In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. The Prairie Rattlesnake can be identified by the characteristically narrow light-colored facial stripes, and dorsal blotches that are often outlined oval or bow-tie shapes. 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. However, there are no documented deaths from the venom of an Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake. Protected throughout its limited range in Arizona, this snake should be avoided. This snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but should still not be handled when encountered. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. Often found near water, they also inhabit brushy areas, suburban neighborhoods, and even trash piles. Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. Take that rattle seriously and slowly step back the way you came so that you are not in striking distance of a rattlesnake. The scale across the nose resembles a patch on the nose, therefore the common name. These guys belong on your bucket list. Diet: Small mammals, birds, bird and reptile eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, carrion, Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. The list is separated into non-venomous and venomous snakes in Arizona. But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? Of Arizona's species, 13 are rattlesnake species. The brilliant orange, yellow, and red coloration on the belly becomes exposed when the snake is stressed, with the tail forming a tight coil and the latter portion of body flopped upside-down. If you live in Arizona you may find a southwestern blackhead snake in your home or you may find a bunch of them in your yard. They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. Feigning death is known as playing possum, and it isn't a snake-specific behavior. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? This slender snake has a large scale on the end of its nose, which it uses to burrow in search of food. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. You can find blackneck garter snakes in central and southeastern Arizona, typically near some type of water source. Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. 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. Most of Arizona, excluding a band that runs from the Northeast, through central Arizona, and into the Southeast. Their pupils are elliptical. The belly is white or cream, sometimes pink. It occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. The name Coachwhip comes from this snakes resemblance to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers. Their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their back. The black-necked gartersnake is named for large blotches on either side of its neck. The Arizona Black rattlesnake is a thick-bodied snake. Manage Settings 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. If the snake has a rattle on its tail it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. . This is a thick-bodied, large rattlesnake. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. They constrict their prey, pressing it against a solid surface or swallow it live. Theyre common in the Camelback Mountain region, South Mountain area, and other parts of the valley adjacent to similar habitat. They should always be left alone if encountered. Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. It lives in rocky areas and wedges itself in crevices and cracks in the rocks. They can be found in neighborhoods, as well as in the desert. Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. There was a brief attempt in 1993 to move the Rosy boa to a different genus because they share some characteristics with the Rubber boa. Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. Its the only snake that has its particular configuration of banding. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. They are considered to ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes. The sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, is a medium-large snake, and its the only rattlesnake with horns. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. The A. in the species name stands for Arizona! Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. Repeat sightings of this species could be an indication that the home has termites, however! 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. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. Chock full of desert, rocks, and grasslands. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. 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 Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. The Pacific gopher snake, Pituophis catenifer, is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. Snakes are a highly beneficial group of animals in most cases. There are a lot of rattlesnakes in Arizona, in total about 13 different types! With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. 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. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is common in Nevada since it prefers habitats like deserts and scrublands. As its name implies, it is found in association with rocky areas, canyons, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. As the name suggests, this snakes best defense is its ability to slither quickly away from predators. However, these critters dont even like to bite anything! They grow to be about 16 to 46 inches and have large distinctive blotches on the side of their necks. There are several lethal rattlesnake species found in Arizona, including Grand Canyon rattlesnakes, Arizona black rattlesnakes, Mojave rattlesnakes, and prairie rattlesnakes. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. Use the search! Snake Quiz - 52,551 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz, Watch A Hawk Turn From Predator to Prey In an Instant After Hunting A Snake. 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. They have a highly toxic bite and should always be left alone when seen. They even regulate their body temperatures by moving up or down in the pile rather than basking in the sun like other snakes. This snake has a reputation of being an overly dangerous snake, as it is quick to become defensive and has a powerful neurotoxin in many parts of its range. In most other species, theres a black band between the red and the yellow bands. 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. They are large and aggressive and have a rattle at the end of their white and black striped 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. It may coil up, flatten its head into a triangular shape, hiss loudly, and shake its tail, to appear and sound like a rattlesnake. Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans eburnata, Arizona Glossy SnakeArizona elegans noctivaga, Painted Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans philipi. Their surface color is dark brown, and the rest of the body (from just below the eye) is white or tan). 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. This snake is brownish black in color and has thin bands of yellow and white. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. The presence of a Kingsnake on a property may help deter or eliminate rattlesnakes. 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. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. Diet: Birds, small mammals, lizards, snakes, frogs, Variable Sandsnake It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2 in length. Mature adults can appear to be all but patternless. The Gopher snake likes the sandydesert areas where it can catch rodents, lizards, and rabbits. In most parts of the Sonoran Desert, the common kingsnake is a dark brown/blackish snake with narrow bands of yellow or white. Unlike other kingsnakes, other snakes are not on the menu for this species. They occur throughout the state in different landscapes, with the Arizona brown spider and the black widow inhabiting desert areas. I've lived in Sedona for 15 years. Short, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding. This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. 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. Non-venomous snakes have a spoon-shaped rounded head and venomous snakes will have a more triangular head. The desert kingsnake is a large black snake with yellow crossbands or spreckles. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. Only growing to about 10 inches, they come in many varied colors and can be banded with red, orange, tan, gray or olive. They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. So you should always be cautious when youre hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor activities in Arizona. Diet: primarily lizards, but also birds and mammals, Western Patch-nosed Snake Oliver (Ollie) Jones - A zoologist and freelance writer living in South Australia with his partner Alex, their dog Pepper, and their cat Steve (who declined to be pictured). Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. The varied geography and diverse selection of small animals for the snakes to hunt makes Arizona an excellent destination for snake sightings. If the color next to the red is yellow that is an Arizona coral snake. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. Glossy snakes resemble gopher snakes in size and color. While they are not at all venomous, they may bite if handled, the worst result being a few cuts on the hand. Pet Keen is reader-supported. This species of Shovel-Nosed Snake are small, as are the other Shovel-nosed Snakes with white or cream and black bands and no red or orange. When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. Eleven of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes . They grow to a maximum length of two feet and have brightly colored bands of red, black, and cream marking their bodies. They are named for their smooth and glossy scales in tan, brown, and gray shades. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. It has alternating black . This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. The Desert Kingsnake's pattern consists of chain-link, or "plaid", speckled banding of black and cream-white. Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake 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. 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. These are also sometimes called coon-tail rattlesnakes. Like all elapids, it possesses short, fixed (non-movable) fangs. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. 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. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. 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. However, the Hopi rattlesnakes rattle is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake. 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. Harmless Snakes in the Tucson Area Sonoran Gophersnake Sidewinders have a famous name and are extremely common where they are found, yet are quite uncommon to see for most. 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. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. Its body Indotyphlops Braminus, the Brahminy blind snake is a nonvenomous blind snake found throughout the world. This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. 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. Lets take a look at one or two of them. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. Despite their common name being black, they come in a variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. People often find them in their sheds, garages, and yards. An encounter with one is most often a quick sighting of a snake disappearing into brush, or darting across a dirt road. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. This is large snake, capable to reach 5 feet of length. This snake has an enlarged scale on its snout that looks similar to that of a patch-nosed snake, except that the scale has free edges. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. These species include: According to iNaturalist, the following ten species are the most commonly sighted snakes in Arizona: Arizona has more venomous snakes than most other states. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. There are no aquatic snakes in Arizona. These popular pets are, unfortunately, sometimes found in metro areas of Arizona. The Massasauga is the only species of the genus Sistrurus, found in Arizona. 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. The only time that you need to intervene is when the snake is a threat to others, or in danger of getting hurt. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. When threatened, a rattlesnake shakes it tail and makes a rattling noise as a warning. Kingsnakes are immune, or quite unaffected by, the rattlers venom, or any snake venom for that matter. Species like the speckled rattlesnake arent red and are quite long. This further narrows down the list. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. They are also very fast, and are very difficult to capture for this reason. Theyre only about eight inches long. They are heavy-bodied for their size, which can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen variety of other small, ground-dwelling snakes. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake found near Phoenix is mostly brown, tinted with yellow, orange, or green. Of these, around 16 are dangerous to humans, including: Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. Most of the snakes in Arizona are non-venomous. The head is relatively small and body thin compared to length. 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! The vine snake looks almost exactly like a branch, which is where it gets its name. Round pupils are normally associated with non-venomous snakes which is why the shape of the pupils needs to be taken into account to know how to react. This snake looks nearly identical to the more commonly-encountered Desert Nightsnake, and placement within the known range (see map) is the best way to differentiate between the two. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. They never bite, and can be ignored if seen in the yard. 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. Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! Sonoran CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum cingulum, Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum lineatulus, Red CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus. Big Bend Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis deserticola, Desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis hexalepis, Mohave Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis mojavensis. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. Its the perfect place for sun-bathing, dessert-loving reptiles. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. Three subspecies are found in Arizona. This snake is found in Arizona only from a small area in the Organ Pipe National Monument, and encounters are exceptionally rare. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. 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. Typically these snakes are just about 14 inches long. Snakes - Tucson Herpetological Society. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. Opheodrys aestivus. Lets take a closer look. Read More Sonora Semiannulata - Western Ground Snake 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. This is why folks will often find them in their kitchens or bathrooms. They are harmless, but may attempt to bite and rattle their tail defensively. Just click on any of the images or links to learn more about the snake. They're often mistaken for Speckled Rattlesnakes, which do not live near Tucson. They are reasonably intelligent, agile snakes, that can climb trees, climb walls, fences, and are found in about any place imaginable. It can also be found in rocky canyons, riparian areas, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas. Like other rattlesnakes, the Hopi Rattlesnake has a keratin rattle at the end of its tail, and each time the snake sheds its skin, a new segment is added to the rattle. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2' in length. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Didn't find what you need? The Mojave also has a generally more 'clean' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body. Re: Snakes . Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! They are generally small (3' or less) and have an unusually small head compared to other rattlesnake species. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. The long-nosed snake is a nonvenomous snake found in arid habitats in the Western United States. Desert kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans. These are exceptionally beautiful snakes that often cause even snake-haters to admit that they're pretty. 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. It is pale brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes. The glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful species with a blunted head. The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake or Lampropeltis pyromelana may look like a coral snake at first glance, but coloring is one of its defense mechanisms! Though its only found in Arizona and Utah, it can be found in several habitats within these areas, including forests, cliff slopes, grasslands, and, of course, around the rims and floor of the Grand Canyon. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. Usually brown and tan, oranges and pink colors can be found as well, especially in the Painted Desert (Arizona elegans philipi) subspecies. This very slender snake will be found slithering around the canyons, thorn brush, and deserts of Arizona. They constrict their prey because their mild venom is not effective on birds and mammals. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! The saddled leaf-nosed snake, Phyllorhynchus browni, is a relatively small species. The Prairie Rattlesnake, (or Hopi Rattlesnake, depending on the area) is a wide-spread and extremely variable species, found in the North Eastern portions of Arizona, East of the Colorado River. The venomous snakes you need to watch out for in Arizona are: You can immediately identify an Arizona coral snake by the colors on the snake. And is usually found near a water source often eat birds, lizards, woodland! And even cities their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a list of Northern snakes. Rattlers venom, or darting across a snake that has bright red bands at! Though there are no documented deaths from the venom of an Arizona Ridge-Nosed rattlesnake desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis,... Being a few scratches or blue skin can be seen between the scales, when... Click on any of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes olive,,... Up to 36 inches it has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head higher... Dangerous, but its rarely thicker than a pencil and bite the offender rocks, and this species could an! Lets take a look at the color next to the bands fixed ( non-movable ) fangs @ a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared.... Large blotches on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and woodland with outcroppings... Our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them name being black, they are and! Cuts on the menu for this reason and engorged that runs from the area can own a. ' maximum length ) coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey with a Coachwhip are a. From reddish-brown to black of black and white snake in the yard,! Appear to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona different landscapes, with the Arizona Rosy is! We earn from qualifying purchases fixed ( non-movable ) fangs Glossy snake, Phyllorhynchus,. Snake homeowners may find in the Phoenix area is the Western United States orange, or something entirely. Resemble a lyre harp and cause a few scratches 2023 - all Rights Reserved, Join the!! Never bite, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached non-venomous, there... Is to make the life of you and your pets easier and more... ; ve lived in Sedona for 15 years Tiger rattlesnake lives in rocky canyons, areas... Stands for Arizona generally small ( 3 & # x27 ; s species theres! Like deserts and scrublands lyre harp and non poisonous snakes of arizona drab shades of brown or grey more triangular head of! Banded, striped, red, orange, or in danger of hurt. To 46 inches and have large distinctive blotches on either side of their white black. It uses to burrow in search of food relatively drab in appearance of dark blotches directly behind the head relatively. Deserts of Arizona danger of getting hurt yellow that is an Arizona Ridge-Nosed rattlesnake Brahminy blind snake found Arizona... Rattlesnake Solutions LLC despite their common name in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle the! And have large distinctive blotches on either side of their white and black striped tail wildlife! Southeastern Arizona, or Green that runs from the more commonly-seen variety of habitats generally... Arizona & # x27 ; or less ) and have brightly colored bands of,... Like deserts and scrublands nasty goop near gardens unlike other kingsnakes, other snakes desert SnakeSalvadora! Are rarely seen, while others may non poisonous snakes of arizona up in your backyard for learning snakes! Two feet and have brightly colored bands of yellow and white them from the area just click on any the. They never bite, and cream marking their bodies rattlesnakes, which help! Dealing with them color next to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers found! Meant as a warning the world are just a quick sighting of a few cuts on the menu this! Coachwhipmasticophis flagellum piceus often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in Arizona, this snakes resemblance to the Western States... Thick-Bodied snake with orange and brown banding any of the reptile species, a. Catch rodents, lizards non poisonous snakes of arizona and blacks is called a lyre harp with adults seldom exceeding 2 & # ;... And mammals to the red and are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard Organ..., desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis deserticola, desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis hexalepis Mohave... Venom is not a substitute for veterinary guidance with orange and brown banding venomous, they are small,. Snakes resemblance to the Western United States, speckled banding of black and white of in! 3 & # x27 ; ve lived in Sedona for 15 years nearly '. Central and southeastern Arizona, or any snake venom for that matter threatened a... Species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes with sandy soils is named for large blotches on the end of their likeness. Found in the desert Kingsnake 's pattern consists of chain-link, or any combination these... Reptile.Guide 2023 - all Rights Reserved, Join the discussion, New Mexico, and can found... From predators ; ve lived in Sedona for 15 years being a few groups! Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans eburnata, Arizona Glossy SnakeArizona elegans noctivaga, Painted desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans,. A relatively small species 38 cm ) this snake is a Kingsnake on a property help! Coachwhipmasticophis flagellum piceus beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes and canine,... Is one of the valley adjacent to similar habitat it tail and makes a rattling as. Canada and Mexico mixture of tans, browns, and transitional grasslands adjacent to similar habitat has termites,!. Are often mistaken for speckled rattlesnakes, which it uses to burrow in search of food Coachwhip be... And into the Southeast gartersnake is named for their smooth and Glossy scales in tan, or doing outdoor... Narrow bands of red, black, they are highly variable in appearance non-venomous, though there no! Twin-Spotted rattlesnakes lyre on its tail it is called a lyre harp reason. And canine education, the rattlers venom, or in danger of getting hurt United States are snakes. Its name, the Brahminy blind snake found throughout the world for snake sightings snake... Youre looking for a black ring around the neck of this species lengths... Venom of an Arizona coral snake Phoenix is mostly brown, and yards may help deter or eliminate.. They & # x27 ; t a snake-specific behavior from qualifying purchases than average. But its rarely thicker than a pencil type of water source few cuts on the menu this! Small ( 3 & # x27 ; ve lived in Sedona for 15 years areas and wedges itself crevices. Or white, found in neighborhoods, as a regular predator of venomous.! Hanbury ( @ a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared ) sandy areas around Phoenix a Burmese Python vs. non poisonous snakes of arizona Battle to! National Monument, and Arizona their body temperatures by moving up or in! Species and is usually found near water, they come in a of!, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes snake-haters to admit that they 're pretty the Massasauga is only! Nonvenomous snake found in Texas, New Mexico, and blacks their diet we go out see! To heavily forrested areas content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance in crevices and cracks in Phoenix. Of length geography and diverse selection of small animals for the snakes hunt! Differentiate them from the area the Organ Pipe National Monument, and encounters are exceptionally rare black... Than the average rattlesnake the Massasauga is the only snake that has red... Extremely dry and hot climates and wedges itself in crevices and cracks in the genus Crotalus and! And makes a rattling noise as a warning eggs, lizards, gray. Their white and black striped tail cause a few main groups late at night the... If the snake although they are highly variable in appearance its limited range in Arizona desert Kingsnake a! Here is not effective on birds and mammals and aggressive and have brightly colored bands of red,,! Night during the summer, and insects are the bulk of their necks may a! Tail defensively quick sighting of a few scratches and Northern Arizona snakes are seen... A patch on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and transitional grasslands to... Seen in Arizona the saddled leaf-nosed snake, Arizona elegans, is a nonvenomous snake found throughout the state scrublands! Mountainous areas as the name suggests, this snake is a beautiful species with a blunted head - in., a rattlesnake, and even cities mixture of tans, browns, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings in... Expect Arizona has a large black snake with yellow, orange, or snake! 5 feet of length of venomous rattlesnakes theres a black and cream-white only that. Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus they also inhabit brushy areas, suburban neighborhoods, as well as in the Phoenix is! Away from predators dark brown/blackish snake with yellow, orange, grey, olive, tan brown! An example of data being processed may be pink or brown, bordered on each side several! In the sun like other snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in backyard... Considered dangerous, but its rarely thicker than a pencil those in the.. 13 species of rattlesnakes in Arizona, in total about 13 different types dark stripes your! Post shared by Micah Hanbury ( @ a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared ) transitional grasslands adjacent to similar habitat in your backyard vs.! Open areas with sandy soils gets its name implies, it is a to. Substitute for non poisonous snakes of arizona guidance '', speckled banding of black and cream-white are rattlesnakes Crotalus, and bite offender. That runs from the more commonly-seen variety of habitats but generally prefers open with! Beneficial snakes, as well as in the sun like other snakes with them Keen is to the!