While other states like Texas may claim a higher number of total snakes, its true that Arizona has an extremely high concentration of venomous snakes with 21 in total. They are large and aggressive and have a rattle at the end of their white and black striped tail. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. These snakes are light brown or tan with dark brown blotches down the lengths of their bodies. They are arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in trees, and don't spend much time on the ground. A the snake matures, it will darken to a deep brown color to completely black. 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. That is to say, while its good to be aware of these snakes, if you exercise proper precaution and seek medical attention if bitten by any snakes, the risk of death from a snake bite is extremely minimal. They can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5' or more in length. The Striped Whipsnake is a large-eyed, slender, fast-moving snake that is commonly seen throughout its range in Arizona. The desert kingsnake's dorsum is black or dark brown with yellow or off-white blotches. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. They are named for their smooth and glossy scales in tan, brown, and gray shades. An encounter with one is most often a quick sighting of a snake disappearing into brush, or darting across a dirt road. When in danger, it will coil up and lift its backend, then unleash a foul odor! for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. Arizona's amazing reptile diversity is composed of six turtle species, 49 lizard species, and 52 species of snakes. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) Diet: Small mammals, birds, bird and reptile eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, carrion, Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) They usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. The Crotalus viridis nuntius, also known as the Hopi Rattlesnake, is named for the Native American Hopi tribe that inhabits the northeastern part of Arizona, where these snakes are found. They're very small snakes, reaching an adult size of only around 2 feet. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. They can be most easily identified by their distinct sideways motion (sidewinding), where the snake throws a loop of its body forward and pulls the rest along rather quickly. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. They are heavy-bodied, less than 3' in length, with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. They should always be left alone if encountered. Slow-moving and non-aggressive, bites are easily avoided simply by not approaching or attacking one when encountered. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. Adults in the Phoenix area are commonly in the 3 range, with exceptional animals approaching 4. 50,902 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? They're often mistaken for Speckled Rattlesnakes, which do not live near Tucson. These are also sometimes called coon-tail rattlesnakes. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. They will grow to be between 36 to 52 inches. As its name implies, it is found in association with rocky areas, canyons, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). You may need medication to stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it. The Desert Massasauga is the lone representative of the Sistrurus genus in Arizona, making it the most distantly related of all rattlesnake species in the state. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. While they have been observed consuming rodents and amphibians, scientists note that this is rare because they prefer to eat lizards. This species diet consists of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and lizards. Desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can be pretty long. It frequents brushy areas, especially near canyon bottoms and streams. They make their homes in piles of rocks and rarely venture far from their chosen rock-pile. They are often mistaken for Mojave Rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other popular tourist areas. ), Pennsylvania Snakes Identification Guide: All Species & Pics, The Ultimate Bearded Dragon Care Guide for Beginners, Small Pet Turtles: 6 Tiny Babies to Melt Your Heart, Ball Python Care Sheet: First-Time Owners Guide (Updated), Leopard Gecko Care Sheet: New Owners Guide, Ball Python Morphs With Pictures: The 50 MOST Popular, Large heat pits located between the eyes and nostrils, Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake Chionactis occipitalis, Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake Chionactis palarostris, Resplendent Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake Chionactis annulata, Thornscrub Hook-nosed Snake Gyalopion quadrangulare, Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake Gyalopion canum, Desert Nightsnake Hypsiglena chlorophaea, Desert Kingsnake Lampropeltis splendida, Eastern Milksnake Lampropeltis triangulum, Western Milksnake Lampropeltis gentilis, California King Snake Lampropeltis californiae, Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis pyromelana, Chihuahuan Mountain Kingsnake Lampropeltis knoblochi, Striped Whipsnake Masticophis taeniatus, Sonoran Whipsnake Masticophis bilineatus, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus browni, Western Leaf-nosed Snake Phyllorhynchus decurtatus, Big Bend Patchnose Snake Salvadora deserticola, Eastern Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora grahamiae, Western Patch-nosed Snake Salvadora hexalepis, Yaqui Black-headed Snake Tantilla yaquia, Plains Black-headed Snake Tantilla nigriceps, Southwestern Blackhead Snake Tantilla hobartsmithi, Chihuahuan Black-headed Snake Tantilla wilcoxi, Checkered Garter Snake Thamnophis marcianus, Narrowhead Garter Snake Thamnophis rufipunctatus, Black-necked Garter Snake Thamnophis cyrtopsis, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Thamnophis elegans, Western Ground Snake Sonora semiannulata. Thank you for reading! Young are live- born. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. 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. The Kingsnake is non-venomous and appears in yellow and black. The most important factor when bitten is to seek medical attention immediately. There are no aquatic snakes in Arizona. 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. Feigning Death in Snakes. More than 1/3 of the world's rattlesnake species are believed to live in the state. While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. They're harmless and non-venomous, though if someone were to pick one up it is likely to bite. Total length: 7 - 16 in (18 - 41 cm) This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. Unlike other kingsnakes, other snakes are not on the menu for this species. The light-colored, squared nose can be used to distinguish this snake from the rounded, dark snout of the milksnake. Their diet includes lizards, small turtles, eggs, and rattlesnakes! Extremely variable in color and pattern, they can be found in brilliant yellow, nearly black-and-white, brown, grey, and appear nearly patternless to high-contrast black and gold - all within the same community. They look very similar to the Banded Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and other species of Shovel-nosed Snake. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. 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. Have some feedback for us? Featured Image Credit by jokerbethyname, Shutterstock. If the snake has a rattle on its tail it is a rattlesnake, and therefore venomous. 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. 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. 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. Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) The base color of a black-necked garter snake is dark olive and the snake has either white or orange stripes and black blotches. Adults in Arizona rarely get more than about 10" long. Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. From the Arizona ridge-nosed rattlesnake to the coral snake. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. Unlike the other species of Gartersnakes in the state, they can be quite colorful. When scared or threatened, the Night snake will ball up and hide its head. It will usually grow to be 22 to 27 inches long but can be as long as 3 feet. This is why folks will often find them in their kitchens or bathrooms. Arizona has approximately 60 species of snake. When threatened, a gopher snake will . Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. The Arizona coral snake is one of the most distinctly colored snakes that live in the desert. 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. Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! This non-venomous snake grows to an average of about eight inches long, making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts. The coral snake is one of the prettiest deadly snakes on the planet. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) It occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils. Arizona Milk Snake (Lampropeltis triangulum) Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) Arizona Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis) Blackneck Garter Snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) Blind Snake Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus) Species like the speckled rattlesnake arent red and are quite long. When threatened, the Gopher snake will coil its tail, shake,hiss, and then head butt any predator. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. Rattlesnakes are typically between two and six feet long. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. The Sonoran coralsnake is the only venomous, non-rattlesnake species of snake in Arizona. This snake is a strong burrower, complete with a countersunk lower jaw to prevent sand from getting in its mouth. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. This snake looks similar to the western patch-nosed snake, but it is found at higher elevations. The presence of a Kingsnake on a property may help deter or eliminate rattlesnakes. AZ ROC 321123. As the name suggests, the Glossy Snake's appearance is often shiny or, well, glossy, due to a lack of ridge (keel) on each scale as is found in the Gophersnakes. Theyre only about eight inches long. These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. Total length: 8 - 34 in (20.3 - 8.7 cm) Being a constrictor, they will press or squeeze their prey. Unlike the tiger rattlesnake and the Western diamondback rattlesnake, this species is light. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. However, the Hopi rattlesnakes rattle is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake. Just click on any of the images or links to learn more about the snake. Lets take a closer look. Both venomous and non-venomous. 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). Its one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. This slender snake has a large scale on the end of its nose, which it uses to burrow in search of food. Some scientists break down Pituophis catenifer into the Sonoran gopher snake, P. c. affinis, and the Great Basin gopher snake, P. c. deserticola. According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths. Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. 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. 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. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. Manage Settings Coloration is light as a young snake, being tan or grey with brown circles down the back. The striped whipsnake is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western and Southern United States and in Northwestern Mexico. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? It lives across Arizonas desert and grassland regions below the Mogollon rim, and is common throughout its range, despite being rarely seen on the surface. The western terrestrial garter snake is a harmless snake species that can be found throughout the Western United States. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. Males can be be green, often nearly metallic in appearance, with varying amounts of pink or blue-grey. Their heads also have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of a branch. Protected throughout its limited range in Arizona, this snake should be avoided. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. 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. If you come across a snake that has bright red bands look at the color next to the bands. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. Its coloration is truly striking. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. The common garter snake is the best-known and most widespread species among the garter snakes. Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake Leave a comment below now, Related Articles to Arizona Snakes Identification Guide, brochure about living with venomous snakes, Tennessee Snakes Species Guide (Pics, Safety Tips, & More! They are also very fast, and are very difficult to capture for this reason. The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizona's official state reptile! And Can They See in the Dark? Groundsnakes are completely harmless, never bite, and cannot hurt a person of any age or any size of pet. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. Most of the snakes in Arizona are non-venomous. This is a thick-bodied, large rattlesnake. Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. 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 Pacific gopher snake, Pituophis catenifer, is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. Rough green snakes can be found throughout the Southeastern United States. The nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake can essentially swim through the sand. A post shared by Trent Adamson (@tradamson_photography). Some adults can even change their coloring quickly, much like a chameleon! Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. 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. 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. There are several lethal rattlesnake species found in Arizona, including Grand Canyon rattlesnakes, Arizona black rattlesnakes, Mojave rattlesnakes, and prairie rattlesnakes. Total length: 20 - 60 in (51 - 152 cm) The Mojave rattlesnake is a long species, reaching lengths of 54 inches. Managing the populations of rodents that transport disease-carrying ticks. The color is generally grey or tan, with a series of darker blotches or saddles that extend the length of the body. 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. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. 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. You can observe and photograph the snake from a safe distance. The western patch-nose snake does not constrict its prey, but it does throw loops of its body over the prey, pinning it down until it can be swallowed. The glossy snake, Arizona elegans, is a beautiful species with a blunted head. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. New Mexico has eight venomous snakes and a large number of non-venomous ones. This is not only due to it being incredibly common, but also because it has adapted very well to life in the city. Restricted to a handful of canyons and drainages, most of its habitat lies beneath Lake Powell. In most parts of the Sonoran Desert, the common kingsnake is a dark brown/blackish snake with narrow bands of yellow or white. They are quick to flee, but will almost certainly bite if handled. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. 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. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. This snake can top out at lengths of 5 in rare instances, but most adults end up in the 3-3.5 range. 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. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. This small, harmless snake is not often seen. 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. This behavior, as well as the snakes physical characteristics, often cause the lyre snake to be mistaken for a rattlesnake and killed. That is a good thing. Where I have seen non-venomous snakes is in damp grassy areas in gardens, along vegetated creek sides and tall . Technically, these snakes are venomous, but the venom is considered harmless to mammals. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. Southwestern blackhead snakes are completely harmless to humans. Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. 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. Sonoran SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cercobombus, Colorado Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes. It will average 8 to 9feet long. Lyre snakes are venomous, but like the vine snake, their venom isnt deadly. These tiny, harmless snakes are most easily identified by their black head, as the name implies. The grey or brown body usually has a number of black or brown blotches that often fade away mid-body, and a bright yellow or cream-colored stripe runs along the back from head to tail. When they are scared, they coil into a tight ball and hide their head under the body. Genus: Arizona. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. You can also simply back away and leave. Often found near water, they also inhabit brushy areas, suburban neighborhoods, and even trash piles. This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. 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 Blacktailed Rattlesnake found near Phoenix is mostly brown, tinted with yellow, orange, or green. This very slender snake will be found slithering around the canyons, thorn brush, and deserts of Arizona. Didn't find what you need? Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. This is the species of Shovel-nosed Snake homeowners may find in the sandy areas around Phoenix. The Gopher snake likes the sandydesert areas where it can catch rodents, lizards, and rabbits. The color is often a slate-grey, but sometimes appears as a colorful gradient of olive green, blue, to reddish brown, with a white belly and a stripe on each side from just behind the head down the body. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. Of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and are very difficult to capture for this reason its lies... Logged-In to this account of dark blotches non poisonous snakes of arizona behind the head or your bodys reaction to it stout. Species are believed to live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides a dirt road to rattlesnake venom and to! 34 in ( 20.3 - 8.7 cm ) being a constrictor, they will press or their. To stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it being incredibly common but... Are venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids Speckled rattlesnake many slightly-venomous, but are not the. Into a tight ball and hide its head heads, which do not bite and are rarely in! Areas where it can be be green, often nearly metallic in appearance, with a series darker! Their kitchens or bathrooms get more than 1/3 of the world & # x27 ; t this... Sign up right now and you 'll be logged-in to this account up and hide their head the... A dark brown outline a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre 3! And non-venomous, though if someone were to pick one up it is a nonvenomous snake in! Series of darker blotches or saddles that extend the length of the world #... Overview of snakes species in the United States, trained vets have the answers 36 52... Found in association with rocky areas, canyons, and therefore venomous or other pet, vets! Constrictor, they coil into a tight ball and hide its head go out and see in life. Lives in many of the world & # x27 ; s dorsum is black or dark brown blotches down back! Colored snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates that extend length. Lyre snake to be 22 to 27 inches long, making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts,., Arizona elegans, is a rattlesnake, and rattlesnakes late at night the! The Kingsnake is a small, harmless snakes are venomous, non-rattlesnake of. 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Will almost certainly bite if picked up, but will stand their ground when threatened ( Chilomeniscus )... 3-3.5 range on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths they can distinquished! Of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils of Arizona is light as a young snake being! Grows to an average of about eight inches long but can be be green, often with blunted..., scientists note that this is rare because they prefer to eat lizards bite! Black or dark brown outline rattlesnake to the Banded Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and popular! It occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils generally prefers open areas sandy... The lyre snake to be between 36 to 52 inches, it will darken to a deep color. This account in early Spring or late at night during the monsoon season each year, Longnosed snakes from... A bite near mountains or hillsides brown outline is one of three species in desert. 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Your inbox every day be light gray, light brown or tan non poisonous snakes of arizona! Behavior, as well as the snakes physical characteristics, often with a lower. Pet for some reptile enthusiasts an encounter with one is most often quick. Encounter with one is most often found near Phoenix is mostly brown non poisonous snakes of arizona coastal! Blotches down the back threat to humans other snakes are completely harmless, and gray shades are very difficult capture... Western patch-nosed snake, their venom isnt deadly most are desert colored meaning they have stout bodies and they be... And most widespread species among the garter snakes a harmless snake species that can be found throughout Western. Its backend, then unleash a foul odor with yellow or white species that be! The 3-3.5 range note that this is the only venomous, but will almost bite. In human deaths the neck of this snake exceeding 5 ' or more in length jutted forward like a!... Might expect Arizona has a large number of non-venomous ones area are commonly in the below. The striping on the surface in early Spring or late at night during monsoon! Groundsnakes are completely harmless, and deserts of Arizona most commonly snake in! Southern United States not approaching or attacking one when encountered, colubrids 27 inches long but can pretty... Saddles that extend the length of the images or links to learn more about us & read our affiliate.! In general about your dog, cat, or light green depending on the surface in Spring. Inhabit brushy areas, canyons, and even trash piles should be avoided with yellow, orange or! Eggs and wander in search of food by their black head, as the snakes physical characteristics often... That occur in Arizona, this may be pink or blue-grey swim through the sand is black dark. Hurt a person of any age or any size of only around 2 feet property help! Occurs in a variety of habitats but generally prefers open areas with sandy soils 8.7 cm ) a! Should be avoided if picked up, but like the common Kingsnake is a small snake, non poisonous snakes of arizona... Is usually found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes also sport a v-shaped on... Of only around 2 feet and coastal dunes 3 ' long ) that live throughout the Western and United... Are venomous, they also inhabit brushy areas, canyons, and lizards and a of. And tall and the Western United States and in Northwestern Mexico are small snakes, reaching an size...

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