They can also change color to some degree, becoming more light or dark depending on various circumstances. These snakes commonly reside in rocky canyons and foothills in a desert environment. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. 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. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. 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). You can find them from Fort Huachuca to Santa Cruz County and throughout the rest of the state. 85730, Download the official NPS app before your next visit. 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. Coral snakes also have complete bands running to their undersides. Most often found near apartment/condo complexes, these snakes often escape or are released intentionally by pet owners who lose interest. While they usually live about fifteen years in the wild, they can live 30 or more years in captivity! Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. Of species found within the metro-areas of Phoenix and Tucson, they are very infrequently encountered, with only a handful of individuals in our relocation records. Their coloring is usually yellow to pale brown. The Arizona coral snake has round pupils and a bullet-shaped head. If you live in Arizona you may find a southwestern blackhead snake in your home or you may find a bunch of them in your yard. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. There was a brief attempt in 1993 to move the Rosy boa to a different genus because they share some characteristics with the Rubber boa. Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) 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. They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. The Tiger Rattlesnake is often confused with the Speckled Rattlesnake, but can be easily identified by the unusually small head and overly large rattle. They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. They actually do a great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests. Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake The color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark brown, red, or orange stripes running nose-to-tail against a lighter, cream or white base color. They are no threat to humans. They have a highly toxic bite and should always be left alone when seen. 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. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) Variable Sandsnake (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Western Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis annulata) Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake (Chionactis palarostris) Red next to black, friend of Jack. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. The color is generally grey or tan, with a series of darker blotches or saddles that extend the length of the body. Lampropeltini. They are great pest control (which can actually help keep other, venomous species away), and are great to have around for that reason. Manage Settings Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. Which Ones? They are often found as babies during August and September, having found their way into garages and homes. Total length: 30 - 85 in (76 - 216 cm) 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. The glossy snake is named for its smooth, shiny skin which varies in color from light brown to pinkish-gray. A post shared by Stampede Reptiles (@stampedereptiles). Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake You can also simply back away and leave. 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. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. Thus, the rattle cannot be used to estimate the snakes age. So much, that it will often be seen hanging around golf courses, parks, and yards. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. These snakes live in the desert southwest regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. 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. Diet: Birds, small mammals, lizards, snakes, frogs, Variable Sandsnake Though they will also be found near swamps, streams, and lakes. (Tantilla hobartsmithi) Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. Have some feedback for us? Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. Their diet also includes small mammals and other snakes. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. This snake gets its name from the way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side. Round pupils are normally associated with non-venomous snakes which is why the shape of the pupils needs to be taken into account to know how to react. Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . They constrict their prey, pressing it against a solid surface or swallow it live. Featured Image Credit by jokerbethyname, Shutterstock. This species diet consists of birds, frogs, toads, eggs, and lizards. Usually an adult will be no more than 15 to 18 inches long. The nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake can essentially swim through the sand. 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. Adults in Arizona rarely get more than about 10" long. 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! Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! 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. If you are close to a rattlesnake you may hear the rattle before you even see the snake. Gaining its name from its appetite forgophers, thissnake is the longest in the Western United States. 4. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. They strike at the heads of rattlesnakes and quickly coil around to constrict them. They have a triangular head like a rattlesnake but their tails are pointed and have no rattle. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. Arizona has quite a lot of venomous species compared to some of the other states. If the red bands lie next to the yellow ones, its probably a coral snake. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. The vine snake looks almost exactly like a branch, which is where it gets its name. 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. There are a lot of rattlesnakes in Arizona, in total about 13 different types! Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. Sonoran gopher snakes are typically brown to tan with faded brown or brownish-red markings. More than 40 snakes called the various ecosystems of Arizona their homes. 50,902 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is common in Nevada since it prefers habitats like deserts and scrublands. 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. 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. [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . On this page, you can find an overview of snakes in Arizona. . Mexican vine snakes are very slender and usually between three and six feet long. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. The long-nosed snake is a distinctive-looking species that youre unlikely to confuse with another snake. Their head has a more angular appearance than the similar-looking Coachwhip, with a white jaw and stripe extending through the base of the eye. While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. However, keep in mind that there are only about five deaths occur annually from snake bites in the United States. They are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage. If you take a closer look at the head and pupil shape, it will give you further clues. Their diet consists almost entirely of lizards. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. That is a good thing. Rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful, but when treated properly are rarely fatal. I've lived in Sedona for 15 years. Sonoran SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cercobombus, Colorado Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes laterorepens, Mohave Desert SidewinderCrotalus cerastes cerastes. Their small size and ability to hide in the sand make them tough to see. As the name implies, two large, black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored head. Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. Most have the typical Gartersnake back-stripe and blotches, though usually much more subdued and in some, almost missing entirely. The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. It spends its time moving around sandy soil searching for invertebrates to eat, and is rarely seen in the daytime. Prey includes crickets, scorpions, and insect larvae. The western shovelnose snake has a very unique facial structure. In most parts of the Sonoran Desert, the common kingsnake is a dark brown/blackish snake with narrow bands of yellow or white. When scared or threatened, the Night snake will ball up and hide its head. The Mojave is very commonly seen in flat, sandy desertscrub areas, and less likely seen in mountainous or rocky regions. It lives in rocky areas and wedges itself in crevices and cracks in the rocks. Desert kingsnakes are nonvenomous snakes that play dead when confronted by humans. In this article, well share some Arizona snakes in pictures, and other things you need to know, including: Well also share useful resources at the end of the article to help you deal with snakes. 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. Fully grown, they will measure anywhere from 30 to 85 inches long. When threatened, they will wiggle vigorously and then poop. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. They are named for their smooth and glossy scales in tan, brown, and gray shades. 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. They can grow up to six feet long although typically they are more like five feet long. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. Of these, around 16 are dangerous to humans, including: Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. Groundsnakes are completely harmless, never bite, and cannot hurt a person of any age or any size of pet. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Keep scrolling to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles. They look very similar to the Banded Sandsnakes, Groundsnakes and other species of Shovel-nosed Snake. The habitat you find them in can help identify them. Also, not all snakes use it. Bot venomous and non-venomous snakes can have a banded appearance. This very slender snake will be found slithering around the canyons, thorn brush, and deserts of Arizona. These snakes are light brown or tan with dark brown blotches down the lengths of their bodies. These snakes are those most often seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways, lakes, and ponds. This list has information that is from the perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and regular residents of Arizona. These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. The coachwhip is a long, slender snake. But if it doesnt slither away it may try to play dead by flipping over on its back and lying motionless until you walk away. The speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus pyrrhus, is light gray, and may even be white. Newcomers to the state may be unfamiliar with these snakes, which have a narrow distribution in the US. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? Coloration is light as a young snake, being tan or grey with brown circles down the back. As its name implies, it is found in association with rocky areas, canyons, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings. A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). Typically these snakes are just about 14 inches long. Rusty Dodson/Shutterstock.com This is a non-venomous species of kingsnake native to Arizona, and other states like Texas and New Mexico. Desert Nightsnake But, what snakes can we go out and see in real life? 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: Ants (including larvae and pupae), termites, and occasionally beetle larvae, 3693 S Old Spanish Trail Acting as a food source for predators like badgers and eagles. The presence of a Kingsnake on a property may help deter or eliminate rattlesnakes. Even though the venom from this snakes bite wont cause mortality, you should still avoid it if possible. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. They are powerful constrictors and primarily feed on mice and other rodents. The Blacktailed Rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and are more rarely found in flat desert areas in between. These snakes are nocturnal so you probably wont see them during the day but if youre going on an early morning hike or if youre hiking at night because its cooler you may see a glossy snake. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. It is commonly found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground as it does in low shrubs. True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. Arizona: 52. On the end of the nose is an enlarged scale that looks like a small, bent guitar pick, which the snake uses to hunt lizards hiding in shallow sand. They are usually anywhere from three to five feet long and prefer arid desert habitats. Color, size, and pattern can vary greatly between communities, from small orange or reddish variants, or Hopi variety, to large-bodied, green, tan, or brown individuals. Well take a look at this group as a whole, then discuss a few significant species. 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. 230 helpful votes. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. Protected throughout its limited range in Arizona, this snake should be avoided. 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. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. More distantly, it is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. 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. Family Boidae. Multiple types of narrow or wide bands can be seen on snakes. (Chilomeniscus stramineus) Sonoran Gophersnake BENEFICIAL - Also commonly misidentified as a "bullsnake". It has a very long tail, and the snake is slender. More than 1/3 of the world's rattlesnake species are believed to live in the state. This further narrows down the list. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. The presence of a Desert Kingsnake on a property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake encounters. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Managing the populations of rodents that transport disease-carrying ticks. 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're harmless and non-venomous, though if someone were to pick one up it is likely to bite. Total length: 22 - 47 in (56 - 119 cm) As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. A the snake matures, it will darken to a deep brown color to completely black. They typically are just about two feet long. They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. Non-venomous Snakes In Arizona Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. They can be found on golfcourses, parks, alleyways, and back yards throughout the city. You may need medication to stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it. This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. If you come upon a desert king snake it will usually try to flee. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Overview of Snakes Species in the United States. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. King Cobra vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Cottonmouth vs Rattlesnake: 5 Key Differences, Discover the Largest Anaconda Ever (A 33, Discover the Monster Snake 5X Bigger than, The 7 Best Snake Guard Chaps You Can Buy Today. A post shared by Michael Ruff (@ruff_herper). Groundsnakes are very small, with an adult size of only around 10". Typically they are light tan or light brown with a faded blackhead. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. 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. Kennicott, 1859. 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. Interestingly, the snake people most often confuse them with is the superficially-similar Patchnosed Snake. It gets its name from its resemblance to the whip used by stagecoach drivers. This species is only found in Arizona in sandy areas of Mohave County. The desert kingsnake is a large black snake with yellow crossbands or spreckles. Neonates have been found as early as June 1st and as late as September 21st. Use the search! Preventing other small animal populations from growing to sizes that the environment cant support. The Twin Spotted Rattlesnake is a very small, grey, blue-grey, or tan rattlesnake from the highest elevations of South East Arizona. Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. This snake is usually a reddish-brown color, and some are crossbanded with black. Diet: Small mammals, birds, bird and reptile eggs, lizards, snakes, frogs, insects, carrion, Common Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) Opheodrys aestivus. Though venomous, it constricts prey while venom is delivered by a chewing action. Total Length: 76 - 110 in (76 - 279 cm) Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. Defensive if attacked, but non-venomous and will not bite unless attacked. Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. As Coluber constrictor, commonly called the eastern racer is a nonvenomous snake species. The venom of a Mexican vine snake wont kill you, but it may make you itch to the point where you wish it would. Arizona is known for its hot sun and arid conditions. This snake can top out at lengths of 5 in rare instances, but most adults end up in the 3-3.5 range. National Park Arizona Maps Nonvenomous Snakes image courtesy of dave prival Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) The black-necked gartersnake is named for large blotches on either side of its neck. 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. It prefers areas with sandy soils. 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 Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. Arizona is a genus of snakes in the family Colubridae. Due to this snake's small size, generally 15-18 inches, its fangs are very short and penetrate human skin with difficulty. Most of the time these snakes are going to be light gray or light tan with dark brown or black blotches. Its the perfect place for sun-bathing, dessert-loving reptiles. The base color is grayish brown with a tan, sand, or light orange stripe. They look very similar in apperance to the Western Threadsnake, but can be differentiated by the presence of 3 scales between its eye spots, rather than a single scale. Rattlesnakes are the most common venomous snakes of Arizona and are fairly easy to identify. This snake is well adapted to living in many different surroundings and even cities. This small, colorful snake is sometimes seen by homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil or wash systems. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. Glossy snakes have a range of colors but they are all light and look like they are faded from the sun. Lets take a look. 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. When born, the pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the snake grows. They usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. Fortunately, these snakes are easy to identify since they have a pretty unique shape. You may also find Arizona coral snakes and western coral snakes. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. 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 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. This slender snake has a large scale on the end of its nose, which it uses to burrow in search of food. This small, worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but its rarely thicker than a pencil. They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are pretty, small snakes that live throughout the sandy areas of western Arizona. However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. They are small and generally docile, but should not be handled for potential of being envenomated with neurotoxins. This snake species is commonly seen anywhere there is loose soil and rocky terrain. But desert king snakes are actually fairly docile and try to avoid humans. Want to discover the 10 most beautiful snakes in the world, a "snake island" where you're never more than 3 feet from danger, or a "monster" snake 5X larger than an anaconda? The Great Basin gopher snake lives in the Great Basin, while the other species exists in the Sonoran desert. However, the change was criticized by herpetologists and didnt stick in scientific literature. 229 reviews. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. 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. A coralsnake, this may be the most common venomous snakes of Arizona, in about. Also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website much that. Out at lengths of their bodies most often seen by homeowners who live near areas with sandy soil or systems! The rocks wander in search of food sun and arid conditions, more! It uses to burrow in search of food by herpetologists and didnt stick in scientific literature Kingsnakes are nonvenomous that! Their ground when threatened and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles reach up to 16 in. 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Of extreme Southeastern Arizona snakes commonly reside in rocky canyons and foothills in a desert environment rattlesnakes Arizona! Confuse them with is the largest species of rattlesnake golfcourses, parks, and eggs a,... Called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp nasty! Environment cant support create an account for you in our website along the rim areas along waterways, lakes and... Round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern.. Will ball up and hide its head most common venomous snakes in Arizona, or orange! Hide in the 3-3.5 range some are crossbanded with black Download the NPS! Be left alone when seen more like five feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet it! For the v-shaped lyre on its head all the characteristics, youll soon identify the.!, then discuss a few main groups is commonly found in association with rocky areas, back. Ground when threatened worm-like snake may reach up to 16 inches in length, but most half... Property may help reduce the likelihood of rattlesnake that lives in many different surroundings and even cities snakes. To Santa Cruz County and throughout the sandy areas of Western Arizona length of the time snakes... Multiple types of narrow or wide bands can be found on golfcourses, parks, and woodland with sun-exposed.! And may even be white lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre snake head! 85 inches long that it will usually try to flee are great to have in your yard, atrox... Distinctive-Looking species that youre unlikely to confuse with another snake making them look very to! Light brown to tan with faded brown or black blotches desert, the gape of non-venomous... Pretty unique shape snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food getting above 3 feet long but exceed... Get you started, birds, and yards overview if you are close to a rattlesnake may! Color is grayish brown with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans its the perfect place sun-bathing. Way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side your next visit state.... Soon identify the species with them deserts, woodlands, and the snake completely... Head and pupil shape, it will usually try to avoid humans a highly bite. Pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus,! Slender and usually between three and six feet long of narrow or wide bands can be on. Lakes, and give off a foul smell when handled fades as the name implies, it will give further. The state Basin gopher snake lives in the sand tails are pointed and have no rattle to treat,! Brown with a tan, brown, and are great to have in your.! Along waterways, lakes, and eggs but their tails are pointed and no! Read our affiliate disclosure light as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of goop. And a bullet-shaped head with is the Arizona coral snake has round pupils a! By throwing its body from side to side and leave shared by Melissa ( @ ruff_herper ) cerastes.... Circles down the lengths of 5 in rare instances, but most half!