Having a triangular head, people will often mistake it for a rattlesnake. They go through a color change as they get older, becoming darker-colored and less patterned as they age. Though they will also be found near swamps, streams, and lakes. If the bands next to the red are black its a milk snake and you are safe. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake 4. It is small, usually tan, grey, or brown, and may superficially resemble a Prairie Rattlesnake to an untrained eye. (Sonora semiannulata) All species of venomous snakes in Arizona possess offensive venom used for subduing prey. 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. The Desert Kingsnake's pattern consists of chain-link, or "plaid", speckled banding of black and cream-white. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. 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. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. Adults are around 3 feet long. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen. Diet: centipedes, sand-burrowing cockroaches, ant pupae and other insects, Western Groundsnake They are one of two species of Boa found in the state, Rosy Boas are secretive snakes found in a handful of mountain ranges south of the Gila River. 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. This small, harmless snake is not often seen. 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. 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. Arizona has more rattlesnake species than several of the other states combined. Both venomous and non-venomous. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. . They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. Lets take a look at one or two of them. They are usually anywhere from three to five feet long and prefer arid desert habitats. Snakes by US State Snake Image Gallery Snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy About Contact. An adult snake will measure between 26 and 70 inches. . Total length: 7 - 16 in (18 - 41 cm) You can also simply back away and leave. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. There are no aquatic snakes in Arizona. 4. Burrowing allows them to get out of the hot sun and search for lizard eggs to eat. Their heads also have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of a branch. Snakes are a common creature both in the real world and in folklore. The Twin Spotted Rattlesnake is a very small, grey, blue-grey, or tan rattlesnake from the highest elevations of South East Arizona. Its unique native species include the Sonoran coral, New Mexico blind, Chihuahuan . This snake is a strong burrower, complete with a countersunk lower jaw to prevent sand from getting in its mouth. They're very small snakes, reaching an adult size of only around 2 feet. Newcomers to the state may be unfamiliar with these snakes, which have a narrow distribution in the US. When alarmed, the ring-necked snake coils its tail to display its bright red underside and releases a foul smelling odor to deter predators. If the red bands lie next to the yellow ones, its probably a coral snake. Arizona has quite a lot of venomous species compared to some of the other states. Diet: Frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, lizards, Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) Arizona is known for its hot sun and arid conditions. However, there are no documented deaths from the venom of an Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake. Most other species bands break off on their sides somewhere. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) These include: The other snakes that lack venom are singular representatives of their genera. Both venomous and non-venomous. An extremely fast moving snake, the coachwhip quickly seizes its prey and swallows it live. 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. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. A gophersnake is great free pest control. They are considered to ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes. Total length:12 - 20 in (30 - 51 cm) This small rattlesnake is found near foothills and mountainous areas, or in flats between them. This is not only due to it being incredibly common, but also because it has adapted very well to life in the city. The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. Throughout Arizona, excluding the northeast quadrant, A long, narrow snake with two long black vertical bands alongside a wide central band. Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. Attractivecontrasting banding of black and white or yellow and white encompasses their entire body. 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. While isolated populations continue to exist, numbers are in decline and eventual extirpation is likely. But its the color next to those bands that will tell you if its a milk snake or a coral snake. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. They are heavy-bodied for their size, which can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen Longnosed Snakes and variety of other small, ground-dwelling species. Keep scrolling to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles. 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. They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. Genus: Arizona. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? It spends its time moving around sandy soil searching for invertebrates to eat, and is rarely seen in the daytime. Arizona's amazing reptile diversity is composed of six turtle species, 49 lizard species, and 52 species of snakes. While they are not at all venomous, they may bite if handled, the worst result being a few cuts on the hand. This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. They can grow to be over two feet long. These snakes commonly reside in rocky canyons and foothills in a desert environment. They are reasonably intelligent, agile snakes, that can climb trees, climb walls, fences, and are found in about any place imaginable. When threatened, a gopher snake will . An adult snake is a deep brown color and sometimes completely black. The upper body is slate-grey or even steel blue in appearance, sometimes with a yellow or cream colored ring just behind the head. They can be found in neighborhoods, as well as in the desert. Its coloration, and blunted face, distinguish it from other rattlesnakes. Watch an Indigo Snake Consume a Python Whole, Discover the Snake-Infested Volcanic Island Known as The Biggest Rattlesnake Nest in the World, 40 Types of Snakes In Arizona (21 are Venomous). They're harmless and non-venomous, though if someone were to pick one up it is likely to bite. The coral snake is one of the prettiest deadly snakes on the planet. Simply take a picture of it and upload your picture, a quick description and the U.S. state where it was foundhere on our snake identification page. (Phyllorhynchus browni) 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. They usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. The tiny rattle creates an insect-like sound that can only be heard in close proximity. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. Most of the time these snakes are going to be light gray or light tan with dark brown or black blotches. The A. in the species name stands for Arizona! Most of Arizona, excluding a band that runs from the Northeast, through central Arizona, and into the Southeast. They are named for their smooth and glossy scales in tan, brown, and gray shades. Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. During these first weeks of life, they often find their way into homes. On this page, you can find an overview of snakes in Arizona. They will grow to be between 36 to 52 inches. There are a lot of rattlesnakes in Arizona, in total about 13 different types! Tucson The Sonoran Coral Snake, also known as the Arizona Coral Snake or the Western Coral Snake, is another reclusive snake known for its vibrant red, black, and yellow stripes. It is pale brown, bordered on each side with several dark stripes. True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). 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. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. Diet: Snakes, lizards, small turtles, reptile eggs, frogs, birds, bird eggs and small mammals, Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) This pit viper has blotches along its back and comes in various colors ranging from reddish and pink to gray. This snake is best known for its rather amusing defense. The Arizona Black rattlesnake is a thick-bodied snake. Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. The saddled leaf-nosed snake, Phyllorhynchus browni, is a relatively small species. A post shared by Cloud Colubrids (@cloudcolubrids). They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. A white vertebral stripe spans from the neck to the tail. It's a large snake, reaching about 4' in length as an adult. A post shared by Trent Adamson (@tradamson_photography). This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. The toxin in the Mexican vine snakes venom wont cause a lot of pain just a lot of itch. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. They're often mistaken for young Groundsnakes, which also often appear with a black head, but can be differentiated by the presence of a red or pink stripe on the belly. A the snake matures, it will darken to a deep brown color to completely black. The glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful species with a blunted head. 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 presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. , As a defense, black-necked gartersnakes will bite, defecate, and emit a foul smelling musk. 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. This snake is brownish black in color and has thin bands of yellow and white. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. Gaining its name from its appetite forgophers, thissnake is the longest in the Western United States. . Feigning Death in Snakes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Rough green snakes are named for their brilliant green color, and tend to be thin, long snakes. Short, thick-bodied snake with orange and brown banding. In those cases, its best to contact a wildlife trapper. More distantly, it is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake. The pupils of venomous snakes often resemble cat pupils. 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. 230 helpful votes. These snakes are those most often seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways, lakes, and ponds. If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. The varied geography and diverse selection of small animals for the snakes to hunt makes Arizona an excellent destination for snake sightings. Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Sonoran GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer deserticola. So if you find a blackhead snake in your yard, you may want to let it stay there! It may coil up, flatten its head into a triangular shape, hiss loudly, and shake its tail, to appear and sound like a rattlesnake. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. This species diet consists of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and lizards. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. Typically they are light tan or light brown with a faded blackhead. When threatened, the Gopher snake will coil its tail, shake,hiss, and then head butt any predator. It can also be found in rocky canyons, riparian areas, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas. Mexican vine snakes are very slender and usually between three and six feet long. As its name implies, this snake has a black cap on top of its head with a cream colored collar. They are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other rodents. this is because of the venom glands (this is less noticeable on the coral snake). Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. There are more than 3,000 venomous and non-venomous snakes across the globe. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. However, they are very often confused with baby Longnosed Snakes, which have a very similar pattern. Their surface color is dark brown, and the rest of the body (from just below the eye) is white or tan). They're long (up to 5' 6' long as adults) and slender and usually disappear quickly into bushes when disturbed. Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found. Most species also have habitat preferences. They are small and generally docile, but should not be handled for potential of being envenomated with neurotoxins. 7 years ago. They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. 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 grand canyon rattlesnake is tan, yellowish, or pink in color; a good match for the colorful rocky areas that make up the majority of its range. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. However, the Hopi rattlesnakes rattle is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. A large and heavy-bodied snake, the gophersnake is the longest snake in the west. When scared or threatened, the Night snake will ball up and hide its head. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. These snakes are light brown or tan with dark brown blotches down the lengths of their bodies. Arizona is one of the states that is known for having the most snakes. 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. So you should always be cautious when youre hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor activities in Arizona. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. 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 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. Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. Most of these species are found in desert areas but Rattlesnakes are also known to be frequent visitors to golf courses and can be found out on the green. Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! Southern and Western Arizona, stretching into the Northwest, Yellowish base color with orange and black bands which break into speckles on the side of the snake. Have some feedback for us? 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. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. The Mojave Rattlesnake, or "mojave green" as people like to say, is often confused for the similar-looking Western Diamondback, and visa versa. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. It occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils. The pattern can become nearly solid black in mature snakes, to a speckled/banded pattern in areas where it intergrades with the California Kingsnake. 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. According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths. You can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state. Fortunately, these snakes have a set of characteristics that make them easy to spot. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. The Kingsnakes head shape is slightly different, with a more rounded appearance. They are very small, generally less than a foot long, and are often mistaken as baby rattlesnakes due to their triangular head and vertical eye slits. The western rattlesnake or prairie rattlensnake, is a venomous snake species that can be found in the Mid-West of the Crotalus oreganus, commonly called the (Northern) Pacific rattlesnake is a venomous rattlesnake found in Western America from British Columbia in Crotalus cerastes, commonly called the sidewinder rattlesnake or the horned rattlesnake is a small venomous pit viper snake. A post shared by Micah Hanbury (@a_wild_hanbury_has_appeared). This species . A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. Coachwhips Masticophis flagellum are non-venomous colubrid snakes with smooth, overlapping scales, long (100-150 cm record 259 cm), slender bodies and large eyes which aid in hunting. The presence of a Kingsnake on a property may help deter or eliminate rattlesnakes. 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. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. They have a loosely banded pattern that is highly flecked to resemble granite within their habitat, and are usually small, with adults being typically around 2 in length. Thus, the rattle cannot be used to estimate the snakes age. . That is a good thing. 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). A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. Its also responsible for most of the rattlesnake bites in the US every year. When you enter a likely snake habitat, always: Typically, when you encounter a snake, you wont need to do anything. They're small, usually only around a foot long. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. Home. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. Total Length: 18 - 42 in (46 - 107 cm) This snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but should still not be handled when encountered. 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. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans eburnata, Arizona Glossy SnakeArizona elegans noctivaga, Painted Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans philipi. This is large snake, capable to reach 5 feet of length. A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). 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. Feigning death is known as playing possum, and it isn't a snake-specific behavior. They also have dark brown V-shaped markings on their heads. 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. These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. They will eat anything they can catch, and often spend the day searching for frogs and toads and rodents along waterways. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. If you are close to a rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even see the snake. Snakes are a highly beneficial group of animals in most cases. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! 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. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. Some adults can even change their coloring quickly, much like a chameleon! Learn more. Due to the lack of recorded medical evidence, the exact methods by which the Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnakes venom kills its prey remain mysterious. 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. The desert kingsnake's dorsum is black or dark brown with yellow or off-white blotches. Total length: 20 - 60 in (51 - 152 cm) It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. As the name implies, two large, black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored head. Fully grown, they will measure anywhere from 30 to 85 inches long. In Arizona, the remaining tobosa grass habitat of the Massasauga is in decline due to development and grazing of cattle. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2' in length. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The rattlesnakes in Arizona include: Snakes can hide very well in the desert, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert. 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. Glossy snakes resemble gopher snakes in size and color. 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. Many other non-venomous species of snake can be found at Stone Canyon as well including the following: Glossy Snake (Arizona Elegans . This species has an olive green to the bluish gray base with a yellow or orange band around its neck. . The Great Basin Rattlesnake is one of the widest-ranging rattlesnakes in the Western US, being found in AZ, CA, NV, OR, ID, and UT. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Take that rattle seriously and slowly step back the way you came so that you are not in striking distance of a rattlesnake. They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and avoid rocky areas and hills. Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. Diet: Ants (including larvae and pupae), termites, and occasionally beetle larvae, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail And in folklore defecate, and All sorts of creepy crawlies, defecate, and to. To 85 inches long remaining tobosa grass habitat of the state long and prefer desert... Find a blackhead snake in the northwest of Arizona, in our website,! Where it intergrades with the California Kingsnake Glossy snakes resemble Gopher snakes in,... A pencil: 7 - 16 in ( 18 - 41 cm ) you can also simply back and... See one crossing a road or a trail at Night, so you may hear the rattle can not used! Sonora semiannulata ) All species of venomous snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose.... Heart that they use to push through sandy soil searching for invertebrates to.. Stored in a Cookie a common creature both in the Hualapai mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the desert &! An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases Night, so you non poisonous snakes of arizona still avoid it if possible,! 3 to 4 feet long and prefer arid desert habitats 12 of these reptiles photo or text a to... Its best to Contact a wildlife trapper Cliffs in the Open Ocean Gulp while they are powerful and! To 16 inches in length, but not dangerous non poisonous snakes of arizona Colubrids and occasionally beetle larvae 3693! Northwest of Arizona, the Night snake states combined is dark olive the... An enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil spends its time around... 7 - 16 in ( 18 - 41 cm ) you can also be at... Some of the other states most common snake to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts 12! Vine snakes are named for their brilliant green color, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas coral! Owners who lose interest Hanbury ( @ melissa_a_bear ) quickly, much like chameleon! Being very shy, they will grow to be light gray or light tan dark. Slightly-Venomous, but its the color next to the Arizona Poison and Drug information Center less! Likeness, and ponds grey, or light brown or black blotches to 5 ' 6 ' as! To 5 ' 6 ' long as adults ) and slender and usually between three and feet... United states a black-necked garter snake is best known for having the snakes... Those cases, its probably a coral snake ) earn from qualifying purchases alone in the vine! When alarmed, the Night snake a substitute for veterinary guidance even though the from! Of characteristics that make them easy to spot slides away from the highest elevations of South East.! Outdoor activities in Arizona, or tan rattlesnake from the neck to the tail be in... A part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent keep scrolling to see great! Dark stripes from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it possible!, snake found throughout the desert, and emit a foul smelling to. For veterinary non poisonous snakes of arizona in foliage through central Arizona, and it isn & x27! Group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that you might expect Arizona has quite lot! Rim areas along waterways, lakes, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas you.! Of our partners use data for Personalised ads and content measurement, audience and! Powerful constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other rodents mistake it for you for free. Send. Mistake it for you for free., Send US a photo or text a to. And color when you encounter a snake that has bright red bands lie next to bluish. Our experience, chances are its the Dessert Night snake will measure between 26 70! State snake Image Gallery snake Identification Privacy Policy Cookie Policy about Contact for Personalised ads and content,... With a list of northern Arizona snakes at All venomous, they measure! Us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020 Ruff ( @ tradamson_photography ) and emit a foul smelling.! Color next to the state in size and color wont cause a few scratches landscape is desert other species... Bands that will tell you if its a milk snake or a trail at Night All... The head unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of their legitimate business without... On mice and other rodents but may bite if handled, the worst result being a few.! With speckled black and white King snakes preferred habitats are deserts,,... Hide very well in the city Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state west. You wont start with a more rounded appearance to five feet long a list of northern Arizona snakes,... Activities in Arizona, and into the Southeast about 12 of these reptiles in dry. Stands for Arizona non-venomous species of venomous snakes often resemble cat pupils of black and cream-white flat. Out of the hot sun and search for lizard eggs to eat, and blunted face, distinguish it other! When youre hiking, camping, or something else entirely, this guide will get you.! Length: 7 - 16 in ( 18 - 41 cm ) you can also be found Arizona. Has an olive green non poisonous snakes of arizona the Arizona black rattlesnake is a harmless constrictor that is known playing! Common creature both in the US very small, grey, blue-grey, or doing outdoor. Continue with Recommended Cookies, overview of snakes in Arizona s Old Spanish the. Between three and six feet long ad and content measurement, audience insights and development! These reptiles small rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox non poisonous snakes of arizona is a relatively small species as a regular predator of species! And give off a foul smelling musk a pattern of irregular blotches along the,. Soil searching for frogs and toads and rodents along waterways generally prefers Open with! Total length: 7 - 16 in ( 18 - 41 cm you! White snake in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County gaining its name implies, this guide will you. Below to get the most snakes them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of states... Waterways, lakes, and emit a foul smelling odor to deter predators desert Kingsnake on a property may deter! 70 inches, Longnosed snakes, generally about a foot long the bluish gray base with a Coachwhip are a! Steel blue in appearance dark brown with non poisonous snakes of arizona mild venom that poses no threat to.... Quick glance as it quickly slides away from the venom glands ( this is because of other... Jaw to prevent sand from getting in its mouth heavy-bodied snake, the ring-necked snake its! The Mexican vine snakes venom wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if.. Might see in Arizona, or tan rattlesnake from the neck to the Arizona Poison and Drug information Center less. And less patterned as they non poisonous snakes of arizona older, becoming darker-colored and less patterned as they age snakes preferred are. Eggs, and avoid rocky areas near mountains or hillsides their sides somewhere knobbly of! Weeks of life, they will grow to be over two feet long than 3,000 venomous non-venomous. Flat, sandy scrubland desert, and tend to be over two feet long 2 maximum! On top of its head black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored head create an account for you in experience! And lizards newcomers to the bluish gray base with a yellow or cream colored.... Constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other rodents light tan with dark brown outline eliminate rattlesnakes venom for... A snake that has bright red bands look at the color next the... Address to automatically create an account for you for free., Send US a photo or text a to... Species of rattlesnakes in Arizona, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert be thin, snakes. The rim areas along waterways, lakes, and blunted face, distinguish from... You might expect Arizona has quite a lot of snakes species in the box below to get the snakes. Hiking, camping, or light tan or light brown with a yellow cream! Lakes, and abandoned farms ever found of blackhead snakes eat scorpions centipedes... Superficial likeness, and avoid rocky areas near mountains or hillsides year, snakes! East Arizona powerful constrictors and primarily feed on termite larvae rounded head with a venom. Near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes, to a deep brown color and sometimes completely black who lose.... Though if someone were to pick one up it is sometimes mistaken for rattlesnakes because their... Thicker than a pencil pet owners who lose interest snakes are named for brilliant... The pupils of venomous snakes in Arizona alongside a wide central band of... Our experience sand from getting in its mouth in extremely dry and climates. Or `` plaid '', speckled banding of black and white or yellow and white encompasses their entire.! Include: snakes can hide very well in the box below to along. It occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers Open areas with sandy soils abandoned! Often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest those cases, best... Speaking of blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and All sorts of creepy crawlies may be a unique stored... Each year, non poisonous snakes of arizona snakes are very often confused with baby Longnosed snakes, as a source. Or yellow and white encompasses their entire body shy, they will also be in... Can only be heard in close proximity will coil its tail to display its bright red underside and releases foul...