non poisonous snakes of arizona
This pit viper has blotches along its back and comes in various colors ranging from reddish and pink to gray. 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! Chock full of desert, rocks, and grasslands. It is variable in color throughout its range, but individuals at Saguaro National Park are usually almost completely black. 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). A montane species, it is usually found in oak-juniper and pinon-juniper woodlands but may be found at lower elevations in moist canyons. Tan, yellow, or orange in color, with dark brown blotches, between 1.5' and 5'in length. Lets take a closer look. The nightsnake subdues its prey with a mild venom that poses no threat to humans. They should always be left alone if encountered. 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. It can be found throughout Charina trivirgata, the rosy boa, is a small type of boa native to California, Arizona as well as Northern Mexico Rena dulcis, the Texas blind snake, is a small snake endemic to the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. 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. Fortunately, these snakes have a set of characteristics that make them easy to spot. These pretty Gartersnakes can be seen hunting tadpoles and small fish along many waterways and mountain streams throughout central and southeastern Arizona. Diet: Birds, small mammals, lizards, snakes, frogs, Variable Sandsnake 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. Their diet includes frogs, toads, tadpoles, lizards, and fish. An encounter with one is most often a quick sighting of a snake disappearing into brush, or darting across a dirt road. They are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, and rodents. Being very shy, they will hide if confronted by humans. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. There is a black ring around the neck of this snake. 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. It has vertical pupils and a pair of dark blotches directly behind the head. Most encounters with a Coachwhip are just a quick glance as it quickly slides away from the area. During the monsoon season each year, Longnosed Snakes hatch from eggs and wander in search of food. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. It is commonly found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground as it does in low shrubs. While they are common in the sandy soil and grasslands where they live, they are relatively elusive. Rattlesnakes are typically between two and six feet long. And Can They See in the Dark? Attractivecontrasting banding of black and white or yellow and white encompasses their entire body. Total length: 22 - 47 in (56 - 119 cm) Patterns vary but most have base colors of black, brown, or tan. Sonoran GophersnakePituophis catenifer affinis, Great Basin GophersnakePituophis catenifer deserticola. . The gopher snakes are harmless terrestrial hunters. In addition to being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake. The western shovelnose snake has a very unique facial structure. If youre trying to identify snakes in Phoenix, then you wont start with a list of northern Arizona snakes. 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. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. The most common rattlesnake in the Phoenix area is the Western Diamondback. Preferring only to hunt their prey of lizards, small snakes, birds, and eggs. Their venom can quickly kill its prey, but is not something that should be considered harmful to humans or pets. Their heads also have a unique shape that resembles the knobbly part of a branch. They will open their mouths to hiss, and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat. This should give you a quick overview if you are dealing with a venomous snake or not. It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. They do this by: If you know how to treat them, snakes are easy to get along with. They will eat anything they can catch, and often spend the day searching for frogs and toads and rodents along waterways. Its coloration is truly striking. This species is very fast,can quickly catch its prey, and swallow it whole. Arizona is one of the states that is known for having the most snakes. The Eastern Racer snake will grow to be anywhere from 20 to 60 inches. When foraging for prey, the blind snake will search an ant pheromone trail and follow it back to the nest for a meal. 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. Non venomous snakes of Arizona There are three non venomous snakes native to Arizona: Sonoran Gophersnake- this is most common Arizona snake along with Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. First noted by Robert Kennicott in letters to his mentor Spencer Baird in 1859, the Glossy Snake has nine recognized subspecies. They make their homes in piles of rocks and rarely venture far from their chosen rock-pile. The Kingsnakes head shape is slightly different, with a more rounded appearance. However, if you consider all the characteristics, youll soon identify the species. Fortunately, these snakes are easy to identify since they have a pretty unique shape. You can also simply back away and leave. Theyre common in the Camelback Mountain region, South Mountain area, and other parts of the valley adjacent to similar habitat. Their coloring is usually yellow to pale brown. Being that they are not timid around populated areas, they are a great natural solution to the rattlesnake problem. 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. How Do Cats Show Affection? So you should always be cautious when youre hiking, camping, or doing any outdoor activities in Arizona. Whether youre looking for a black and white snake in Arizona, or something else entirely, this guide will get you started. 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. It's face is relatively long and shovel-shaped. 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. As the name implies, two large, black blotches are right behind the lighter-colored head. 2 recognized species, see article. 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. They constrict their prey because their mild venom is not effective on birds and mammals. The California Kingsnake is usually identified by the stark white and black, or yellow and black, banding that runs the length of the body. But desert king snakes are actually fairly docile and try to avoid humans. When you enter a likely snake habitat, always: Typically, when you encounter a snake, you wont need to do anything. This species usually shows clean, alternating red or orange bands that do not encircle the entire body, which alternate with black bands. Shovel-Nosed Snakes are colorful, small snakes (less than a foot long) that live throughout the sandy areas of Arizona. Red Coachwhips are affectionately referred to as Red Racers. They are fast as the name would imply. This snake is named for the v-shaped lyre on its head. You can observe and photograph the snake from a safe distance. Like the Common King snake, they too are immune to Rattlesnake venom and like to make meals of them. Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans vagrans, Arizona Wandering GartersnakeThamnophis elegans arizonae. Protected throughout its limited range in Arizona, this snake should be avoided. 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 usually grow 3 to 4 feet long but may exceed 6.8 feet. 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. Usually brown and tan, oranges and pink colors can be found as well, especially in the Painted Desert (Arizona elegans philipi) subspecies. Total length: 18 - 47 in (46 - 121 cm) The thornscrub hook-nosed snake, Gyalopion quadrangulare, is one of two hook-nosed snakes in the region. 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. 229 reviews. Their diet also includes small mammals and other snakes. for Sedona, Arizona, Monument Valley. Total length: 16 - 46 in (41 - 117 cm) This snake is found in Arizona only from a small area in the Organ Pipe National Monument, and encounters are exceptionally rare. Non-venomous snakes have a spoon-shaped rounded head and venomous snakes will have a more triangular head. Arizona's amazing reptile diversity is composed of six turtle species, 49 lizard species, and 52 species of snakes. How to Hold a Guinea Pig Correctly (with Pictures & Videos). 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. Sonoran Gophersnake BENEFICIAL - Also commonly misidentified as a "bullsnake". They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. This semi-aquatic snake can usually be found near water. The sidewinder, Crotalus cerastes, is a medium-large snake, and its the only rattlesnake with horns. A the snake matures, it will darken to a deep brown color to completely black. Rattlesnake bites can be extremely painful, but when treated properly are rarely fatal. The Sonoran coralsnake is the only venomous, non-rattlesnake species of snake in Arizona. Interestingly, the snake people most often confuse them with is the superficially-similar Patchnosed Snake. It is a semi-aquatic species and is usually found near a water source. Clocking in at over 4 feet long, Sonoran Gopher Snakes may look intimidating, but these constrictors are gentle giants that make great beginner pets for aspiring snake owners! They are arboreal, which means they spend most of their time in trees, and don't spend much time on the ground. A colorful species with a pale background and red and black bands, The pupils are round, and the snake has a rounded head and tail. You may need medication to stop the itching or your bodys reaction to it. Their coloring is shades of brown or grey with a white-lined diamond pattern on their back. . (Lampropeltis pyromelana) An adult snake is a deep brown color and sometimes completely black. However, there are no documented deaths from the venom of an Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake. They actually do a great service for humans by eating scorpions and other pests. Whether you have concerns about your dog, cat, or other pet, trained vets have the answers! They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. As you might expect Arizona has a lot of snakes that are known for thriving in extremely dry and hot climates. These snakes should always be avoided if seen. Prey includes crickets, scorpions, and insect larvae. [1] They are endemic to the United States and Mexico . They are usually anywhere from three to five feet long and prefer arid desert habitats. 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. Total length: 36 - 202 in (91 - 260 cm) However, these shy and reclusive rattlesnakes are relatively small and prefer to live high in the mountains of Arizona, making human encounters rare and bites even rarer. Most of the time, people get bitten because they accidentally step on a snake. When they are scared, they coil into a tight ball and hide their head under the body. It is named for both its nose scale and the dark brown blotches or saddles on its back. They are small snakes, generally about a foot long (up to nearly 2' maximum length). They are seldom seen, but live in most of the Phoenix mountain areas and desert parks. When attacked or handled, the long-nosed snake writhes and twists its body and defecates to deter predation. Its one of three species in the genus that occur in Arizona. They are great pest control (which can actually help keep other, venomous species away), and are great to have around for that reason. The base color is grayish brown with a tan, sand, or light orange stripe. The snake will mostly play dead when surprised by a predator . Snakes in this genus are much smaller than those in the genus Crotalus, and this species reaches lengths of up to 36 inches. Many experts consider the Mojave rattlesnake to be the most toxic snake species in the US. Manage Settings The brilliant orange, yellow, and red coloration on the belly becomes exposed when the snake is stressed, with the tail forming a tight coil and the latter portion of body flopped upside-down. Southern and Western Arizona, stretching into the Northwest, Yellowish base color with orange and black bands which break into speckles on the side of the snake. This species . Rosy boas make excellent pets because of their small size and docile nature. Total length: 12 - 26 in (30 - 66 cm) These snakes are those most often seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways, lakes, and ponds. The tiger rattlesnake, Crotalus tigris, is a medium to large snake with a vibrant striped design. 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. As hatchlings, they may completely lack any red coloration whatsoever, making them look very similar to Kingsnakes. Red and dark red base colors are specific to The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana). This is a Kingsnake species found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. As babies, they are very small, only around 3" long, and may resemble a Blackheaded Snake until their mature coloration develops. This snake species is commonly seen anywhere there is loose soil and rocky terrain. As adults, they are less than a foot long. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. Scientific name: Lampropeltus californiae. 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 Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi willardi) is Arizonas official state reptile! They are most active at night, so you may see one crossing a road or a trail at night. A countersunken lower jaw allows the to burrow. This snake can top out at lengths of 5 in rare instances, but most adults end up in the 3-3.5 range. While there are several species of snake that spend time in the water, true water snakes of members of the genus Nerodia.True water snakes are excellent swimmers, and when they are not swimming, they are often found basking on rocks or trees in or near the water. The most essential characteristics include: Snakes have specific distribution ranges, and where you find the snake can lead to successful identification. It gets its name from its resemblance to the whip used by stagecoach drivers. Below, well dig into some of the more common snakes in Arizona to be aware of. The common kingsnake is found from deserts to riparian areas to forests. 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. 14 Ways Cats Show Their Love. Use the search! The color of the soil in their native habitat often influences the coloration of their scales! They have a series of black bands on their tails that mimic the rattle found on rattlesnakes. Western Patch-nosed Snakes (Salvadora hexalepis) are fairly common in Arizona. Species like the speckled rattlesnake arent red and are quite long. The adult snake grows to an average length of 32-48 in. The list is separated into non-venomous and venomous snakes in Arizona. Desert king snakes might seem like a threat because they have stout bodies and they can be pretty long. The Mojave also has a generally more 'clean' appearance, with more distinct diamonds and less black speckling throughout the body. Feigning Death in Snakes. The name Coachwhip comes from this snakes resemblance to the horse whips used by old-fashioned stagecoach drivers. Genus: Arizona. Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. There are no aquatic snakes in Arizona. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. The Arizona Rosy Boa is one of the snakes that pretty much anyone can own without a permit! A slightly broadened, rounded head with round pupils. There are also many slightly-venomous, but not dangerous, colubrids. 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. The stripes running down the body might give is a similar look with the gartersnake. This behavior, as well as the snakes physical characteristics, often cause the lyre snake to be mistaken for a rattlesnake and killed. Diet: Salamanders, small frogs, tadpoles, lizards, small snakes, insects, earthworms, Saddled Leaf-nosed Snake Western Diamondback Rattlesnake 4. Level Contributor . (Salvadora grahamiae) 230 helpful votes. Nightsnakes are the most common snake to see inside of the home, in our experience. (Leptotyphlops humilis) Sonoran gopher snakes are only generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have very wide bodies. A post shared by Melissa (@melissa_a_bear). True water snakes are a group of non-venomous, aquatic snakes that are adapted to living in or near bodies of water. An unusual characteristic is a scale on the tip of its nose. They have a highly toxic bite and should always be left alone when seen. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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 toxin in the Mexican vine snakes venom wont cause a lot of pain just a lot of itch. Head shape. Search our database of over 12264 posts with up-to-date information from our experts and veterinarians. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen. They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. The striped whipsnake is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western and Southern United States and in Northwestern Mexico. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too. There is a single white or cream-colored stripe along the back, and a thin stripe along each side that runs the length of the body. They typically are just about two feet long. This species of Shovel-Nosed Snake are small, as are the other Shovel-nosed Snakes with white or cream and black bands and no red or orange. Additionally, the gape of the snake is small and the venom yield . These snakes live in the desert southwest regions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Coachwhips Masticophis flagellum are non-venomous colubrid snakes with smooth, overlapping scales, long (100-150 cm record 259 cm), slender bodies and large eyes which aid in hunting. A gophersnake is great free pest control. Arizona is home to 52 species of snakes. The speckled rattlesnake, Crotalus pyrrhus, is light gray, and may even be white. They can be mistaken for the Sonoran Coralsnake on occasion, but in general are easy to differentiate by the lack of white or yellow bands. 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. 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. Snakes are a common creature both in the real world and in folklore. The Pacific gopher snake, Pituophis catenifer, is a nonvenomous snake found in the Western United States, Canada and Mexico. . Their primary diet is rodents and mice, which they kill by constricting, which is why they have such heavy heavy bodies. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. The Gopher snake is one of the most commonly seen in Arizona. The Sonoran whipsnake swallows its food live. Sidewinders have a famous name and are extremely common where they are found, yet are quite uncommon to see for most. They are found in habitats from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans, and from southern Canada into Mexico. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. This beautiful snake has red, black, and white crossbands, with the red bands bordered by thin bands of black. Living off a diet of scorpions, spiders, and insects, they are great to have in a yard. They are protected by state law and should always be left alone. Diet: Centipedes, millipedes, insects, Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake Some scientists break down Pituophis catenifer into the Sonoran gopher snake, P. c. affinis, and the Great Basin gopher snake, P. c. deserticola. A coral snake will have yellow bands next to the red bands. Despite its name, this snake has adapted well to many areas of Arizona. With a writhing, glossy appearance and tendency to be discovered while digging in loose soil, threadsnakes can be easily mistaken for a worm. This is why folks will often find them in their kitchens or bathrooms. When scared or threatened, the Night snake will ball up and hide its head. The habitat you find them in can help identify them. At first, theyre bluffers and may hiss and posture, but they become quite docile once they realize that you mean them no harm. 81,141 posts. When alarmed, this snake will shake its tail, hiss, strike, and bite the offender. 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. Light brown with dark grey-brown blotches or stripes. Total length: 5 - 15 in (13 - 38 cm) Most are desert colored meaning they have a mixture of tans, browns, and blacks. 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. Being processed may be found at lower elevations in moist canyons Racer snake ball! 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No threat to humans swallow it whole of 32-48 in Arizona rosy is! 1 ] they are day-active, agile predators that often eat birds, lizards, as well as small,! Make meals of them Kingsnakes head shape is slightly different, with more., small snakes, generally about four feet long but they look bigger because they have such heavy. A semi-aquatic species and is usually found in dense, shrubby vegetation and seems as comfortable on the ground it... Habitats from the venom yield Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake ( Lampropeltis pyromelana ) while they are common Arizona! They have a set of characteristics that make them easy to identify since they have a spoon-shaped rounded with.