non poisonous snakes of arizona
Sonoran GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer deserticola. The western terrestrial garter snake is a harmless snake species that can be found throughout the Western United States. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4500 and 9,000, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. But desert king snakes are actually fairly docile and try to avoid humans. Both venomous and non-venomous. The majority of poisonous snake bites in the U.S. each year are at the fangs of a rattlesnake. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. 81,141 posts. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. Many experts consider the Mojave rattlesnake to be the most toxic snake species in the US. Nicknamed the faded snake for its often pale pink to grayish color, it has ashiny gloss to itsskin. They are tiny (like a stir straw), and usually shiny or "wet" in appearance, though they are not slimy, and the color of dark coffee.Similar to our native threadsnakes, they are completely harmless and can be ignored, or put outside if found indoors. 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! 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. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. Diet: Rodents, baby rabbits, birds, lizards, Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) The color and pattern of long-nosed snakes vary considerably, but they are usually banded or blotched with red, black, and white. The nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake can essentially swim through the sand. Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. This small, harmless snake is one of the most rarely-seen species that lives along the highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson. The speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus pyrrhus, is light gray, and may even be white. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. (Sonora semiannulata) A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. They are often misidentifed as Mojave Green rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. They are harmless, but may attempt to bite and rattle their tail defensively. 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. Snakes are a common creature both in the real world and in folklore. (Leptotyphlops humilis) Total length: 20 - 60 in (51 - 152 cm) In Arizona, these snakes are usually black. Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. Its body Indotyphlops Braminus, the Brahminy blind snake is a nonvenomous blind snake found throughout the world. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. Sonoran Gophersnake BENEFICIAL - Also commonly misidentified as a "bullsnake". Multiple types of narrow or wide bands can be seen on snakes. It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. People often find them in their sheds, garages, and yards. Diet: Ants (including larvae and pupae), termites, and occasionally beetle larvae, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail Total length: 8 - 34 in (20.3 - 8.7 cm) Until recently, scientists considered the desert king snake to be a subspecies of Lampropeltis getula, like the California king snake or the eastern king snake. The A. in the species name stands for Arizona! As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. 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. That is a good thing. Similar in appearance to the Sonoran Whipsnake, this snake's white or cream-colored stripes are wider and more apparent, with a lateral "zipper" look going down the body. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. This small and elusive rattlesnake just barely makes it across the northern Arizona border. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. The Speckled Rattlesnakes is highly variable in color, from a white/grey in the South Mountain and White Tanks areas, brown in North Phoenix, and orange and red going North into Cave Creek and the Anthem areas. Diet: Frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, lizards, Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. This behavior, as well as the snakes physical characteristics, often cause the lyre snake to be mistaken for a rattlesnake and killed. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Diet: Lizards, snakes, small mammals, frogs, Sonoran Whipsnake Gopher snakes are all over Arizona. The Kingsnakes head shape is slightly different, with a more rounded appearance. They are a cream or tan color with, unlike the similar Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake, a series of dark brown, incomplete bands along the body that are relatively few. Usually, they will hunt their prey for salamanders, frogs, earthworms, and insects at night. Keep scrolling to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. Total length: 24 - 67 in (61 - 170 cm) This species . They will eat anything they can catch, and often spend the day searching for frogs and toads and rodents along waterways. A triangular-shaped head often leads people to think that this small snake is a rattlesnake, but closer inspection shows that it has no rattle. Being that they are not timid around populated areas, they are a great natural solution to the rattlesnake problem. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake found near Phoenix is mostly brown, tinted with yellow, orange, or green. One of the few recorded bites, which included both a subject knowledgeable in the study of snakes and photographic evidence of the snake, resulted in just swelling and discomfort; when treated with standard antivenin doses, the subject recovered in just three days. These snakes commonly reside in rocky canyons and foothills in a desert environment. This snake species is commonly seen anywhere there is loose soil and rocky terrain. The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. 7 years ago. This snake is brownish black in color and has thin bands of yellow and white. Rough green snakes can be found throughout the Southeastern United States. During these first weeks of life, they often find their way into homes. (Phyllorhynchus browni) The Tiger Rattlesnake has an unusually potent venom and should always be left alone if encountered. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. They're slender, medium-sized snakes that get up to around 3' long. Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) The Gopher snake is one of the most commonly seen in Arizona. It gets its name from its resemblance to the whip used by stagecoach drivers. Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. Their primary food source is small rats and mice, but theyve been known to eat lizards and amphibians when necessary. While they have been observed consuming rodents and amphibians, scientists note that this is rare because they prefer to eat lizards. Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. They're small, usually only around a foot long. Alaska has no snake species. 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 are one of two species of Boa found in the state, the Three-Lined Boa (formerly considered a subspecies of Rosy Boa) are secretive snakes found in mountains of western Arizona. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. In the U.S., it is found in only a handful of mountain ranges in the sky islands region of Southeast Arizona at elevations above 4,000. Some Arizona snakes are rarely seen, while others may show up in your backyard! Arizona is a genus of snakes in the family Colubridae. Throughout Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, A long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band. This further narrows down the list. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. 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. 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. Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Snakes Quiz 4 Amazing Facts They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. Head shape. It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. Species. The habitat you find them in can help identify them. 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. Due to this snake's small size, generally 15-18 inches, its fangs are very short and penetrate human skin with difficulty. A large adult diamondback in our area would be in the 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. Kennicott, 1859. Kingsnakes are immune, or quite unaffected by, the rattlers venom, or any snake venom for that matter. Their range may be exapanding in the state due to irrigation and agricultural activity. Sonoran CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum cingulum, Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum lineatulus, Red CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. How common are rattlesnake bites in Arizona? More than 1/3 of the world's rattlesnake species are believed to live in the state. Opheodrys aestivus. They are quick to flee, but will almost certainly bite if handled. Arizona is known for its hot sun and arid conditions. They eat fish, tadpoles and frogs, and a variety of invertebrates, and are easily seen as they hunt in grass at the waters' edge. When threatened, a gopher snake will . Most of Arizona, excluding a band that runs from the Northeast, through central Arizona, and into the Southeast. While isolated populations continue to exist, numbers are in decline and eventual extirpation is likely. These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They constrict their prey because their mild venom is not effective on birds and mammals. 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. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, reptile eggs, nestling birds, small animals, Nightsnake (Hypsiglena torquata) 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. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. These snakes live in the desert southwest regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Having a triangular head, people will often mistake it for a rattlesnake. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. They are often found as babies during August and September, having found their way into garages and homes. Their primary diet is rodents and mice, which they kill by constricting, which is why they have such heavy heavy bodies. Copyright 2022, Rattlesnake Solutions LLC. Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. Diet: centipedes, sand-burrowing cockroaches, ant pupae and other insects, Western Groundsnake 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! It will usually grow to be 22 to 27 inches long but can be as long as 3 feet. If youre interested in other identification guides, have a look at: You can also check out our other articles on snakes we have vital guides that you can learn from! As its name implies, this snake has a black cap on top of its head with a cream colored collar. Family Boidae. 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. They are the smallest species of the former Western Rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult size of under 2 feet. This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. Diet: Birds, small mammals, lizards, snakes, frogs, Variable Sandsnake Non-venomous snakes have a spoon-shaped rounded head and venomous snakes will have a more triangular head. Snakes by US State Snake Image Gallery Snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy About Contact. You may also find Arizona coral snakes and western coral snakes. Groundsnakes are completely harmless, never bite, and cannot hurt a person of any age or any size of pet. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. Total length: 7 - 11 in (17.8 - 28 cm) Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. They have countersunk lower jaws and long snouts, indicating a preference for burrowing. 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. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. Patterns vary but most have base colors of black, brown, or tan. Diet: Small mammals, birds, bird and reptile eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, carrion, Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) When threatened, the Gopher snake will coil its tail, shake,hiss, and then head butt any predator. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. This inconspicuous looking snake is usually an olive green to bluish-gray snake with a yellow or orange neckband. How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos). Since water sources in Arizona can be hard to find you will often find black-necked snakes gathered near ponds, streams, or lakes. So much, that it will often be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and yards. Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. Tucson If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. The head is relatively small and body thin compared to length. An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. Rosy boas make excellent pets because of their small size and docile nature. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. They have a knack for crawling through pipes and small cracks. Its the only snake that has its particular configuration of banding. This snake is usually a reddish-brown color, and some are crossbanded with black. It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. Lampropeltini. However, these critters dont even like to bite anything! Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. The Gila Monster is one of the most iconic animals of the Sonoran desert. In Stone Canyon, captured snakes averaged 19.6 grams (0.04 lbs). 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. This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. 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 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. Alone, none of the identifying characteristics can give you an answer. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. Also, not all snakes use it. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. As the name suggests, this snakes best defense is its ability to slither quickly away from predators. Diet: Lizards, small snakes, frogs, salamanders, small mice, Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) There are several lethal rattlesnake species found in Arizona, including Grand Canyon rattlesnakes, Arizona black rattlesnakes, Mojave rattlesnakes, and prairie rattlesnakes. This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. Diet: Snakes, lizards, small turtles, reptile eggs, frogs, birds, bird eggs and small mammals, Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. They also consume about any type of rodent, lizard, or bird that will fit in their mouth, also reducing rattlesnake encounters by simply being competition. They are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage. The only time that you need to intervene is when the snake is a threat to others, or in danger of getting hurt. Arizona has more rattlesnake species than several of the other states combined. Being strong burrowers, the Glossy snake will choose areas with sandy soil where they can dig and take shelter from the heat of the day. The gopher snakes are harmless terrestrial hunters. An encounter with one is most often a quick sighting of a snake disappearing into brush, or darting across a dirt road. Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. Eleven of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes . It prefers loose, damp soils and spends so much time underground that its eyes have become vestigial (unneeded) and located under the head scales! 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. 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. Their coloring is usually yellow to pale brown. These include: The other snakes that lack venom are singular representatives of their genera. It prefers areas with sandy soils. Unlike vine snakes, lyre snakes are terrestrial. These are also sometimes called coon-tail rattlesnakes. Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. 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