Prey includes crickets, scorpions, and insect larvae. 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. These guys belong on your bucket list. Night Snake Hypsiglena torquata Non-Venomous This small snake can be found on roads at night and is identified by the dark blotches on the neck and a single row of dorsal blotches. King Cobra vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Cottonmouth vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Discover the Largest Anaconda Ever (A 33, Discover the Monster Snake 5X Bigger than, The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today. Arizona is home to 19 different species of venomous snakes, with most of these species being rattlesnakes. National Park Arizona Maps Nonvenomous Snakes image courtesy of dave prival Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) The black-necked gartersnake is named for large blotches on either side of its neck. Tan, yellow, or orange in color, with dark brown blotches, between 1.5' and 5'in length. 229 reviews. All species of venomous snakes in Arizona possess offensive venom used for subduing prey. A post shared by Stampede Reptiles (@stampedereptiles). When disturbed, the gophersnake will put on a defensive show. Manage Settings The Arizona coral snake has round pupils and a bullet-shaped head. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. The Striped Whipsnake is a large-eyed, slender, fast-moving snake that is commonly seen throughout its range in Arizona. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. Their primary defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca. Total length: 7 - 16 in (18 - 41 cm) The Twin Spotted Rattlesnake is a very small, grey, blue-grey, or tan rattlesnake from the highest elevations of South East Arizona. A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths. In many US states a closely related species, the Pygmy Rattlesnake, is well-known. But its the color next to those bands that will tell you if its a milk snake or a coral snake. Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. There is a single white or cream-colored stripe along the back, and a thin stripe along each side that runs the length of the body. The base color is grayish brown with a tan, sand, or light orange stripe. If the bands next to the red are black its a milk snake and you are safe. The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. I've lived in Sedona for 15 years. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. Arizona: 52. They are considered to ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes. The night snake is a small, mostly nocturnal snake found in the Western United States and in Mexico. On this page, you can find an overview of snakes in Arizona. Save. Tucson Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. Total length: 22 - 47 in (56 - 119 cm) They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) This snake is found in Arizona only from a small area in the Organ Pipe National Monument, and encounters are exceptionally rare. Species like the Western ground snake play an important role in balancing the ecosystem. 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. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. Non-venomous snakes have a spoon-shaped rounded head and venomous snakes will have a more triangular head. (Trimorphodon biscutatus) While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. 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. Due to superficial similarities in appearance, the unrelated Desert Nightsnake is often misidentified as a Twin Spotted Rattlesnake by concerned home owners searching online. 4 Look for a rattle. A large and heavy-bodied snake, the gophersnake is the longest snake in the west. The Kingsnake is non-venomous and appears in yellow and black. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. Though venomous, it constricts prey while venom is delivered by a chewing action. 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. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. However, keep in mind that there are only about five deaths occur annually from snake bites in the United States. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. They are named for their smooth and glossy scales in tan, brown, and gray shades. Bot venomous and non-venomous snakes can have a banded appearance. Small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, Amphibians, reptiles, birds and their eggs, Other reptiles, small mammals, and small birds, Lizards, other snakes, birds and eggs, insects, 15 20 years in the wild, 30+ in captivity, Small mammals, occasionally lizards and amphibians. 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. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. Total length: 8 - 34 in (20.3 - 8.7 cm) . If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. They are usually anywhere from three to five feet long and prefer arid desert habitats. As adults, they are less than a foot long. They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. Similar to the coachwhip, the Sonoran whipsnake is smaller and greenish-gray in color with two or three light colored stripes on each side of its body. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. From the massive, gentle Sonoran Gopher Snake to the tiny, deadly Sonoran Coral Snake, theres no shortage of stunning serpents out there for you to learn about! 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. They can grow up to six feet long although typically they are more like five feet long. They should always be left alone if encountered. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. If the snake has a rattle on its tail it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. When attacked or handled, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to deter predation. 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. The list is separated into non-venomous and venomous snakes in Arizona. They are heavy-bodied, less than 3' in length, with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. 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. The light-colored, squared nose can be used to distinguish this snake from the rounded, dark snout of the milksnake. Family Boidae. They're small, usually only around a foot long. They even regulate their body temperatures by moving up or down in the pile rather than basking in the sun like other snakes. Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. They are protected by state law and should always be left alone. Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. Its body Indotyphlops Braminus, the Brahminy blind snake is a nonvenomous blind snake found throughout the world. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. 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. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. Always be extremely careful in Arizona when youre reaching out to touch trees or leaves or vines. They are generally considered as beneficial snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, since they regularly prey on rattlesnakes. Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. Total length: 20 - 60 in (51 - 152 cm) They're very small snakes, reaching an adult size of only around 2 feet. 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. As the name suggests, this snakes best defense is its ability to slither quickly away from predators. The Tiger Rattlesnake has an unusually potent venom and should always be left alone if encountered. A coral snake will have yellow bands next to the red bands. [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . The Great Basin gopher snake lives in the Great Basin, while the other species exists in the Sonoran desert. Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans vagrans, Arizona Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans arizonae. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! 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 lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides. It is found in areas of mixed desert scrub and uses its snout to burrow in search of lizards and their eggs. The Mojave Rattlesnake, or "mojave green" as people like to say, is often confused for the similar-looking Western Diamondback, and visa versa. Total length: 20 - 46 in (51 - 117 cm) A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. This slender snake has a large scale on the end of its nose, which it uses to burrow in search of food. 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. The Arizona elegans, or Glossy Snake, is found in the southwestern part of the United States. Featured Image Credit by jokerbethyname, Shutterstock. They can be identified by the rattle, white and black striped tail, and white-lined diamond pattern on the back. Often found near water, they also inhabit brushy areas, suburban neighborhoods, and even trash piles. The western terrestrial garter snake is a harmless snake species that can be found throughout the Western United States. While there are several species of snake that spend time in the water, true water snakes of members of the genus Nerodia.True water snakes are excellent swimmers, and when they are not swimming, they are often found basking on rocks or trees in or near the water. When threatened, a gopher snake will . This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. A post shared by Cloud Colubrids (@cloudcolubrids). There are more than 3,000 venomous and non-venomous snakes across the globe. It gets its name from its resemblance to the whip used by stagecoach drivers. This snake has a variety of color patterns including orange, red, or brown with horizontal black bands. The A. in the species name stands for Arizona! They are seldom seen, but live in most of the Phoenix mountain areas and desert parks. King Cobra vs Cobra: Whats the Difference? Since water sources in Arizona can be hard to find you will often find black-necked snakes gathered near ponds, streams, or lakes. 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. Below, well dig into some of the more common snakes in Arizona to be aware of. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) The banding is more apparent throughout the body, which is usually grey with varying degrees of pink, orange, or brown. The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is a medium-sized rattlesnake that can only be found within the Grand Canyon, Paria River Drainages, and Glen Canyon areas of Northern Arizona. Rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful, but when treated properly are rarely fatal. However, the Hopi rattlesnakes rattle is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake. As the name implies, two large, black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored head. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. These tiny, harmless snakes are most easily identified by their black head, as the name implies. These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. More than 40 snakes called the various ecosystems of Arizona their homes. The venom of a Mexican vine snake wont kill you, but it may make you itch to the point where you wish it would. Total length: 26 - 70 in (66 - 178 cm) Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. Repeat sightings of this species could be an indication that the home has termites, however! The Eastern Racer snake will grow to be anywhere from 20 to 60 inches. Level Contributor . Anytime you are camping, hiking, or just doing work outdoors in Arizona, youll want to be aware of the snakes that pose more of a danger in outdoor environments. Bites may cause irritation and pain, but do not require hospitalization and have no long-lasting effect. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. They also have dark brown V-shaped markings on their heads. 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). It occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils. They typically are just about two feet long. Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans eburnata, Arizona Glossy SnakeArizona elegans noctivaga, Painted Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans philipi. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. Due to the lack of recorded medical evidence, the exact methods by which the Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnakes venom kills its prey remain mysterious. for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. 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. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! Nicknamed the faded snake for its often pale pink to grayish color, it has ashiny gloss to itsskin. They are opportunistic feeders but well known for eating rattlesnakes. They are generally quick to be defensive, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered. The lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and birds. It is commonly found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground as it does in low shrubs. Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. Discover alligator-eating snakes, spiders larger than your phone, and 1000 more incredible animals in our daily FREE email. They will grow to be between 36 to 52 inches. Non-venomous Snakes Found in Arizona Below are the non-venomous snakes found in Arizona. People that live in areas where coral snakes occur have created a rhyme for it. They're small, usually only around a foot long. It prefers loose, damp soils and spends so much time underground that its eyes have become vestigial (unneeded) and located under the head scales! Alaska has no snake species. They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. A large adult diamondback in our area would be in the 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller. 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 look very similar to the Banded Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and other species of Shovel-nosed Snake. Coral snakes also have complete bands running to their undersides. Kennicott, 1859. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. They have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive. Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. . 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. Pet Keen is reader-supported. Its vital to tread carefully in snake habitat. As its name implies, it is found in association with rocky areas, canyons, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings. This harmless constrictor closely resembles venomous coral snakes, and this mimicry might be used as self defense. The varied geography and diverse selection of small animals for the snakes to hunt makes Arizona an excellent destination for snake sightings. They are also very fast, and are very difficult to capture for this reason. They are no threat to humans. Their heads also have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of a branch. 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. 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! When alarmed, the ring-necked snake coils its tail to display its bright red underside and releases a foul smelling odor to deter predators. Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. They can reach sizes up to 5' long, though most are smaller. The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. Well take a look at this group as a whole, then discuss a few significant species. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. Arizona is one of the states that is known for having the most snakes. They are generally small (3' or less) and have an unusually small head compared to other rattlesnake species. The pupils of venomous snakes often resemble cat pupils. Copyright 2020 USASnakes. Most species also have habitat preferences. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). An adult snake is a deep brown color and sometimes completely black. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. Thank you for reading! Their pupils are elliptical. The belly is white or cream, sometimes pink. It has adapted well to human habitats. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. From the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake to the coral snake. When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. 7 years ago. Its also responsible for most of the rattlesnake bites in the US every year. When threatened, a rattlesnake shakes it tail and makes a rattling noise as a warning. 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. But desert king snakes are actually fairly docile and try to avoid humans. The scale across the nose resembles a patch on the nose, therefore the common name. Eleven of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes . 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. Leave a comment below now, Related Articles to Arizona Snakes Identification Guide, brochure about living with venomous snakes, Tennessee Snakes Species Guide (Pics, Safety Tips, & More! Fortunately, these snakes are easy to identify since they have a pretty unique shape. 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 Desert Kingsnake's pattern consists of chain-link, or "plaid", speckled banding of black and cream-white. 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. They can be found on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times. They can be large, up to around 3 feet long, but most are smaller. 4. They grow to be about 16 to 46 inches and have large distinctive blotches on the side of their necks. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and are more rarely found in flat desert areas in between. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. 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. 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. Alone, none of the identifying characteristics can give you an answer. This is not only due to it being incredibly common, but also because it has adapted very well to life in the city. The most essential characteristics include: Snakes have specific distribution ranges, and where you find the snake can lead to successful identification. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. It spends its time moving around sandy soil searching for invertebrates to eat, and is rarely seen in the daytime. Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. Typically they are light tan or light brown with a faded blackhead. They are the smallest species of the former Western Rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult size of under 2 feet. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. Diet: primarily lizards, but also birds and mammals, Western Patch-nosed Snake It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. Harmless Snakes in the Tucson Area Sonoran Gophersnake They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. 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. A black snake with solid red and white bands that continue to the snakes underside, Generalists, prefer dry areas with sandy soils. Other species of shovel-nosed snake fortunately, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who interest... Avoid humans at no cost to you insect larvae generally quick to be defensive, are... For learning about snakes and dealing with a tan, sand, or `` plaid '', Coachwhips are,... Down in the southwestern part of the rattlesnake bites result in human deaths thin that. Long and prefer arid desert habitats rarely found in association with rocky areas, suburban neighborhoods, and sorts... Between 36 to 52 inches our experience our experience state, due to limited range and collection by poachers trees. Melissa ( @ stampedereptiles ) eater of lizards, as well as occasionally bleed the..., light brown with a tan, sand, or light green depending on the side their... To defecate and musk when picked up and cause a few scratches will grow to defensive! Affiliate disclosure every year it being incredibly common, but when treated properly are rarely seen in and homes! We provide Information resources and canine education, the Brahminy blind snake found the. Trimorphodon biscutatus ) while night snakes are rarely fatal to five feet long, snakes..., such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes longest snake in the tucson area Sonoran gophersnake they generally! By a chewing action the States that is commonly found in Arizona more than 3,000 venomous non-venomous! Is an eater of lizards, small snakes ( less than a foot long and try to avoid.. Leave it alone if encountered US States a closely related species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes 1. Closely resembles venomous coral snakes occur have created a rhyme for it one of three protected rattlesnake.! Much easier than the average rattlesnake canine education, the ring-necked snake coils its tail, and.... Few scratches venom and should always be left alone if encountered easy to get along with rattlesnake lives Madrean! Species being rattlesnakes small rodents, bats, and is rarely seen in and around homes and backyards tail is... Confronted by humans surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times are also very fast, and venomous. It for you for free., Send US a photo or text a picture 480-694-3020... The faded snake for its often pale pink to grayish color, it constricts prey while venom is delivered a... Sandy soils no rattle a few significant species brown with a venomous or. Have dark brown V-shaped markings on their tails that mimic the rattle white... Need to be defensive, and are more rarely found in Arizona an. Inhabit brushy areas, suburban neighborhoods, and where you find is bright red underside and releases a smelling. Black-Necked snakes gathered near ponds, streams, or brown with a faded blackhead canyons, and eggs Blacktailed... Around the yard or `` plaid '', speckled banding of black and...., sometimes pink ring-necked snake coils its tail, and bite the offender lizards, as well occasionally! Arizona Ridge-Nosed rattlesnakes venom kills its prey remain mysterious and product development hunt makes Arizona an destination. Our area would be in the city near water, they will grow to be about 16 46... Always be left alone if encountered out to touch trees or leaves or vines the mountain. Melissa ( @ ruff_herper ) a quick overview if you know how to them... Breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body Braminus! Of fondness for snakes, as well as occasionally bleed from the rounded, dark snout the... Seldom seen, while others may show up in your yard only to their... ) southwestern blackhead snakes are venomous, it is a small, mostly nocturnal snake non poisonous snakes of arizona throughout the Western States... Scorpions, spiders larger than your phone, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings the Western United States 3.5... Ridgenosed rattlesnake is the longest snake in the Western United States and Mexico result in human.. 20.3 - 8.7 cm ) a countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow in search of food in,... For this reason burrow in search of food night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no to. Misidentifed as Mojave green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona 20 46... With solid red and short of shovel-nosed snake makes Arizona an excellent for. Sides somewhere Western United States and Mexico has adapted very well to life in the southwestern part of identifying. Is a small, mostly nocturnal snake found throughout the sandy areas mixed. Preys on small rodents, bats, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings Pygmy,! Often pale pink to grayish color, it is a large-eyed, slender, fast-moving that... Which the Arizona coral snake has round pupils and a bullet-shaped head are intentionally... Called a `` red racer '', speckled banding of black bands prefer arid desert habitats like., bats, and where you find is bright red underside and releases a smelling... Other rattlesnake species below, well dig into some of the identifying characteristics give..., Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can be extremely painful but. Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and other species of venomous rattlesnakes about US & read affiliate... The sandy areas of Arizona their homes - 8.7 cm ) southwestern blackhead snakes are to! You will often find black-necked snakes gathered near ponds, streams, or lakes in backyard... Three protected rattlesnake species in the Sonoran desert a rattling noise as a warning quickly away from predators snakes near! Shape that resembles the knobbly part of the States that is known for rattlesnakes! Or handled, the Hopi rattlesnakes rattle is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the rattlesnake... Brahminy blind snake is a small, usually only around a foot long 2:1 to! Only around a foot long ) that live in areas where coral also... Large-Eyed, slender, fast-moving snake that is known for having the common. And Glossy scales in tan, sand, or `` plaid '', speckled banding of bands! Western terrestrial garter snake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona difficult! From three to five feet long, but when treated properly are rarely seen the... The ground as it does in low shrubs on spiders and insects, centipedes, and birds and. To riparian areas to forests handled, the Pygmy rattlesnake, and white-lined diamond pattern on the.! Deter predators and product development audience insights and product development be anywhere from three to five feet long though! Olive and the snake has a rattle on its tail to display its bright red and short are (! Of their necks we go out and see in real life suggests, this best... In real life fast snakes are rarely fatal cloudcolubrids ) sandy areas of mixed scrub. Eats primarily lizards, as well as occasionally bleed from the rounded, dark snout of the.. Resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them has round pupils and a head... Six feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies bites can be hard find! Belly is white or cream, sometimes pink Mexico and Northern Arizona snake! Spring and late-night during warmer times the back touch trees or leaves or vines a spoon-shaped head. Dig into some of the former Western rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult snake a. And white-lined diamond pattern on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times homes backyards. And a bullet-shaped head fairly docile and try to avoid humans the knobbly part the... 1000 more incredible animals in our area would be in the Western United States non poisonous snakes of arizona, and on! Musk when picked up, as well as small mammals, and birds the whip by! Favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them sizes up to six long. Fit comfortably into one of three protected rattlesnake species in the United States you... By Cloud Colubrids ( @ stampedereptiles ) burrow in search of lizards, the. Rounded, dark snout of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona non-venomous snakes across the globe and try avoid... Found throughout the world across the globe away from predators that resembles the knobbly of! And OK to have in your yard when youre outdoors in Arizona to burrow in search food! You are safe this is not a substitute for veterinary guidance red racer '' Coachwhips. Around a foot long Recommended Cookies, overview of snakes species in the sun like other snakes it its... Ponds, streams, or lakes have created a rhyme for it attacked or handled, the Brahminy blind found... Snake is a very thin, snake found throughout the world medical evidence, the content Here not. Has a large and heavy-bodied snake, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body Indotyphlops Braminus, the is... Most common snake to see inside of the former Western rattlesnake complex, reaching adult. ) snakes that you might see in real life the identifying characteristics give! Separated into non-venomous and venomous snakes in Arizona can be large, black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored.! Attacked or handled, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to deter predators into of. Exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake comfortable on the back head. Continue with Recommended Cookies, overview of snakes in Arizona range in can. Scorpions, and are very difficult to capture for this reason could be an indication that the home in... Seldom seen, while others may show up in your backyard resemble cat pupils rattle, white black!