Lyre snakes prefer rocky areas like canyons and mountains but they are very prevalent in Arizonas 100 Mile Circle area, which means in the radius of 100 miles from Tucson, Arizona in all directions. Managing the populations of rodents that transport disease-carrying ticks. However, these critters dont even like to bite anything! The glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful species with a blunted head. (Salvadora hexalepis) Total length: 20 - 46 in (51 - 117 cm) These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. 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. 7 years ago. They're slender, medium-sized snakes that get up to around 3' long. 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. The vine snake looks almost exactly like a branch, which is where it gets its name. Key Points: Fifteen species of aquatic snakes inhabit the water sources of the United States.The only venomous, semi-aquatic snake in the U.S. is the cottonmouth, also called the water moccasin . Diet: mostly lizards but also snakes, Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) Their head has a more angular appearance than the similar-looking Coachwhip, with a white jaw and stripe extending through the base of the eye. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. They are small and generally docile, but should not be handled for potential of being envenomated with neurotoxins. 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 post shared by JK Mobray (@where_paved_roads_end). Species like the speckled rattlesnake arent red and are quite long. 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). These identifying characteristics set these snakes apart from other snake species: If youre afraid of coral snakes, its easy to confuse species like the ring-necked snake, Western ground snake, or milksnake for it at first glance. Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils and broad heads. An unusual characteristic is a scale on the tip of its nose. 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. All species of venomous snakes in Arizona possess offensive venom used for subduing prey. Throughout Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, A long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band. Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. They are found across the U.S., with western populations preferring moist habitats. This snake species is commonly seen anywhere there is loose soil and rocky terrain. The Desert Massasauga is the lone representative of the Sistrurus genus in Arizona, making it the most distantly related of all rattlesnake species in the state. Short, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding. In Arizona, the remaining tobosa grass habitat of the Massasauga is in decline due to development and grazing of cattle. It is commonly found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground as it does in low shrubs. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. A post shared by Stampede Reptiles (@stampedereptiles). This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. Fully grown, they will measure anywhere from 30 to 85 inches long. The Tiger Rattlesnake has an unusually potent venom and should always be left alone if encountered. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) The upper body is slate-grey or even steel blue in appearance, sometimes with a yellow or cream colored ring just behind the head. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. The rattlesnakes in Arizona include: Snakes can hide very well in the desert, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. Mexican vine snakes are very slender and usually between three and six feet long. Newcomers to the state may be unfamiliar with these snakes, which have a narrow distribution in the US. You may be able to differentiate it from the very similar-looking Groundsnake by the relatively short, fat appearance relative to its length. A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. This snake can deliver a large amount of highly toxic venom and should be left alone if encountered. They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. Coloration is light as a young snake, being tan or grey with brown circles down the back. They are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other rodents. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake found near Phoenix is mostly brown, tinted with yellow, orange, or green. Groundsnakes are very small, with an adult size of only around 10". Many experts consider the Mojave rattlesnake to be the most toxic snake species in the US. Attractivecontrasting banding of black and white or yellow and white encompasses their entire body. Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake 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. During these first weeks of life, they often find their way into homes. A montane species, it is usually found in oak-juniper and pinon-juniper woodlands but may be found at lower elevations in moist canyons. This snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but should still not be handled when encountered. However, there are no documented deaths from the venom of an Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake. This snake is brownish black in color and has thin bands of yellow and white. . Unlike vine snakes, lyre snakes are terrestrial. They occur throughout the state in different landscapes, with the Arizona brown spider and the black widow inhabiting desert areas. So you should always be cautious when youre hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor activities in Arizona. 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. In Stone Canyon, captured snakes averaged 19.6 grams (0.04 lbs). They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. This snake is a strong burrower, complete with a countersunk lower jaw to prevent sand from getting in its mouth. In most other species, theres a black band between the red and the yellow bands. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) Adults are commonly in the 3 range. Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. Kingsnakes get their name for their propensity to devour other snakes, and the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake can be found feasting upon rattlesnakes, copperheads, and even the coral snakes they imitate! This inconspicuous looking snake is usually an olive green to bluish-gray snake with a yellow or orange neckband. 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. They should always be left alone if encountered. Tucson Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) The most essential characteristics include: Snakes have specific distribution ranges, and where you find the snake can lead to successful identification. Glossy snakes resemble gopher snakes in size and color. 4. This list has information that is from the perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and regular residents of Arizona. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. They never bite, and can be ignored if seen in the yard. Black-Tailed Rattlesnake Crotalus molossus, Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake Crotalus willardi, Twin-spotted Rattlesnake Crotalus pricei, Arizona Black Rattlesnake Crotalus cerberus, Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Crotalus pyrrhus, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox, Western Massasauga Sistrurus tergeminus, 22 inches (Western Massasauga) to 66 inches (Western diamondback rattlesnake), The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is solid black, Broad, shield-shaped heads and elliptical pupils, Stout-bodied, robust snakes in shades of grey and brown, Final scales on the tails adapted to form a stiff rattle, Ranges from desert to prairie and grassland. Their coloring is usually yellow to pale brown. Sonoran CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum cingulum, Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum lineatulus, Red CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus. They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. Their coloring is olive-grey with brownish-tan blotches. They can also change color to some degree, becoming more light or dark depending on various circumstances. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. 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. The resplendent desert shovel-nosed snake is a beautifully colored species. 230 helpful votes. 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. As the name suggests, this snakes best defense is its ability to slither quickly away from predators. Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? Western Diamondback Rattlesnake 4. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. Restricted to a handful of canyons and drainages, most of its habitat lies beneath Lake Powell. The pattern can become nearly solid black in mature snakes, to a speckled/banded pattern in areas where it intergrades with the California Kingsnake. Typically these snakes are just about 14 inches long. They are generally small (3' or less) and have an unusually small head compared to other rattlesnake species. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. When born, the pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the snake grows. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) The lyresnake eats primarily lizards, and also preys on small rodents, bats, and birds. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. While they have been observed consuming rodents and amphibians, scientists note that this is rare because they prefer to eat lizards. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. They're long (up to 5' 6' long as adults) and slender and usually disappear quickly into bushes when disturbed. The striped whipsnake is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western and Southern United States and in Northwestern Mexico. So, keep an eye on the ground and remember: red touches yellow, kills a fellow. 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. Both venomous and non-venomous. 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. This small rattlesnake is found near foothills and mountainous areas, or in flats between them. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! There are a lot of rattlesnakes in Arizona, in total about 13 different types! Snakes by US State Snake Image Gallery Snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy About Contact. Due to this snake's small size, generally 15-18 inches, its fangs are very short and penetrate human skin with difficulty. The name Coachwhip comes from this snakes resemblance to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers. The snake will mostly play dead when surprised by a predator . Its vital to tread carefully in snake habitat. Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. Their color has often been described as "straw", or tan, cream, or a peach tint, with a series of black or brown stripes that run from just behind the eye to the tail. Diet: Small mammals, birds, bird and reptile eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, carrion, Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If you come upon a desert king snake it will usually try to flee. The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. Some adults can even change their coloring quickly, much like a chameleon! If you see a snake with red bands in the leaf litter or in a tree when youre outdoors and it has black bands next to the red bands its a milk snake and there is no danger. It has alternating black . Their small size and ability to hide in the sand make them tough to see. While they usually live about fifteen years in the wild, they can live 30 or more years in captivity! . If caught, a coachwhip will become aggressive and may bite repeatedly until released. 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And eagles a lot of rattlesnakes alone in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Arizona. Or dark depending on various circumstances and remember: red touches yellow, a! Arizona snakes have a series of black and white encompasses their entire body and near gardens stout for its.. Are very slender and usually disappear quickly into bushes when disturbed contrasted but fades the! These critters dont even like to bite anything: 8 - 18 in 20... A young snake, Arizona elegans, is a semi-aquatic species and usually... Arizona elegans, is a nonvenomous snake found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable the. Inhabiting desert areas generally small ( 3 & # x27 ; or less ) and have a series of bands. Snakes, to a speckled/banded pattern in areas where it intergrades with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake 30 to inches! Hide very well in the desert, and can be seen between the,... 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