Arizona is renowned for its various Snake River universe , making it one of the premier positioning for Snake River enthusiasts and researcher alike . With about 43 coinage , include deadly snake in the grass , Arizona has one of the highest concentrations of virulent snakes in the United States . While other state may surpass Arizona in entire serpent numbers , the sheer mixed bag and dominance of the snakes establish here make it a singular ecosystem to search .
make Arizona ’s vast landscape painting and popularity as a tourer destination , it ’s essential to be aware of the snakes one might encounter . From the depths of the desert to the rugged canyons and serene lakeside , various habitat provide homes to these fascinating reptiles . Whether it ’s the iconic Western Diamondback rattlesnake or the subtle Arizona Coral Snake , understanding the habits and habitats of these creatures is crucial for both residents and visitor likewise .
This clause compile the 43 most commonsnake speciesfound in Arizona , including many virulent unity , to facilitate you identify and prevent encounters in effect .
Different Types of Snakes in Arizona
Lyre Snake
The Lyre Snake , scientifically name Trimorphodon biscutatus , is a non - vicious colubrid mintage find in the southwesterly United States , includingArizona . It is identify by its sylphlike body and unparalleled lyre - form marking on its head , which gives it its name . With its motley tone of browned and grey-headed , it blends well into its rocky habitat . Despite its restrain appearance , it poses no threat to humans and primarily feeds on small reptile and insects .
Tiger Rattlesnake
The Tiger Rattlesnake , scientifically refer to as Crotalus tigris , is a venomous pit viper coinage find in the southwest United States , including Arizona . It is characterized by its vivacious scandalmongering andblack striped pattern , reminiscent of a tiger ’s markings , hence its name . originate to a distance of three to four substructure , it command attention in its desert habitat .
Great Basin Rattlesnake
The Great Basin Rattlesnake , scientifically termed Crotalus oreganus lutosus , is a poisonous pit viper species native to the Great Basin area of the western United States , admit parts of Arizona . It is recognized by its ball field - shaped rule and rattles at the end of its tail . With its depart nicety of gray to brown colouration , it blends well into its rocky home ground .
Arizona Black Rattlesnake
The Arizona Black Rattlesnake , scientifically know as Crotalus cerberus , is a venomous pit viper mintage endemical to the southwest United States , including Arizona . It is characterized by its predominantly black colouration and distinctive rattling sound . Preferring jumpy habitat and desert scrublands , it plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations .
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake
The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake ( Crotalus oreganus abyssus ) is typically three to four metrical unit long , displaying colors from brown to rap . Its patterns , marked by blotches or bands , distinguish it . undivided to the Grand Canyon part , it favors bumpy habitat , avoiding humans . Despite its reclusive nature , it possess venom , punctuate caveat .
Sidewinder Rattlesnake
The Sidewinder Rattlesnake , scientifically know as Crotalus cerastes , is a venomous colliery viper speciesnative to the southwest United States , including Arizona . It is recognized by its unique sidewinding locomotion , which allows it to navigate sandlike desert habitats efficiently . With its distinctive horn scale above its heart and unaccented colouration , it is well adapted to its desiccated environment .
Tropical Vine Snake
The Tropical Vine Snake , scientifically known as Oxybelis fulgidus , is a slender and non - venomous colubrid species native to tropical area of the Americas , including parts of Arizona . Recognized by its vibrant green coloration and elongate body , it is expert at blending into its milieu . Despite its appearing , it poses no threat to homo and primarily quarry on small vertebrates likelizardsand frogs .
Mexican Vine Snake
The Mexican Vine Snake , scientifically referred to as Oxybelis aeneus , is a non - venomous colubrid species native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States , including Arizona . It is identified by its thin consistency and vibrant green colouration , which help it blend seamlessly with leafage . Despite its appearance , it poses no threat to humanity and primarily run onsmall prey like lizards and dame .
Arizona Coral Snake
The Arizona Coral Snake , scientifically known as Micruroides euryxanthus , is a vicious elapid metal money native to the southwest United States , include Arizona . It is well recognizable by its vibrant red , yellow , and black set , which serve as a admonition signaling to potential predators . Despite its small size , it possesses stiff venom , make it potentially unsafe to world . Encounters with the Arizona Coral Snake are rare , but caution should be exercised if one is encountered in the wild .
Western Hognose Snake
The Western Hognose Snake , scientifically named Heterodon nasicus , is a non - vicious colubridspecies native to North America , include Arizona . It is characterize by its tip-tilted snout , contribute it a classifiable “ hognose ” appearing . Despite its intimidate behavior , such as puffing up its body and boo loudly , it is harmless to humans . The Western Hognose Snake primarily feeds on frogs , toads , and little rodents . Its unique feature and behaviors make it a fascinating species to see in the wild .
Long-nosed Snake
The Long - nosed Snake , scientifically jazz as Rhinocheilus lecontei , is a non - venomous colubrid metal money native to the southwestern United States , include Arizona . It is recognise by its long , bespeak honker , which gives it its name . With its reddish - browned body and typical traffic pattern of black and cream - colored bands , it is easily identifiable in its habitat . Despite its appearance , the Long - nosed Snake is harmless to mankind and primarily feeds on small rodents , lizards , and other snakes .
Spotted Leafnose Snake
The Spotted Leafnose Snake , scientifically termed Phyllorhynchus decurtatus , is a non - venomous colubrid metal money aboriginal to the southwestern United States , including Arizona . It is name by its unequalled spotted pattern along its body and its slender configuration . Despite its show , it set no threat to humans and principally feed on small rodents and insect .
Sonoran Gopher Snake
The Sonoran Gopher Snake , scientifically referred to as Pituophis catenifer affinis , is a non - deadly colubrid mintage native to the Sonoran Desert region of the southwestern United States , including Arizona . It resemble the Gopher Snake but is adapt to desert habitats . With its large size and distinct figure of drear blotches on a tripping background , it is easily recognizable . Despite its appearance , the Sonoran Gopher Snake is harmless to humans .
Saddled Leafnose Snake
The Saddled Leafnose Snake , scientifically known as Phyllorhynchus browni , is a non - venomous colubridsnake speciesnative to the southwestern United States , include Arizona . It is recognized by its typical saddle - shaped marking along its back , which give it its name . With its slender body and unique blueprint , it is easy recognizable in its home ground . Despite its intimidate appearance , the Saddled Leafnose Snake is harmless to humans and primarily feeds on modest rodent and insects .
Desert Rosy Boa Snake
The Desert Rosy Boa Snake , scientifically known as Lichanura trivirgata gracia , is a coinage discover in Arizona ’s arid regions . Identified by its beautiful rule of reddish - chocolate-brown and cream - colour scales , it stand up out in the desert landscape . Despite its intimidating visual aspect , it is non - deadly and pose no scourge to human being . chiefly feed on modest gnawer and lizards , it play a essential role in maintaining the balance of the desert ecosystem .
Ground Snake
The Ground Snake , known scientifically as Sonora semiannulata , is a non - venomous colubrid species native to the southwesterly United States , include Arizona . It typically has a gray or brown coloration , allowing it to commingle seamlessly with its desert environment . With its small size and secretive nature , it often goes unnoticed by humans . Despite its invisible visual aspect , the Ground Snake plays a vital part in the ecosystem by control populations of minuscule gnawer and insects .
King Snake
TheKing Snake , scientifically come to to as Lampropeltis spp . , encompasses several species plant across North and Central America , include Arizona . They are renowned for their classifiable shape of boldblack and whitebands , resembling that of venomous coral snake in the grass . However , King Snakes are non - vicious and play a vital role in controlling rodent populations . With their impressive length and striking appearance , they are easy recognisable in their habitats , often commanding aid from observers .
Glossy Snake
The Glossy Snake , scientifically term Arizona elegans , is a non - venomoussnake speciesfound in the southwestern United States , including Arizona . It derives its name from its burnished , shining scales and is known for its motley shades of chocolate-brown colouration . With its slender body and classifiable coming into court , it is easy recognizable in its habitat . Despite its intimidating appearance , the Glossy Snake is harmless to man and primarily fertilize on little mammal , reptiles , and other snakes .
Gopher Snake
The Gopher Snake , scientifically known as Pituophis catenifer , is a non - venomous colubrid snake species aboriginal to North America , include Arizona . Recognizable by its large size and distinct form of dark splodge on a lighter background , it is often mistaken for a rattler due to its justificatory behavior , such as hissing and flatten its head . Despite its visual aspect , the Gopher Snake is harmless to humans and plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations in its home ground .
Desert King Snake
The Desert King Snake , also know as Lampropeltis getula splendida , is a non - virulent snake species find in the southwestern United States , admit the deserts of Arizona . It is characterise by its impressive length and striking black - and - white band blueprint , which often resembles that of the venomous Coral Snake . However , unlike the Coral Snake , the Desert King Snake get no menace to mankind and primarily eat on humble rodents and reptile .
Common King Snake
TheCommon King Snake , scientifically known as Lampropeltis getula , is a widespread species find in Arizona ’s divers landscapes . Identified by its glossyblack body with whiteor yellow bands , it resemble the venomous Coral Snake , offer protection from predators . Non - venomous and docile , it chiefly preys on rodents and other snake in the grass , admit venomous metal money .
Coachwhip Snake
The Coachwhip Snake , scientifically known as Coluber flagellum , is a striking serpent species found in Arizona ’s desert habitats . Recognized by its long , slender body and whiplash - like poop , it can reach length of up to seven foot . With a coloration ranging from tan to reddish - brown , it camouflages well in its environment . As a flying and spry predatory animal , it preys on minuscule mammals , birds , and reptiles .
Checkered Garter Snake
The CheckeredGarter Snake , scientifically be intimate as Thamnophis marcianus , is a common ophidian mintage find in various habitats across Arizona . discover by its classifiable check pattern along its organic structure , it typically reach lengths of up to two foot . With colors ranging from olive viridity to brown , it blends well with its surround . It is non - virulent and docile ; it in the main feed on amphibians , fish , and lowly rodents .
Blind Snake
The Blind Snake , scientifically known as Leptotyphlops dulcis , is a unique and less - knownsnake speciesfound in Arizona ’s desert region . Recognized by its small sizing , slender organic structure , and deficiency of distinct eyes , it often resembles a worm or earthworm . Preferring arenaceous soils and desiccate environments , it mainly feeds on ants and termites . Despite its invisible appearing , the Blind Snake plays a pregnant role in controlling insect population and contribute to the desert ecosystem ’s balance .
Black-Neck Garter Snake
The Black - Neck Garter Snake , scientifically known as Thamnophis cyrtopsis , is a distinct Hydra coinage dwell Arizona ’s divers landscape . discover by its strike black neck and distinctive sidelong stripes , it typically reaches lengths of up to two feet . With colors rove from olive green to brown , it adapts well to various environs , include grassland , marshes , and riparian areas . Non - venomous and teachable , it primarily prey on amphibian , fish , and small mammals .
Patch-Nosed Snake
The Patch - Nosed Snake , scientifically known as Salvadora hexalepis , is asnake speciesfound in Arizona ’s desert habitats . Identified by its distinctive patch - corresponding nock on its nozzle , it typically reaches lengths of up to three feet . With gloss ranging from light-headed gray to embrown , it blends well with its arenaceous surround . It is non - venomous and gentle ; it primarily feeds on lizard and little rodents .
Mountain King Snake
The Mountain King Snake , scientifically known as Lampropeltis pyromelana , is a captivatingsnake speciesfound in Arizona ’s mountainous region . Identified by its vibrant colour , featuring red , opprobrious , and ointment bands , it resemble the venomous Coral snake in the grass , providing protection from vulture . Non - venomous and docile , it in the main feed on small gnawer and other snakes .
Arizona Milk Snake
The Arizona Milk Snake , scientifically known as Lampropeltis Triangle celaenops , is a arresting ophidian species found in Arizona ’s various landscape . Identified by its vivacious crimson , black , and clean band , it closely resembles the deadly Coral Snake , providing protection through mimicry . Non - virulent and docile , it primarily preys on small mammals , bird , and reptiles .
Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake
The Twin - Spotted Rattlesnake , scientifically known as Crotalus pricei , is a venomous pit viper specie found in the deserts of Arizona . It is identified by its unique marker , including twin spots along its body . Despite its vicious nature , it is know for its docile behavior and tendency to avoid confrontations with humans . It is typically found in waterless environments like desert scrubland and rocky areas .
Western Shovelnose Snake
The Western Shovelnose Snake , scientifically known as Chionactis occipitalis , is a non - venomous colubrid specie find in Arizona ’s desert landscape . It support out with its distinctive shovel - shaped snout and svelte torso . Typically give around two feet in length , it displays colour range from unclouded brown to gray , with dark mark along its back . fighting at night , it preys on small reptilian and amphibians . Its home ground includes desert scrublands , sandlike areas , and rocky hillsides .
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake , scientifically known as Crotalus atrox , is one of Arizona ’s most iconic and formidablesnake specie . identify by its large size , classifiable diamond - shaped patterns on its back , and muscular rattling phone , it commands attention in its desert habitat . Growing to lengths of up to five foot , it plays a important role in controlling rodent populations . Despite its venomous nature , it typically obviate showdown with humans .
Coral Snake
The Coral Snake , scientifically acknowledge as Micrurus tener , is a venomous elapid species found in Arizona ’s desert regions . Recognizable by its vivacious ruddy , black , and yellow set , it stand out among the state ’s snake metal money . Due to its reclusive nature , it is often hidden beneath folio litter or burrowed underground . While rarefied , face-off should be approached with cautiousness as their malice is highly potent .
Speckled Rattlesnake
The Speckled Rattlesnake , scientifically known as Crotalus mitchellii , is a captivating Snake River species found in Arizona ’s divers landscape painting . recognize by its distinct dotted pattern and slender body , it typically range from two to three feet in size of it . With color variations let in shades of gray , brown , and olive , it blends seamlessly into its surroundings . Like other rattler , it own venom , making caveat essential when encountering it in the wild .
Southwestern Blackhead Snake
The Southwestern Blackhead Snake , scientifically known as Tantilla hobartsmithi , is an challenging snake coinage aboriginal to Arizona ’s diverse landscape . Recognized by itsblack headand gray body , it typically reaches lengths of around two foot . Preferring rocky home ground with dense vegetation , it is often discover in expanse where it can easily hold back itself . Despite its small size , it contributes to the ecosystem by controlling populations of insects and small vertebrates .
Arizona Ridge-Nosed Rattlesnake
The Arizona Ridge - Nosed Rattlesnake , scientifically have intercourse as Crotalus willardi , is a vicious quarry viper specie native to the southwest United States , including Arizona . It is know by the unique ridge - like scales on its nose , which give it its distinctive name . Typically growing to a distance of two foot , it showcases a variety of colour , including shade of gray , brownish , and pink . Preferring bouldered habitat , it contributes to the biodiversity of Arizona ’s snake universe .
Prairie Rattlesnake
The Prairie Rattlesnake , scientifically referred to as Crotalus viridis , is a venomous pit viper metal money aboriginal to the western United States , include Arizona . It is identified by its unique combination of colors , ramble from shades of brown to green . Growing to a length of three to four feet , it prefers grassy plains and prairie habitat . Despite its deadly nature , it typically avoids opposition with humans .
Northern Blacktail Rattlesnake
The Northern Blacktail Rattlesnake , scientifically known as Crotalus molossus molossus , is a venomous pit viper species native to the southwestern United States , include Arizona . It is recognized by its non-white coloration and decided black tail . develop to a length of three to four metrical unit , it prefers mountainous regions and arena with dense flora . Despite its venomous nature , it typically avoids showdown with humans .
Night Snake
The Night Snake , scientifically referred to as Hypsiglena torquata , is a non - venomous colubrid species found in the southwestern United States , including Arizona . It is name by its smooth weighing machine and unique pattern , often with splotch or bands along the body . develop to a length of one to two understructure , it is chiefly active at nighttime , preying on small rodents and lizards . Its home ground includes rocky expanse , grasslands , and desert scrublands .
Mojave Rattlesnake
The Mojave Rattlesnake , scientifically known as Crotalus scutulatus , is a venomous cavity viper species aboriginal to the southwest United States , include Arizona . It is recognized by its pallid color and classifiable diamond - influence shape on its back . With a distance of three to four feet , it is well - adapted to various home ground , including sandy desert areas and rough hillside . Despite its venomous nature , it typically avoids showdown with humans .
