They are found across the U.S., with western populations preferring moist habitats. In Arizona, the remaining tobosa grass habitat of the Massasauga is in decline due to development and grazing of cattle. 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. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. Night snakes are very small. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Repeat sightings of this species could be an indication that the home has termites, however! A post shared by Trent Adamson (@tradamson_photography). If the red bands lie next to the yellow ones, its probably a coral snake. The Arizona coral snake is one of the most distinctly colored snakes that live in the desert. This snake is best known for its rather amusing defense. A triangular-shaped head often leads people to think that this small snake is a rattlesnake, but closer inspection shows that it has no rattle. Rattlesnake bites are painful and can be deadly. Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. Big Bend Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis deserticola, Desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis hexalepis, Mohave Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis mojavensis. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) It has alternating black . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. From the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake to the coral snake. The color of the soil in their native habitat often influences the coloration of their scales! Their small size and ability to hide in the sand make them tough to see. The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. These snakes are light brown or tan with dark brown blotches down the lengths of their bodies. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. These include: Shovel-nosed Snakes Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake - Chionactis occipitalis Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake - Chionactis palarostris Resplendent Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake - Chionactis annulata Hook-nosed Snakes Kingsnakes are immune, or quite unaffected by, the rattlers venom, or any snake venom for that matter. Red and dark red base colors are specific to The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana). They have a knack for crawling through pipes and small cracks. They are tiny (like a stir straw), and usually shiny or "wet" in appearance, though they are not slimy, and the color of dark coffee.Similar to our native threadsnakes, they are completely harmless and can be ignored, or put outside if found indoors. 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. Total length: 22 - 47 in (56 - 119 cm) If you are close to a rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even see the snake. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. They are usually anywhere from three to five feet long and prefer arid desert habitats. Arizona: 52. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. The thornscrub hook-nosed snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is one of two hook-nosed snakes in the region. Diet: primarily lizards, but also birds and mammals, Western Patch-nosed Snake Desert Nightsnake 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. As the name implies, two large, black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored head. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. Genus: Arizona. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. 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. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. They can be mistaken for the Sonoran Coralsnake on occasion, but in general are easy to differentiate by the lack of white or yellow bands. An unusual characteristic is a scale on the tip of its nose. The sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, is a medium-large snake, and its the only rattlesnake with horns. It's face is relatively long and shovel-shaped. Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. It will usually grow to be 22 to 27 inches long but can be as long as 3 feet. The banding is more apparent throughout the body, which is usually grey with varying degrees of pink, orange, or brown. The color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark brown, red, or orange stripes running nose-to-tail against a lighter, cream or white base color. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. They constrict their prey, pressing it against a solid surface or swallow it live. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes of Arizona and are fairly easy to identify. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. They're often mistaken for Speckled Rattlesnakes, which do not live near Tucson. The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. Typically these snakes are just about 14 inches long. They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. The habitat you find them in can help identify them. Their coloring is usually yellow to pale brown. It gets its name from its resemblance to the whip used by stagecoach drivers. 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. Restricted to a handful of canyons and drainages, most of its habitat lies beneath Lake Powell. The nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake can essentially swim through the sand. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! Managing the populations of rodents that transport disease-carrying ticks. Usually brown and tan, oranges and pink colors can be found as well, especially in the Painted Desert (Arizona elegans philipi) subspecies. However, the Hopi rattlesnakes rattle is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. Multiple types of narrow or wide bands can be seen on snakes. Alone, none of the identifying characteristics can give you an answer. The varied geography and diverse selection of small animals for the snakes to hunt makes Arizona an excellent destination for snake sightings. They can be found in neighborhoods, as well as in the desert. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. Their pupils are elliptical. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. Rough green snakes can be found throughout the Southeastern United States. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. Typically they are light tan or light brown with a faded blackhead. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. Three subspecies are found in Arizona. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and are more rarely found in flat desert areas in between. Snakes are a common creature both in the real world and in folklore. This snake is found in Arizona only from a small area in the Organ Pipe National Monument, and encounters are exceptionally rare. When threatened, a gopher snake will . Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. Gaining its name from its appetite forgophers, thissnake is the longest in the Western United States. Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. The Mojave also has a generally more 'clean' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. Keep scrolling to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles. Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Their coloring is olive-grey with brownish-tan blotches. Being a constrictor, they will press or squeeze their prey. When in danger, it will coil up and lift its backend, then unleash a foul odor! 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. Sometimes they are mistaken for young rattlesnakes. Diet: mostly lizards but also snakes, Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) Desert kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans. Scientific name: Lampropeltus californiae. Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus browni, Western Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus decurtatus, A striking snake with a blunt, rounded head, A light background with dark black blotches, including a mask-like marking over the eyes. They are harmless, but may attempt to bite and rattle their tail defensively. The base colors of these snakes vary but they have unique markings of red, black, and white blotches or bands. You may suffer from itching, swelling, pain, and other symptoms but a bite from a lyre snake has led to zero reported fatalities. Lets take a look at one or two of them. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. This list has information that is from the perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and regular residents of Arizona. They are arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in trees, and don't spend much time on the ground. Attractivecontrasting banding of black and white or yellow and white encompasses their entire body. (Lampropeltis pyromelana) Alaska has no snake species. The name Coachwhip comes from this snakes resemblance to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers. 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. These snakes are those most often seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways, lakes, and ponds. (Tantilla hobartsmithi) 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. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. this is because of the venom glands (this is less noticeable on the coral snake). A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). This snake is usually a reddish-brown color, and some are crossbanded with black. The world of snakes is no less varied than the world of dogs and cats. Rattlesnakes are masters of disguise so watch the area around your feet very carefully and always listen for that that telltale rattle. Desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can be pretty long. They almost never bite, and if allowed to chew their mild venom into a hand (which is the only way a bite is going to happen), it may result in some temporary local swelling and redness. Read More Sonora Semiannulata - Western Ground Snake But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. They have countersunk lower jaws and long snouts, indicating a preference for burrowing. 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) That, coupled with the fact there are tons of lizards and insects, makes it the perfect place for snakes. Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. It is pale brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes. , The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizona's official state reptile! 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. . The belly is white or cream, sometimes pink. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. However, if you take a good look, its fairly easy to distinguish the coral snake from similar species. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. 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. Due to superficial similarities in appearance, the unrelated Desert Nightsnake is often misidentified as a Twin Spotted Rattlesnake by concerned home owners searching online. It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2' in length. So much, that it will often be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and yards. Lets take a closer look at how to spot venomous snakes. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. Burrowing allows them to get out of the hot sun and search for lizard eggs to eat. A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). Preventing other small animal populations from growing to sizes that the environment cant support. Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Snakes Quiz 4 Amazing Facts The Gopher snake likes the sandydesert areas where it can catch rodents, lizards, and rabbits. In that time I've seen about 4 snakes, none while hiking. You cant have a list of Arizonas snakes without the Glossy Snake. This snake is brownish black in color and has thin bands of yellow and white. These popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in metro areas of Arizona. When they are scared, they coil into a tight ball and hide their head under the body. 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 is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Arizona has the most venomous snakes of any state. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. Also, not all snakes use it. I've lived in Sedona for 15 years. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. Southern and Western Arizona, stretching into the Northwest, Yellowish base color with orange and black bands which break into speckles on the side of the snake. Unlike vine snakes, lyre snakes are terrestrial. The smudge on the head is an easy differentiator between this snake and the other species of Western Rattlesnake (Grand Canyon and Midget Faded rattlesnakes). The base color can be brown, grey, or olive, and most visible as a dorsal stripe nearly as wide as the snake's head. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! In addition to being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake. Its vital to tread carefully in snake habitat. There are several lethal rattlesnake species found in Arizona, including Grand Canyon rattlesnakes, Arizona black rattlesnakes, Mojave rattlesnakes, and prairie rattlesnakes. Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, a black "hood" or collar is present. These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. 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. They eat fish, tadpoles and frogs, and a variety of invertebrates, and are easily seen as they hunt in grass at the waters' edge. 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. 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. This small, harmless snake is not often seen. Have some feedback for us? Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. While they are common in the sandy soil and grasslands where they live, they are relatively elusive. How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos). They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans vagrans, Arizona Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans arizonae. Diet: Frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, lizards, Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) Thank you for reading! Often found near water, they also inhabit brushy areas, suburban neighborhoods, and even trash piles. Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. 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