This Arizona Snake Identification Guide will help you quickly and safely identify common venomous and non-venomous snakes found across the state. Arizona is home to a wide variety of snake species, from harmless desert dwellers to highly venomous rattlesnakes. Correctly identifying a snake is important for safety, wildlife awareness, and conservation. This guide will help you recognize common snakes found in Arizona using key physical features, behavior, habitat, and markings.
How to Identify a Snake Safely
Important safety tips before identification:
- Never try to touch or handle a wild snake
- Keep a safe distance (at least 6–10 feet)
- Use your phone camera zoom instead of approaching
- Remember: most bites happen when people try to kill or move a snake
Key Features Used for Snake Identification
Head Shape
- Triangular head → Often venomous (like rattlesnakes)
- Rounded head → Usually non-venomous (but not always)
Eyes and Pupils
- Vertical, cat-like pupils → Pit vipers (venomous)
- Round pupils → Most non-venomous snakes
Body Patterns and Colors
- Bands, diamonds, blotches, or stripes can help identify species
- Bright red, yellow, and black bands may indicate a coral snake
Tail Features
- Rattle present – Rattlesnake (venomous)
- Thin tail with no rattle – Usually harmless
Identifying Venomous Snakes in Arizona
Arizona has more venomous snake species than any other U.S. state, so proper identification is very important.
Venomous species include:
- Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
- Mojave Rattlesnake
- Sidewinder Rattlesnake
- Black-tailed Rattlesnake
- Arizona Coral Snake
Identifying Non-Venomous Snakes in Arizona
Many Arizona snakes are harmless and beneficial because they control rodents and pests.
Common non-venomous snakes include:
- Gopher Snake
- Kingsnake
- Coachwhip
- Patch-nosed Snake
- Garter Snakes
Habitat Helps Identification
Different snakes prefer different environments:
- Desert areas – Sidewinders, Diamondbacks
- Rocky canyons – Black-tailed Rattlesnakes
- Near water – Garter snakes
- Grasslands – Gopher snakes
What To Do If You See a Snake
- Stay calm
- Back away slowly
- Do NOT try to kill it
- Keep pets and kids away
- Call local wildlife control if it’s inside your home
Common Snake Identification Mistakes
- Thinking all triangular heads mean venomous
- Confusing gopher snakes with rattlesnakes
- Assuming baby snakes are harmless
- Getting too close for a better look
Final Tip for Safe Identification
When in doubt, treat the snake as venomous and keep your distance. Snakes play an important role in Arizona’s ecosystem, and most will leave humans alone if not disturbed.
How to Use This Arizona Snake Identification Guide
Use this guide as a starting point to narrow down what type of snake you may have seen. Compare physical features, habitat, and behavior, then visit our detailed species guides for accurate identification.
Non-Venomous Snakes in Arizona
If you’ve ever seen a snake in your yard or while walking a trail, chances are it wasn’t dangerous. Most snakes in Arizona are actually non-venomous and prefer to stay away from people.
You’ll often come across species like kingsnakes or gopher snakes, especially in suburban areas. These snakes are helpful—they control rodents and keep the ecosystem balanced.
Explore Non-Venomous Snakes
Venomous Snakes in Arizona
That said, Arizona is also known for its venomous snakes—especially rattlesnakes. These are the ones you need to recognize and respect.
They usually give a warning (like a rattle sound), and most bites happen when people accidentally get too close. Learning how to identify them can make a big difference when you’re outdoors.
View Venomous Snake Guide