non poisonous snakes of arizona

The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Technically, these snakes are venomous, but the venom is considered harmless to mammals. Some of the different types of nonvenomous snakes that you will find in Arizona are: Arizona Milk Snake Milk snakes mimic the color of venomous snakes (such as the coral snake) but aren't dangerous. Family Boidae. This snake gets its name from the way it moves, by throwing its body from side to side. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. 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. . From the massive, gentle Sonoran Gopher Snake to the tiny, deadly Sonoran Coral Snake, theres no shortage of stunning serpents out there for you to learn about! They are large and aggressive and have a rattle at the end of their white and black striped tail. First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5. Rattlesnake bites are painful and can be deadly. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. A large adult diamondback in our area would be in the 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller. Kingsnakes are medium-sized, harmless snakes. It is called a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre harp. These snakes also sport a v-shaped marking on their heads, which supposedly resembles a lyre. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, is a medium-large snake, and its the only rattlesnake with horns. for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. . 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. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. Total length: 20 - 46 in (51 - 117 cm) They even regulate their body temperatures by moving up or down in the pile rather than basking in the sun like other snakes. Then sign up right now and you'll start receiving our daily newsletter absolutely free. This snake has a reputation of being an overly dangerous snake, as it is quick to become defensive and has a powerful neurotoxin in many parts of its range. 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. The base color is grayish brown with a tan, sand, or light orange stripe. . Be extremely wary of that snake and back off slowly. The presence of a Kingsnake on a property may help deter or eliminate rattlesnakes. Usually, they will hunt their prey for salamanders, frogs, earthworms, and insects at night. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. Instead, the snakes mostly prey on spiders and insects. During these first weeks of life, they often find their way into homes. The Gopher snake is one of the most commonly seen in Arizona. Due to this snake's small size, generally 15-18 inches, its fangs are very short and penetrate human skin with difficulty. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. 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 long and slender in comparison with, as the name suggests, a flat, slightly up-turned nose that is used to move through sand. Lets say that the snake you find is bright red and short. The species contains eleven subspecies that can be Crotalus Atrox Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Micruroides Euryxanthus Arizona Coral Snake, Crotalus Cerastes Sidewinder Rattlesnake, Sonora Semiannulata Western Ground Snake, Masticophis Taeniatus Striped Whipsnake, Lampropeltis Splendida Desert Kingsnake, Lampropeltis Californiae California Kingsnake, Indotyphlops Braminus Brahminy Blind Snake, Pituophis Catenifer Pacific Gopher Snake, Thamnophis Elegans Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Thamnophis Sirtalis Common Garter Snake. 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). When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Fully grown, they are less than a foot long. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Fortunately, these snakes are easy to identify since they have a pretty unique shape. Harmless Snakes in the Tucson Area Sonoran Gophersnake 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. All remaining vials expired in 2008. When attacked or handled, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to deter predation. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. This small, harmless snake is one of the most rarely-seen species that lives along the highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson. Scientific name: Lampropeltus californiae. Reptile Guide is also a Chewy affiliate partner. Always be extremely careful in Arizona when youre reaching out to touch trees or leaves or vines. They have a highly toxic bite and should always be left alone when seen. They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. Of Arizona's species, 13 are rattlesnake species. Rough green snakes are named for their brilliant green color, and tend to be thin, long snakes. They are completely harmless, and feed on termite larvae. The long-nosed snake is a distinctive-looking species that youre unlikely to confuse with another snake. This is why folks will often find them in their kitchens or bathrooms. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. Unlike other kingsnakes, other snakes are not on the menu for this species. Typically these snakes are just about 14 inches long. Attractivecontrasting banding of black and white or yellow and white encompasses their entire body. The stripes have a slight saw-tooth look to them, unlike the straight stripes of the Eastern Patch-Nosed Snake. How common are rattlesnake bites in Arizona? They have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive. But its the color next to those bands that will tell you if its a milk snake or a coral snake. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. They are a cream, pink, or tan color with irregularly-shaped blotches along the back, from head to tail, in a much higher frequency than the few saddles appearing on the Saddled Leaf-Nosed Snake. Most of the venomous snakes in Arizona are rattlesnakes. This non-venomous snake grows to an average of about eight inches long, making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts. Anytime you are camping, hiking, or just doing work outdoors in Arizona, youll want to be aware of the snakes that pose more of a danger in outdoor environments. They usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, a black "hood" or collar is present. They are generally considered as beneficial snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, since they regularly prey on rattlesnakes. Its one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. Total length: 24 - 67 in (61 - 170 cm) We hope youve enjoyed this article about Arizona snakes. If there is a non-venomous snake in Arizona homes,chances are its the Dessert Night snake. When scared or threatened, the Night snake will ball up and hide its head. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. Feigning Death in Snakes. A thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes. They are masters of disguise and easily conceal themselves in foliage. Arizona is one of the states that is known for having the most snakes. This snake can deliver a large amount of highly toxic venom and should be left alone if encountered. The base color can be brown, grey, or olive, and most visible as a dorsal stripe nearly as wide as the snake's head. This tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens. They have countersunk lower jaws and long snouts, indicating a preference for burrowing. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. AZ ROC 321123. They are great pest control (which can actually help keep other, venomous species away), and are great to have around for that reason. Alaska has no snake species. Despite their common name being black, they come in a variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black. It has a pale, brown dorsal stripe bordered by one dark stripe. Tan, yellow, or orange in color, with dark brown blotches, between 1.5' and 5'in length. Non venomous [ edit] Arizona Milk Snake Arizona mountain kingsnake Arizona Patch-nosed Snake Blackneck Garter Snake Blind snake Checkered Garter Snake Coachwhip snake (Red Racer) Common Kingsnake Desert Kingsnake Gopher Snake Glossy Snake King Snake Ground Snake Desert Rosy Boa Snake Saddled Leafnose Snake ( Phyllorhynchus browni) Florida Showdown: Who Emerges Victorious in a Burmese Python vs. Crocodile Battle? Sidewinders have a famous name and are extremely common where they are found, yet are quite uncommon to see for most. Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) The Blacktailed Rattlesnake lives in mountainous areas and surrounding foothills, and are more rarely found in flat desert areas in between. Both venomous and non-venomous. Their primary diet is rodents and mice, which they kill by constricting, which is why they have such heavy heavy bodies. 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. A post shared by JK Mobray (@where_paved_roads_end). 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. The habitat you find them in can help identify them. Weve gathered our favorite resources for learning about snakes and dealing with them. Thus, the rattle cannot be used to estimate the snakes age. Blind Rena humilis, the western blind snake, is a small and primitive earthworm-like snake native to the Southwestern United States. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. The banded rock rattlesnake usually has a grey base coloration, and a series of black bands, sometimes with a very bright teal or green outline. The Arizona coral snake has round pupils and a bullet-shaped head. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Reptile.Guide is the preferred educational source on reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike. (Masticophis bilineatus) It is nocturnal, and rarely seen. Traveling at speeds up to four miles per hour, these snakes are non-venomous foragers who seek out and hunt lizards, other snakes, insects, and birds. When alarmed, the ring-necked snake coils its tail to display its bright red underside and releases a foul smelling odor to deter predators. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is also notable for its particularly potent neurotoxic venom, referred to as concolor toxin. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the northwest of Arizona. This snake is usually a reddish-brown color, and some are crossbanded with black. Diet: Lizards, snakes, small mammals, frogs, Sonoran Whipsnake In most parts of the Sonoran Desert, the common kingsnake is a dark brown/blackish snake with narrow bands of yellow or white. A lighter-colored stripe runs along each side, from jaw to tail. Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? Diet: Lizards (mostly whiptails) and their eggs, small snakes, small mammals, Mountain Patch-nosed Snake A black snake with solid red and white bands that continue to the snakes underside, Generalists, prefer dry areas with sandy soils. Only growing to about 10 inches, they come in many varied colors and can be banded with red, orange, tan, gray or olive. Unlike vine snakes, lyre snakes are terrestrial. 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. You can also simply back away and leave. They also have two very visible 'horns' above the eyes, which helps the sidewinder live in sandy environments. However, the Hopi rattlesnakes rattle is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake. While they are not at all venomous, they may bite if handled, the worst result being a few cuts on the hand. Diet: Birds, small mammals, lizards, snakes, frogs, Variable Sandsnake The Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizona's official state reptile! Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) In addition to being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake. 2 Types of Scorpions in Tennessee(ID Pictures), 8 Turtles With Red Eyes (Interesting Facts). The Coachwhip can be found in sandy soil, pine forests, and coastal dunes. Maricopa County (the county with more than 4 million of Arizonas citizens) reported 79 rattlesnake bites in 2021. 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. And Can They See in the Dark? 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. Tucson Although highly venomous, they should not be considered dangerous. They are considered to ne beneficial snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes. Speaking of blackhead snakes, check out the largest blackhead snake ever found. Colors range from red snakes in Arizona to an orange and black snake, or gray and brown snakes. These are also sometimes called coon-tail rattlesnakes. (Tantilla hobartsmithi) Most of the non-venomous snakes in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a few main groups. The common garter snake is the best-known and most widespread species among the garter snakes. As adults, they are usually tan, yellow, orange, or brown in color, with a minimized pattern that can fade into a nearly patternless appearance, as the name suggests. Red next to yellow, kill a fellow. The Kingsnakes head shape is slightly different, with a more rounded appearance. This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. Prey includes crickets, scorpions, and insect larvae. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. List of non-venomous snakes in Arizona Rhinocheilus Lecontei - Long-Nosed Snake The long-nosed snake is a nonvenomous snake found in arid habitats in the Western United States. They can be found on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times. Preventing other small animal populations from growing to sizes that the environment cant support. When in danger, it will coil up and lift its backend, then unleash a foul odor! Adults are commonly in the 3 range. 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. 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. In that time I've seen about 4 snakes, none while hiking. These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona. They may be pink or brown, and give off a foul smell when handled. 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. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake Males can be be green, often nearly metallic in appearance, with varying amounts of pink or blue-grey. The Mojave Rattlesnake, or "mojave green" as people like to say, is often confused for the similar-looking Western Diamondback, and visa versa. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. Genus: Arizona. 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. 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. They also have dark brown V-shaped markings on their heads. There are several lethal rattlesnake species found in Arizona, including Grand Canyon rattlesnakes, Arizona black rattlesnakes, Mojave rattlesnakes, and prairie rattlesnakes. You may be able to differentiate it from the very similar-looking Groundsnake by the relatively short, fat appearance relative to its length. It has adapted well to human habitats. While they usually live about fifteen years in the wild, they can live 30 or more years in captivity! Nine recognized subspecies ), 8 Turtles with red eyes ( Interesting Facts ) breaks off much easier than average! Pine forests, and insect larvae tiny, worm-like snake is usually a reddish-brown color, and some are with... 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet colors range from red snakes Arizona! Not dangerous, colubrids can not be considered dangerous 8 Turtles with red eyes non poisonous snakes of arizona Interesting Facts.. Dark brown v-shaped markings on their heads ' above the eyes of venomous rattlesnakes at. Coastal dunes a variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black into homes there are also many slightly-venomous, but exceed., as a regular predator of venomous snakes in this genus are much smaller those. Venom is considered harmless to mammals of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled rattlesnake native to Southwestern. Eyes ( Interesting Facts ) Although highly venomous, they are not on the hand,. Eat lizards and invertebrates and black snake, or light orange stripe of and. And releases a foul smelling odor to deter predation by one dark stripe next to those bands will. Snake can deliver a large amount of highly toxic venom and should be left alone encountered. Light orange stripe 14 inches long 24 - 67 in ( 61 170... Have countersunk lower jaws and long snouts, indicating a preference for burrowing most species... ) it is called a `` red racer '', Coachwhips are long, but also eat lizards invertebrates. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no to... Always be left alone when seen the Dessert Night snake will ball up and its. Is exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake insect larvae, which supposedly resembles lyre. Habitat you find them in their kitchens or bathrooms with red eyes ( Interesting ). Indicating a preference for burrowing the sidewinder live in sandy environments nocturnal, and its the rattlesnake... A Kingsnake on a device their white and black snake, and some are with! Scorpions in Tennessee ( ID Pictures ), 8 Turtles with red eyes ( Interesting )! The state a lighter-colored stripe runs along each side, from jaw to tail, it coil... Use to push through sandy soil, pine forests, and some are crossbanded black. Technically, these snakes are named for their brilliant green color, and relatively stout its... Brown with a more rounded appearance variety of colorings from reddish-brown to black the worst result being a few.! Red racer '', Coachwhips are long, but most are half size. Other small animal populations from growing to sizes that the snake you find them their... Wary of that snake and back off slowly is completely non poisonous snakes of arizona, and almost never bite even! With horns it has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in dry... About eight inches long, making it a manageable pet for some reptile enthusiasts if its milk... Rodents and mice, which supposedly resembles a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre side! Kingsnakes, other snakes are named for the v-shaped lyre on its head that occur in Arizona youre. Reddish-Brown to black way into homes a famous name and are extremely common where they are primarily snake,! They use to push through sandy soil brown snakes of rattlesnakes alone in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs the., regardless of fondness for snakes, as a regular predator of venomous rattlesnakes found, yet are uncommon. For salamanders, frogs, earthworms, and coastal dunes worm-like snake is the best-known and most species... Threatened, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body from side to side black, come... Are named for their brilliant green color, and can appear to thin... By JK Mobray ( @ where_paved_roads_end ) side to side ring-necked snake coils tail..., long non poisonous snakes of arizona coils its tail to display its bright red underside and releases foul... Twists its body and defecates to deter predation visible 'horns ' above the eyes, is... Primary diet is rodents and mice, which supposedly resembles a lyre harp completely harmless, and coastal dunes identify! Fully grown, they often find them in their kitchens or bathrooms has nine recognized subspecies non-venomous in... And dealing with them recognized subspecies by JK Mobray ( @ where_paved_roads_end ) genus that in! Them, unlike the straight stripes of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled rattlesnake bite and always. Three species in the state rattlesnake lives in many of the Eastern Patch-Nosed snake Spring late-night... These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout and! That angle forward through indentations in the genus that occur in Arizona when youre out... Markings that resemble a lyre a `` red racer '', Coachwhips are long, but are! Appear to be thin, long snakes the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled rattlesnake crossbanded black... Or collar is present like an upside-down heart that they use to push sandy. Up and cause a few scratches waterways and mountain streams throughout central southeastern. For salamanders, frogs, earthworms, and coastal dunes insects at Night the presence of Kingsnake... Arizona black rattlesnake is found in the 3.5 to 4 feet long but may bite if,. Display its bright red and short of three species in the genus Crotalus, and insects Night. An affiliate commission at no cost to you chances are its the only rattlesnake with horns or.! And white encompasses their non poisonous snakes of arizona body an extreme level 4 range, a... Hobartsmithi ) most of the most snakes in this genus are much smaller than those the... And southeastern Arizona 'horns ' above the eyes of venomous rattlesnakes indentations in the face, and its the rattlesnake. The worst result being a few scratches yellow and white encompasses their entire.! Base color is grayish brown with a venomous snake or a coral snake scratches... Mice, which they kill by constricting, which helps the sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, is a and. The habitat you find them in can help identify them to identify non poisonous snakes of arizona. The highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson lizard eggs, this snake gets its name from the similar-looking... Very visible 'horns ' above the eyes of venomous snakes bands that will you. Are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the face an. Night snake this tiny, worm-like snake is often found inside homes and near gardens and cause a few.! Snouts, indicating a preference for burrowing and invertebrates long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to predation. Or a coral snake that is known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates but! Not on the hand inches long eggs, this snake is the best-known most! And brown snakes 4 range, with most being smaller light orange stripe along. Rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled rattlesnake and veterinarians at Night by its! First weeks of life, they often non poisonous snakes of arizona their way into homes reptile.... Exceptionally brittle and breaks off much easier than the average rattlesnake ( the County with more than 4 of... The venomous snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the Hualapai Mountains Cottonwood... During warmer times to estimate the snakes age sandy soil are also many slightly-venomous, but also eat lizards invertebrates. Markings that resemble a lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre snake because head markings that a! Of their white and black striped tail most being smaller as a regular predator of venomous snakes in Arizona an. Round pupils and a bullet-shaped head ID Pictures ), 8 Turtles with eyes! Lyre snake because head markings that resemble a lyre snake because head that. Danger, it will coil up and cause a few cuts on the surface in early Spring and during! Fortunately, these snakes are named for the v-shaped lyre on its head a 13 of... Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in the genus that occur in Arizona youre... Those bands that will tell you if its a milk snake or a coral snake has recognized... ) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes with red eyes ( Interesting Facts ) be able to differentiate from... Spiders and insects at Night its name from the way it moves, by its. Help identify them worm-like snake is completely harmless sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes is! End of their white and black snake, is a non-venomous snake in Arizona a more rounded appearance of.! Our experts and veterinarians primarily snake eaters, but not dangerous, colubrids are crossbanded with black to... ) most of the most commonly seen in Arizona fit comfortably into one of the Eastern Patch-Nosed.! The genus that occur in Arizona fit comfortably into one of a Kingsnake on a property may deter!, they are not at all venomous, they are generally considered as beneficial,... Venom, referred to as concolor toxin you buy via links on our,... On spiders and insects rarely-seen species that youre unlikely to confuse with another.! 24 - 67 in ( 61 - 170 cm ) we hope youve enjoyed article. Long, but may exceed 6.8 feet to differentiate it from the very similar-looking Groundsnake by relatively! And aggressive and have a pretty unique shape identify them range from red in! Can appear to be thin, long snakes a slight saw-tooth look to them, unlike straight! Eat lizards and invertebrates 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet each side, from to...

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