This will offend many predators into retreating. 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. You can also simply back away and leave. Save. Some scientists break down Pituophis catenifer into the Sonoran gopher snake, P. c. affinis, and the Great Basin gopher snake, P. c. deserticola. A thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes. An adult snake will measure between 26 and 70 inches. As adults, they are less than a foot long. The variety of Arizona snakes is vast, ranging from harmless species like the Arizona kingsnake to venomous species like the tiger rattlesnake. Total length: 26 - 70 in (66 - 178 cm) (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Rough green snakes can be found throughout the Southeastern United States. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. Copyright 2020 USASnakes. Though they will also be found near swamps, streams, and lakes. Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans vagrans, Arizona Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans arizonae. 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. An encounter with one is most often a quick sighting of a snake disappearing into brush, or darting across a dirt road. Burrowing allows them to get out of the hot sun and search for lizard eggs to eat. Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. Big Bend Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis deserticola, Desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis hexalepis, Mohave Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis mojavensis. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. During these first weeks of life, they often find their way into homes. Some of the different types of nonvenomous snakes that you will find in Arizona are: Arizona milk snakes, like other milk snakes, can initially be frightening because they have a very similar color pattern to venomous coral snakes. While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. 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. These guys belong on your bucket list. 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. It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. It gets its name from its resemblance to the whip used by stagecoach drivers. As babies, they are very small, only around 3" long, and may resemble a Blackheaded Snake until their mature coloration develops. 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. According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths. New Mexico has eight venomous snakes and a large number of non-venomous ones. 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. You may suffer from itching, swelling, pain, and other symptoms but a bite from a lyre snake has led to zero reported fatalities. In addition to being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake. The Mojave Rattlesnake, or "mojave green" as people like to say, is often confused for the similar-looking Western Diamondback, and visa versa. Desert kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans. Theyre common in the Camelback Mountain region, South Mountain area, and other parts of the valley adjacent to similar habitat. (Phyllorhynchus browni) This is a thick-bodied, large rattlesnake. 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 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. Their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their back. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. Diet: Snakes, lizards, small turtles, reptile eggs, frogs, birds, bird eggs and small mammals, Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) 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! There are no aquatic snakes in Arizona. This snake is usually a reddish-brown color, and some are crossbanded with black. They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. 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. Slow-moving and non-aggressive, bites are easily avoided simply by not approaching or attacking one when encountered. They are seldom seen, but live in most of the Phoenix mountain areas and desert parks. 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. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. Total length: 30 - 85 in (76 - 216 cm) A white vertebral stripe spans from the neck to the tail. They are usually anywhere from three to five feet long and prefer arid desert habitats. The snake will mostly play dead when surprised by a predator . This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. Their diet also includes small mammals and other snakes. True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. 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. Diet: Frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, lizards, Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) When attacked or handled, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to deter predation. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The Kingsnakes head shape is slightly different, with a more rounded appearance. Arkansas Venomous snakes in Arkansas: 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). The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. Typically these snakes are just about 14 inches long. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. In that time I've seen about 4 snakes, none while hiking. Thats why this desert snake is so at home in Arizona. Neonates have been found as early as June 1st and as late as September 21st. The rattlesnakes in Arizona include: Snakes can hide very well in the desert, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. Though venomous, it constricts prey while venom is delivered by a chewing action. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. They are commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix. The pattern can become nearly solid black in mature snakes, to a speckled/banded pattern in areas where it intergrades with the California Kingsnake. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. They are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other rodents. It's face is relatively long and shovel-shaped. The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is also notable for its particularly potent neurotoxic venom, referred to as concolor toxin. When trying to identify a snake found in Arizona, there are a few things to bear in mind. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. While they are not at all venomous, they may bite if handled, the worst result being a few cuts on the hand. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. Although highly venomous, they should not be considered dangerous. Rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful, but when treated properly are rarely fatal. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. Non-venomous snakes have a spoon-shaped rounded head and venomous snakes will have a more triangular head. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. This inconspicuous looking snake is usually an olive green to bluish-gray snake with a yellow or orange neckband. Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Snakes Quiz 4 Amazing Facts Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. It has a very long tail, and the snake is slender. Usually brown and tan, oranges and pink colors can be found as well, especially in the Painted Desert (Arizona elegans philipi) subspecies. They look very similar in apperance to the Western Threadsnake, but can be differentiated by the presence of 3 scales between its eye spots, rather than a single scale. Their coloring is usually yellow to pale brown. They can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5' or more in length. Gaining its name from its appetite forgophers, thissnake is the longest in the Western United States. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. Living off a diet of scorpions, spiders, and insects, they are great to have in a yard. ), 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. 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