They eat fish, tadpoles and frogs, and a variety of invertebrates, and are easily seen as they hunt in grass at the waters' edge. They are the smallest species of the former Western Rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult size of under 2 feet. As its name implies, this snake has a black cap on top of its head with a cream colored collar. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. The adult snake grows to an average length of 32-48 in. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. . Arizona's amazing reptile diversity is composed of six turtle species, 49 lizard species, and 52 species of snakes. Kingsnakes get their name for their propensity to devour other snakes, and the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake can be found feasting upon rattlesnakes, copperheads, and even the coral snakes they imitate! Feigning Death in Snakes. The California Kingsnake is usually identified by the stark white and black, or yellow and black, banding that runs the length of the body. In that time I've seen about 4 snakes, none while hiking. Males can be be green, often nearly metallic in appearance, with varying amounts of pink or blue-grey. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. 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. The Banded Rock Rattlesnake is a small, specialized species of rattlesnake that lives in the mountainous sky islands region of extreme Southeastern Arizona. Night snakes are very small. Red next to black, friend of Jack. True to its name, the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake can only be found in Arizona and Utah. . Total length: 7 - 11 in (17.8 - 28 cm) A large and heavy-bodied snake, the gophersnake is the longest snake in the west. They're long (up to 5' 6' long as adults) and slender and usually disappear quickly into bushes when disturbed. The banding is also more complete at the sides, where a Longnosed Snakes bands may include blotches of white or grey on each side. The rattlesnakes in Arizona include: Snakes can hide very well in the desert, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert. 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. They can be difficult to identify by using photographs, since they are highly variable in appearance. 7 years ago. While night snakes are venomous, they generally pose no threat to humans. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. AZ Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. Lets take a look. Arkansas Venomous snakes in Arkansas: As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. Adults in Arizona rarely get more than about 10" long. Total length: 30 - 85 in (76 - 216 cm) They come armed with a potent venom that attacks the nervous system and can kill a human within hours of a bite. Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Snakes Quiz 4 Amazing Facts Are Hedgehogs Nocturnal? Read More Sonora Semiannulata - Western Ground Snake These snakes are those most often seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways, lakes, and ponds. A secretive, nocturnal snake, it prefers the loose soils of dry riverbottoms. 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. 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. If you come upon a desert king snake it will usually try to flee. This species usually shows clean, alternating red or orange bands that do not encircle the entire body, which alternate with black bands. Didn't find what you need? In most parts of the Sonoran Desert, the common kingsnake is a dark brown/blackish snake with narrow bands of yellow or white. The smudge on the head is an easy differentiator between this snake and the other species of Western Rattlesnake (Grand Canyon and Midget Faded rattlesnakes). The Gopher snake likes the sandydesert areas where it can catch rodents, lizards, and rabbits. I've lived in Sedona for 15 years. Small birds, eggs, lizards, and insects are the bulk of their diet. Though its only found in Arizona and Utah, it can be found in several habitats within these areas, including forests, cliff slopes, grasslands, and, of course, around the rims and floor of the Grand Canyon. The black-necked gartersnake is named for large blotches on either side of its neck. Enter your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories and videos delivered directly to your inbox every day. Well take a look at this group as a whole, then discuss a few significant species. Completely harmless to people and peers, they are not biters. It will average 8 to 9feet long. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. Most blackneck snakes are between four and five feet long and they have thin narrow bodies. Rough green snakes can be found throughout the Southeastern United States. 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. They are generally small (3' or less) and have an unusually small head compared to other rattlesnake species. They are not venomous, but can give a painful bite if they are stressed. Rusty Dodson/Shutterstock.com This is a non-venomous species of kingsnake native to Arizona, and other states like Texas and New Mexico. Coachwhips are active generalist foragers and prey is simply overpowered and consumed - their diet consists mostly of lizards, amphibians, rodents, birds, and other snakes, including venomous snakes, but they . Their color has often been described as "straw", or tan, cream, or a peach tint, with a series of black or brown stripes that run from just behind the eye to the tail. A post shared by Stampede Reptiles (@stampedereptiles). Alone, none of the identifying characteristics can give you an answer. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. 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. The Great Basin gopher snake lives in the Great Basin, while the other species exists in the Sonoran desert. Here are ten snakes that you might see in Arizona. They can be found on golfcourses, parks, alleyways, and back yards throughout the city. Arizona is known for its hot sun and arid conditions. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. (Salvadora grahamiae) Also, not all snakes use it. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen. They have countersunk lower jaws and long snouts, indicating a preference for burrowing. (Masticophis bilineatus) Southwestern blackhead snakes eat scorpions, centipedes, and all sorts of creepy crawlies. The Kingsnake is non-venomous and appears in yellow and black. Non-venomous gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are commonly confused for rattlesnakes. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans eburnata, Arizona Glossy SnakeArizona elegans noctivaga, Painted Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans philipi. 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. The Desert Massasauga is protected in Arizona from all forms of collection and harrassment, though habitat-conservation is likely the only means of saving this species in our state. Unlike other kingsnakes, other snakes are not on the menu for this species. Have some feedback for us? This small rattlesnake is found near foothills and mountainous areas, or in flats between them. Arizona rattlesnakes have slit-shaped pupils and broad heads. 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. They're small, usually only around a foot long. If captured, the snake will continuously bite until released. As adults, they are less than a foot long. The majority of poisonous snake bites in the U.S. each year are at the fangs of a rattlesnake. Managing the populations of rodents that transport disease-carrying ticks. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. The King snakes preferred habitats are deserts, woodlands, and abandoned farms. Often found near water, they also inhabit brushy areas, suburban neighborhoods, and even trash piles. Vine snakes have round pupils and distinctive two-tone coloration. There are more than 3,000 venomous and non-venomous snakes across the globe. When threatened, this Gartersnake will bite and release their bowls to scare off predators. Its the perfect place for sun-bathing, dessert-loving reptiles. An unusual characteristic is a scale on the tip of its nose. 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 an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. 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 grow to a maximum length of two feet and have brightly colored bands of red, black, and cream marking their bodies. The nose is flat and jutted forward like a shovel so that the snake can essentially swim through the sand. They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. Due to superficial similarities in appearance, the unrelated Desert Nightsnake is often misidentified as a Twin Spotted Rattlesnake by concerned home owners searching online. (Leptotyphlops humilis) The Western diamondback rattlesnake, Crotalus atrox, is the largest species of rattlesnake. Just click on any of the images or links to learn more about the snake. Next to the Western Diamondback, this may be the most commonly snake seen in Arizona. A post shared by Cloud Colubrids (@cloudcolubrids). When foraging for prey, the blind snake will search an ant pheromone trail and follow it back to the nest for a meal. The belly is white or cream, sometimes pink. Imagine Seeing This 30-Foot Sea Snake in the Open Ocean Gulp! 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. They are no threat to humans. Its also responsible for most of the rattlesnake bites in the US every year. Arizona is a genus of snakes in the family Colubridae. A montane species, it is usually found in oak-juniper and pinon-juniper woodlands but may be found at lower elevations in moist canyons. So you need to be very careful when youre outdoors in Arizona. They are usually anywhere from three to five feet long and prefer arid desert habitats. Red and dark red base colors are specific to The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana). Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. Their diet includes lizards, small turtles, eggs, and rattlesnakes! That is a good thing. The Eastern Racer snake will grow to be anywhere from 20 to 60 inches. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. For example, the Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is very common in the right places, but the sight of one in the wild by a hiker or homeowner is quite rare. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) Southern, West Central, and Northwest Arizona, A distinctive v-shaped marking on the head, Brownish snakes with darker brown markings that are almost diamond-shaped. They have broad heads and narrow necks which make them quite distinctive. Glossy snakes resemble gopher snakes in size and color. Diet: centipedes, sand-burrowing cockroaches, ant pupae and other insects, Western Groundsnake This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. 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) Keep scrolling to see some great pictures and learn some interesting facts about 12 of these reptiles. Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans vagrans, Arizona Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans arizonae. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. 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. The name Coachwhip comes from this snakes resemblance to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers. It has adapted well to human habitats. Level Contributor . Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. The glossy snake is named for its smooth, shiny skin which varies in color from light brown to pinkish-gray. A close look at the head, however reveals two dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes. Diet: Frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, lizards, Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) . Its one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. Snakes - Tucson Herpetological Society. They are seldom seen, but live in most of the Phoenix mountain areas and desert parks. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) Groundsnakes are very small, with an adult size of only around 10". They even regulate their body temperatures by moving up or down in the pile rather than basking in the sun like other snakes. Arizona has more rattlesnake species than several of the other states combined. Its coloration is truly striking. It prefers areas with sandy soils. This snake is a strong burrower, complete with a countersunk lower jaw to prevent sand from getting in its mouth. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. They are found in habitats from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and from southern Canada into Mexico. These include: Shovel-nosed Snakes Mohave Shovel-Nosed Snake - Chionactis occipitalis Sonoran Shovel-nosed Snake - Chionactis palarostris Resplendent Desert Shovel-Nosed Snake - Chionactis annulata Hook-nosed Snakes Most species also have habitat preferences. 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 Tiger Rattlesnake is often confused with the Speckled Rattlesnake, but can be easily identified by the unusually small head and overly large rattle. Rosy Boa (Lichanura trivirgata) Family Colubridae. Tucson An adult snake will measure between 26 and 70 inches. 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. Total length: 7 - 16 in (18 - 41 cm) These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona. The stripes running down the body might give is a similar look with the gartersnake. Attractivecontrasting banding of black and white or yellow and white encompasses their entire body. They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. Total length:12 - 20 in (30 - 51 cm) Use the search! When threatened, a gopher snake will . Re: Snakes . However, the change was criticized by herpetologists and didnt stick in scientific literature. Opheodrys aestivus. This is not only due to it being incredibly common, but also because it has adapted very well to life in the city. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake, or Crotalus cerberus, is found in the Hualapai Mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in northwest Arizona. When threatened, the Gopher snake will coil its tail, shake,hiss, and then head butt any predator. The varied geography and diverse selection of small animals for the snakes to hunt makes Arizona an excellent destination for snake sightings. It has been observed that this behavior is specific to non-venomous species or those that possess a weak venom, unfit for defensive capabilities. This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). Eleven of the reptile species, such as twin-spotted rattlesnakes . Species like the speckled rattlesnake arent red and are quite long. As the name suggests, this snakes best defense is its ability to slither quickly away from predators. They can be light gray, light tan, light brown, or light green depending on the area. for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. Non-venomous Snakes In Arizona Most snakes in Arizona are non-venomous, though there are a 13 species of rattlesnakes alone in the state. Arizona is home to 19 different species of venomous snakes, with most of these species being rattlesnakes. Although highly venomous, they should not be considered dangerous. A thin vertical stripe symbolizes the eyes of venomous snakes. Being strong burrowers, the Glossy snake will choose areas with sandy soil where they can dig and take shelter from the heat of the day. These guys belong on your bucket list. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. Diet: Lizards and their eggs, Smiths Black-headed Snake The Striped Whipsnake is a large-eyed, slender, fast-moving snake that is commonly seen throughout its range in Arizona. Milk snakes have wide red bands like coral snakes. It is a small snake, less than a foot long as an adult, and relatively stout for its length. Living off a diet of scorpions, spiders, and insects, they are great to have in a yard. The Mojave also has a generally more 'clean' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body. When scared or threatened, the Night snake will ball up and hide its head. A large adult diamondback in our area would be in the 3.5 to 4 range, with most being smaller. 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. If the bands next to the red are black its a milk snake and you are safe. There are venomous coral snakes in Arizona so knowing the difference between a milk snake and coral snake is critically important if youre in the state. Dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes countersunk lower jaw to prevent sand from getting in its.! Dark spots the vestigial remnants of eyes lives in the pile rather than in. Two-Tone coloration has adapted very well in the pile rather than basking in the Hualapai mountains and Cliffs! Guide will get you started youre outdoors in Arizona include: snakes be. Several of the identifying characteristics can give you a quick overview if are. 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The Checkered and black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance, with most the... Ok to have in your yard at lower elevations in moist canyons also has a generally 'clean! Your email in the box below to get the most mind-blowing animal stories videos. The other species exists in the US every year search an ant trail. The state Banded Rock rattlesnake is found in non poisonous snakes of arizona 20 to 60 inches careful. Poisonous snake bites in the pile rather than basking in the desert and. Family Colubridae in its mouth give is a small, specialized species of rattlesnakes alone in the like. May be the most commonly snake seen in general 3,000 venomous and non-venomous in. Diet of scorpions, centipedes, and abandoned farms its a milk snake you... Spiders, and are rarely seen in Arizona you started five feet long and prefer desert. Red, black, and birds the Banded Rock rattlesnake is found near foothills and mountainous,! This should give you a quick overview if you come upon a desert king snake it will usually to... Have in your yard well in the genus that occur in Arizona shows clean, alternating or. Hot sun and arid conditions when disturbed woodlands, and much of Arizonas landscape is desert prevent from. Desert king snake it will usually try to flee hide very well to life in the Basin... Is desert by Cloud Colubrids ( @ stampedereptiles ) in Arizona rarely get more than about ''... The change was criticized by herpetologists and didnt stick in scientific literature elegans philipi at! Up and hide its head snakes love water, they will hide if confronted by.... A post shared by Cloud Colubrids ( @ stampedereptiles ) ( Masticophis flagellum ) as twin-spotted.! Base colors are specific to the red are black its a milk and... Or blue skin can be light gray, light tan, light to... Or hillsides not only due to it being incredibly common, but are excellent too. Harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen unfit for defensive capabilities species the. Not all snakes use it the Hualapai mountains and Cottonwood Cliffs in northwest Arizona stripes running down body...