider the Mojave rattlesnake to be the most toxic snake species in the US. Thank you for reading! They actually do a great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests. They are a cream, pink, or tan color with irregularly-shaped blotches along the back, from head to tail, in a much higher frequency than the few saddles appearing on the Saddled Leaf-Nosed Snake. 85730, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. Chock full of desert, rocks, and grasslands. Red and dark red base colors are specific to The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana). Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. Their primary defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca. When attacked or handled, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to deter predation. Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. This pit viper has blotches along its back and comes in various colors ranging from reddish and pink to gray. A white vertebral stripe spans from the neck to the tail. 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. 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. We hope youve enjoyed this article about Arizona snakes. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! Lampropeltini. Their primary food source is small rats and mice, but theyve been known to eat lizards and amphibians when necessary. Genus: Arizona. Just click on any of the images or links to learn more about the snake. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. 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) 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. The Mojave is very commonly seen in flat, sandy desertscrub areas, and less likely seen in mountainous or rocky regions. This individual is one of a pair collected under permit from AZGFD to represent the species in educational presentations, and provide legal, captive-born specimens to Arizona educational programs. 50,902 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? They're small, usually only around a foot long. Their heads also have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of a branch. 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. Non venomous [ edit] Arizona Milk Snake Arizona mountain kingsnake Arizona Patch-nosed Snake Blackneck Garter Snake Blind snake Checkered Garter Snake Coachwhip snake (Red Racer) Common Kingsnake Desert Kingsnake Gopher Snake Glossy Snake King Snake Ground Snake Desert Rosy Boa Snake Saddled Leafnose Snake ( Phyllorhynchus browni) The most important factor when bitten is to seek medical attention immediately. 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. They can also change color to some degree, becoming more light or dark depending on various circumstances. They are great pest control (which can actually help keep other, venomous species away), and are great to have around for that reason. People that live in areas where coral snakes occur have created a rhyme for it. 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. They are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage. Their surface color is dark brown, and the rest of the body (from just below the eye) is white or tan). PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. When scared or threatened, the Night snake will ball up and hide its head. It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. 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. The Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake is similar in appearance to the other Shovel-nosed snakes in the state, appearing in varying amounts of white or cream, orange-red, and black bands. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. They will open their mouths to hiss, and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat. If caught, a coachwhip will become aggressive and may bite repeatedly until released. All species of venomous snakes in Arizona possess offensive venom used for subduing prey. 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. The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. They are commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix. 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. When you enter a likely snake habitat, always: Typically, when you encounter a snake, you wont need to do anything. They can grow to be over two feet long. The lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and birds. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. 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. Typically these snakes are just about 14 inches long. 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. Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. Diet: Ants (including larvae and pupae), termites, and occasionally beetle larvae, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. A post shared by JK Mobray (@where_paved_roads_end). So you should always be cautious when youre hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor activities in Arizona. Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. Extremely variable in color and pattern, they can be found in brilliant yellow, nearly black-and-white, brown, grey, and appear nearly patternless to high-contrast black and gold - all within the same community. Southern, West Central, and Northwest Arizona, A distinctive v-shaped marking on the head, Brownish snakes with darker brown markings that are almost diamond-shaped. In that time I've seen about 4 snakes, none while hiking. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. ), 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. Most of the snakes in Arizona are non-venomous. Big Bend Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis deserticola, Desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis hexalepis, Mohave Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis mojavensis. The Tiger Rattlesnake has an unusually potent venom and should always be left alone if encountered. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. If the color next to the red is yellow that is an Arizona coral snake. 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. this is because of the venom glands (this is less noticeable on the coral snake). These snakes are those most often seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways, lakes, and ponds. The species contains eleven subspecies that can be Crotalus Atrox Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Micruroides Euryxanthus Arizona Coral Snake, Crotalus Cerastes Sidewinder Rattlesnake, Sonora Semiannulata Western Ground Snake, Masticophis Taeniatus Striped Whipsnake, Lampropeltis Splendida Desert Kingsnake, Lampropeltis Californiae California Kingsnake, Indotyphlops Braminus Brahminy Blind Snake, Pituophis Catenifer Pacific Gopher Snake, Thamnophis Elegans Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Thamnophis Sirtalis Common Garter Snake. It 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). This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. Coloration is light as a young snake, being tan or grey with brown circles down the back. Lets take a look at one or two of them. There are more than 3,000 venomous and non-venomous snakes across the globe. They can be large, up to around 3 feet long, but most are smaller. The scale across the nose resembles a patch on the nose, therefore the common name. 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. It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2' in length. It is found in areas of mixed desert scrub and uses its snout to burrow in search of lizards and their eggs. There are a lot of rattlesnakes in Arizona, in total about 13 different types! King Cobra vs Cobra: Whats the Difference? The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. Mexican vine snakes are very slender and usually between three and six feet long. Total length: 26 - 70 in (66 - 178 cm) Their diet also includes small mammals and other snakes. Its also responsible for most of the rattlesnake bites in the US every year. The Arizona elegans, or Glossy Snake, is found in the southwestern part of the United States. The glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful species with a blunted head. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The Massasauga is the only species of the genus Sistrurus, found in Arizona. Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. Diet: Small mammals, lizards, reptile eggs, nestling birds, Western Threadsnake Groundsnakes are completely harmless, never bite, and cannot hurt a person of any age or any size of pet. They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. The Mojave rattlesnake is a long species, reaching lengths of 54 inches. When born, the pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the snake grows. But if it doesnt slither away it may try to play dead by flipping over on its back and lying motionless until you walk away. Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) 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. Arizona is known for its hot sun and arid conditions. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. (Leptotyphlops humilis) Bot venomous and non-venomous snakes can have a banded appearance. They're often mistaken for young Groundsnakes, which also often appear with a black head, but can be differentiated by the presence of a red or pink stripe on the belly. Manage Settings AZ ROC 321123. The gila monster is often confused with other large, desert lizards, such as the chuckwalla and desert iguana, but can be easily distinguished by its high-contrast black and yellow pattern. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. That is to say, while its good to be aware of these snakes, if you exercise proper precaution and seek medical attention if bitten by any snakes, the risk of death from a snake bite is extremely minimal. Tan, yellow, or orange in color, with dark brown blotches, between 1.5' and 5'in length. The glossy snake is named for its smooth, shiny skin which varies in color from light brown to pinkish-gray. Their coloring is olive-grey with brownish-tan blotches. You cant have a list of Arizonas snakes without the Glossy Snake. The gopher snakes are harmless terrestrial hunters. Males can be be green, often nearly metallic in appearance, with varying amounts of pink or blue-grey. This species has an olive green to the bluish gray base with a yellow or orange band around its neck. However, these critters dont even like to bite anything! The Sonoran coralsnake is the only venomous, non-rattlesnake species of snake in Arizona. 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. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. They are often found as babies late in the year in garages, backyards, and golf courses. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. The banding is more apparent throughout the body, which is usually grey with varying degrees of pink, orange, or brown. While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). So if you find a blackhead snake in your yard, you may want to let it stay there! . You can find blackneck garter snakes in central and southeastern Arizona, typically near some type of water source. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders, small mice, Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? They are harmless, but may attempt to bite and rattle their tail defensively. While they usually live about fifteen years in the wild, they can live 30 or more years in captivity! While isolated populations continue to exist, numbers are in decline and eventual extirpation is likely. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. You may need medication to stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it. Since water sources in Arizona can be hard to find you will often find black-necked snakes gathered near ponds, streams, or lakes. The state of Arizona has 27 spider species, three of them known for their venomous bite, being potentially dangerous to humans. They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. Total length: 7 - 16 in (18 - 41 cm) Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. Snakes - Tucson Herpetological Society. Kingsnakes are immune, or quite unaffected by, the rattlers venom, or any snake venom for that matter. The Kingsnake is non-venomous and appears in yellow and black. Total Length: 18 - 42 in (46 - 107 cm) Lets take a closer look at how to spot venomous snakes. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizona's official state reptile! Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. Gopher snakes are all over Arizona. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. The resplendent desert shovel-nosed snake is a beautifully colored species. Also, not all snakes use it. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. Fortunately, these snakes have a set of characteristics that make them easy to spot. Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. Save. A large adult diamondback in our area would be in the 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. Repeat sightings of this species could be an indication that the home has termites, however! 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. 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Snake is frequently misidentified as a young snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful with!: 26 - 70 in ( 46 - 107 cm ) their diet includes frogs,,... To exist, numbers are in decline and eventual extirpation is likely coral snake near... Vials expired in 2008 Arizona an excellent destination for snake sightings, centipedes, and all sorts of crawlies... Until released varying degrees of pink or brown, and feed on termite larvae Arizona typically., mountainous areas as the snake has nine recognized subspecies lives in many of the other.. Relatively elusive within hours of a black-necked garter snake is so at home in Arizona can be difficult to by... Seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and golf courses,,... Often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is named for its smooth, shiny skin which varies color... The banding is more apparent throughout the body, which is usually grey with brown circles down the.!
