Snakes of Arizona

The iconic snake of the desert south-west, the Western Diamondback is found across all states in the region.  In Arizonait is found in the southern half of the state, from lowland desert areas up into woodlands.

As rattlesnakes go, the Western Diamondback has a bad reputation for being ready to strike.  Personally, the two I came across on my Arizona trip in April 2010 were both very placid - so much so that the first one (upper two photos) I thought was dead!  Perhaps it had just emerged from hibernation and was more interested in basking in the sun.  It didn't even flick its tongue at me, despite me being only around 30cm from it!

The second snake was crawling across a desert road and I stopped the car to rescue it.  It rattled loudly when picked up with a stick but made no effort to strike. Like all snakes I have met, it was far more interestedin getting away, which it did by hiding in a hole by the road and contining to rattle loudly.

That said, bites from this species do kill people and any bite must be treated as a medical emergency.
 

This beautiful snake is an upland species found across much of Arizona, except the north-east of the state.  It is variable in colouration, ranging from bright yellow individuals like this one, to more olive-brown animals.  The solid black tail below the rattle is a constant feature, though.

I was lucky enough to hold this snake while assisting a researcher at the SWRS.  The snake was measured as part of an ongoing study (hence the pen markings on the rattle).  It was a remarkably placid snake but hissed loudly when it was confined in a tube during measuring.  It was very strong indeed and took some holding on to - its girth must have been the size of my wrist.

Like other rattlesnakes, it has potent venom and this species in particular is able to inject a large yield.  Bites must be treated as medical emergencies.
 

This long, slender, very fast snake is common in the south-eastern quarter of the snake, from desert canyons up into montane woodlands.  It is an excellent climber and often preys on birds.

The Sonoran Whipsnake is recognised by the paired white stripes along its sides.  The similar Striped Whipsnake (M.taeniatus) does not occur in southern Arizona and has multiple stripes along its sides.

This attractive, very slender snake is common across southern and western Arizona, where it can be seen in a wide range of habitats, from desert washes to montane woodlands.

It is named for the large, broad single scale on the snout, which it uses to dig up eggs - an important part of its diet.

The very similar Eastern Patch-nosed Snake is found in montane woodlands in the southeastern corner of the state and has solid dark stripes along its body.  The chin scales are also different.

Arizona is home to several range-restircted montane rattlesnakes, of which this is the most widespread.

Its beautiful pattern makes it easy to recognise but also means it is extremely well-camouflaged.  Even the eyes are the colour of the granite terrain it inhabits.  Without the loud rattle, these snakes would often be completely invisible and very easily overlooked.

I was lucky to be shown this snake by a researcher at the SWRS, who was monitoring the snakes as part of an ongoing study (the rattle is pen-marked).

The venom of this species is potent but yields are low, due to the small size of the snake.  Hospital treatment is advisable though.

The Rock Rattlesnake is a protected species in Arizona.

Not the easiest of snakes to photograph, the Coachwhip is a very fast, very alert snake.  I came acros this individual basking in the sun one spring morning and managed these quick photos before it vanished at high speed.

The coachwhip is found across lowland Arizona and exists in two forms - the rarer black one shown here and red-brown patterned form.