You can also simply back away and leave. Because the western shovelnose snake prefers to be in the sand you may never see it even if there is one close by. Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. Mature adults can appear to be all but patternless. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. If you come upon a desert king snake it will usually try to flee. A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. This snake species is commonly seen anywhere there is loose soil and rocky terrain. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. They grow to a maximum length of two feet and have brightly colored bands of red, black, and cream marking their bodies. Reptile.Guide 2023 - All Rights Reserved, Join the discussion! 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. Though they will also be found near swamps, streams, and lakes. Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, a black "hood" or collar is present. Arkansas Venomous snakes in Arkansas: One of the 3 protected montane rattlesnakes from the Sky Islands region of Arizona, it can be found in talus rock slides, forests, and grasslands between 6,000 and 11,000 feet, and is therefore infrequently encountered by people who are not specicially trying to see one. It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. This snake can deliver a large amount of highly toxic venom and should be left alone if encountered. 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. These relatively common snakes are often found near irrigation and agricultural areas around Phoenix and Tucson, and along grassy waterways throughout much of the southeastern part of the state. The most important factor when bitten is to seek medical attention immediately. They should always be left alone if encountered. This snake is a strong burrower, complete with a countersunk lower jaw to prevent sand from getting in its mouth. They usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. Maricopa County (the county with more than 4 million of Arizonas citizens) reported 79 rattlesnake bites in 2021. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. 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. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) Their coloring is olive-grey with brownish-tan blotches. A thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes. The Gila Monster is one of the most iconic animals of the Sonoran desert. This small and elusive rattlesnake just barely makes it across the northern Arizona border. Unlike other large-bodied rattlesnakes in the area, they have a solid black tail area just before the rattle, as opposed to rings or stripes. Total length:12 - 20 in (30 - 51 cm) This small, harmless snake is not often seen. These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. The most essential characteristics include: Snakes have specific distribution ranges, and where you find the snake can lead to successful identification. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. 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. But when in doubt back up and walk away. The rattlesnakes in Arizona include: Snakes can hide very well in the desert, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert. Its coloration is truly striking. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) Night Snake Hypsiglena torquata Non-Venomous This small snake can be found on roads at night and is identified by the dark blotches on the neck and a single row of dorsal blotches. The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! It's face is relatively long and shovel-shaped. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. Some adults can even change their coloring quickly, much like a chameleon! Sonoran CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum cingulum, Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum lineatulus, Red CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus. Repeat sightings of this species could be an indication that the home has termites, however! Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. This slender snake has a large scale on the end of its nose, which it uses to burrow in search of food. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Its vital to tread carefully in snake habitat. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. Total length: 8 - 18 in (20 - 46 cm) Restricted to a handful of canyons and drainages, most of its habitat lies beneath Lake Powell. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Black-necked Gartersnake The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. Total length: 20 - 60 in (51 - 152 cm) [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . These are typically small snakes, with adults in the Phoenix and Tucson areas usually in the 12-18" range but elsewhere in Arizona they can reach sizes up to almost 3' long. Having a triangular head, people will often mistake it for a rattlesnake. Scientific name: Lampropeltus californiae. Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. It is found in areas of mixed desert scrub and uses its snout to burrow in search of lizards and their eggs. An adult snake can grow to be 20 to 60 inches. They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. 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. Arizona is a genus of snakes in the family Colubridae. Opheodrys aestivus. Adults in Arizona rarely get more than about 10" long. However, there are no documented deaths from the venom of an Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake. 229 reviews. You can observe and photograph the snake from a safe distance. Diet: Ants (including larvae and pupae), termites, and occasionally beetle larvae, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail These can go all around their bodies or may be interrupted ventrally. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. This snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but should still not be handled when encountered. 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. Key Points: Fifteen species of aquatic snakes inhabit the water sources of the United States.The only venomous, semi-aquatic snake in the U.S. is the cottonmouth, also called the water moccasin . 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. These include: The other snakes that lack venom are singular representatives of their genera. Its body Indotyphlops Braminus, the Brahminy blind snake is a nonvenomous blind snake found throughout the world. Like all elapids, it possesses short, fixed (non-movable) fangs. (Tantilla hobartsmithi) They never bite, and can be ignored if seen in the yard. Use the search! The saddled leaf-nosed snake, Phyllorhynchus browni, is a relatively small species. It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. 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! Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. 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. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake The toxin in the Mexican vine snakes venom wont cause a lot of pain just a lot of itch. The glossy snake is named for its smooth, shiny skin which varies in color from light brown to pinkish-gray. The Arizona coral snake has round pupils and a bullet-shaped head. Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. They are commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. They will grow to be between 36 to 52 inches. Their primary diet is rodents and mice, which they kill by constricting, which is why they have such heavy heavy bodies. Alaska has no snake species. Blind Rena humilis, the western blind snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. Home. Total length: 7 - 11 in (17.8 - 28 cm) Landscape is desert wary of that snake and back off slowly ' )! County ( the County with more than 15 to 18 inches long in sandy soil a vertical... Which varies in color from light brown to pinkish-gray it possesses short, fixed ( non-movable ) fangs heads! Than about 10 '' long colored bands of red, black, rodents. They kill by constricting, which is why they have such heavy heavy bodies read... 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