Snakes in Nevada: Beyond Glitz & Slither

As you might already know, Nevada has its fair share of slithering reptiles just waiting to be discovered. In fact, there are 23 different species that call this desert landscape their home.

From the venomous rattlesnakes to the non-venomous gopher snakes, there’s quite an array of these fascinating creatures in the Silver State. And here’s a fun fact, most of them are actually harmless to humans!

So, are you ready for an incredible adventure through the world of Nevada snakes? Let’s dive right in and get to know these amazing reptiles!

#	Name	Details	Image
1	Coachwhip Snake (Masticophis flagellum)	Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) Color: Variety of colors, including tan, brown, pink, and black Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and woodlands Behaviour: Diurnal and fast-moving
2	Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans)	Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) Color: Gray or brown with dark blotches Habitat: Desert, grassland, and scrub habitats Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
3	Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer)	Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) Color: Yellow, brown, or cream with dark spots Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas Behaviour: Diurnal and burrow-dwelling
4	Great Basin Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola)	Size: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) Color: Yellowish or pale brown with dark blotches Habitat: Semi-arid deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas Behaviour: Diurnal and burrowing
5	Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus)	Size: Up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) Color: Brown or gray with brown blotches Habitat: Desert, rocky areas, and woodlands Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
6	Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula)	Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) Color: Black or dark brown with white or yellow bands Habitat: Various habitats, including forests, grasslands, and deserts Behaviour: Nocturnal, terrestrial, and good climbers
7	Long-Nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei)	Size: Up to 30 – 52 inches (76 – 132 cm) Color: Black or brown with red, cream, or white bands Habitat: Semi-arid or desert areas, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky terrain Behaviour: Nocturnal, terrestrial, and non-aggressive
8	Mojave Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes)	Size: Up to 2.5 feet (76 centimeters) Color: Light brown or sandy beige with dark bands Habitat: Desert environments, sandy and rocky areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and sidewinding locomotion
9	Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus)	Size: 24-54 inches (61-137 cm) Color: Light brown or greenish with diamond-shaped patterns Habitat: Desert, scrublands, and grasslands Behaviour: Nocturnal, aggressive when threatened
10	Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi)	Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) Color: Gray, light brown, or pinkish with dark brown diamond-shaped markings Habitat: Desert and mountainous areas, rocky habitats Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
11	Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)	Size: 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters) Color: Gray or dark brown with yellow or orange ring around the neck Habitat: Forests, grasslands, and urban areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and secretive, often hiding under rocks or logs
12	Smith’s Black-Headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi)	Size: Up to 10-20 inches (25-51 cm) Color: Black head with a yellow, orange, or reddish body Habitat: Grasslands, shrublands, deserts, and forests Behaviour: Diurnal and secretive
13	Sonoran Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon lambda)	Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) Color: Gray or brown with dark, saddle-like bands Habitat: Deserts, rocky canyons, and shrublands Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
14	Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii)	Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) Color: Gray or brown with dark speckles Habitat: Rocky habitats, including deserts, canyons, and mountains Behaviour: Nocturnal, ambush predator
15	Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus)	Size: Up to 20 inches (50 centimeters) Color: Tan or pale gray with dark spots Habitat: Desert scrublands and sandy areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and burrowing
16	Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.83 meters) Color: Black, green or blue with yellowish stripes Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas Behaviour: Fast-moving, diurnal, and ground-dwelling
17	Wandering Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans)	Size: Up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) Color: Black or dark green with yellow-white stripes Habitat: Meadows, grasslands, and woodlands near water sources Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
18	Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)	Size: Up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) Color: Gray-brown or pinkish-brown with diamond-shaped patterns Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and scrublands Behaviour: Nocturnal and terrestrial
19	Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata)	Size: Up to 20 inches (51 cm) Color: Brown, reddish, or gray with wide bands Habitat: Desert, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and secretive
20	Western Patch-Nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis)	Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) Color: Light brown or gray with dark brown or black spots Habitat: Deserts, grasslands, and shrublands Behaviour: Diurnal and terrestrial
21	Western Shovelnose Snake (Tropidechis carinatus)	Size: Up to 50 cm (20 inches) Color: Light brown with darker bands Habitat: Arid or semi-arid habitats, including sandy and rocky areas Behaviour: Nocturnal and fossorial
22	Western Threadsnake (Leptotyphlops humilis)	Size: Up to 10.6 inches (27 cm) Color: Uniform dark brown or pinkish Habitat: Desert regions and dry grasslands Behaviour: Nocturnal and burrows in loose soil
23	Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris)	Size: Up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) Color: Olive green to blue-gray dorsally and bright yellow on the ventral side Habitat: Grasslands, forests, and scrublands Behaviour: Diurnal, actively foraging

23 Snakes You Can Find in Nevada

In the state of Nevada, a fascinating array of serpents can be found slithering through its diverse landscapes. From venomous to harmless, each species has its unique story to tell. Below, we’ll explore the wonders of these often misunderstood creatures of Nevada, from their natural habitats and behaviors to the challenges they face in our changing world.

1. Coachwhip Snake

The Coachwhip Snake, scientifically known as Masticophis flagellum, is a swift, diurnal serpent native to deserts, grasslands, and woodlands. Growing up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) long, this non-venomous snake displays a variety of colors, from tan, brown, pink, to black. As adept hunters, Coachwhip Snakes primarily feed on lizards, small mammals, and birds. Mating leads to egg clutches ranging from 3-15. Despite their striking appearance, their conservation status remains classified as least concern.

2. Glossy Snake

The Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) is a non-venomous, nocturnal reptile found in desert, grassland, and scrub habitats across North America. Measuring up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length, this resident of Nevada boasts a gray or brown coloration with dark blotches. As a terrestrial creature, the Glossy Snake feeds on small mammals, lizards, and other snakes, and reproduces by laying egg clutches of 3 to 12. With a conservation status of ‘least concern’, it continues to thrive in its native regions.

3. Gophersnake

The Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) is a non-venomous snake species measuring up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) in length. They exhibit yellow, brown, or cream-colored scales with dark spots. Gophersnakes thrive in various habitats such as deserts, grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas. These diurnal, burrow-dwelling reptiles primarily feed on mammals, birds, eggs, and other reptiles. Gophersnakes reproduce through laying egg clutches, consisting of 2-24 eggs. Currently, they have a conservation status of least concern.

4. Great Basin Gophersnake

The Great Basin Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola) is a non-venomous reptile that can grow up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) in length. It has a yellowish or pale brown color, adorned with dark blotches. This diurnal and burrowing snake primarily inhabits semi-arid deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas. Its diet consists of rodents, birds, and eggs. During reproduction, females lay egg clutches of 3-11 offspring. The species is currently considered of least concern in terms of conservation status.

5. Great Basin Rattlesnake

The Great Basin Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus) is a venomous snake that can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length. Its coloration is brown or gray with brown blotches, providing excellent camouflage in its desert, rocky, and woodland habitats. This nocturnal and terrestrial species primarily feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It reproduces by laying eggs in clutches of 4-21. Despite being venomous, its conservation status is listed as least concern.

6. Kingsnake

The Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) is a strikingly banded reptile found in various habitats, such as forests, grasslands, and deserts. Measuring up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length, they feature black or dark brown scales contrasted by white or yellow bands. As nocturnal, terrestrial creatures, Kingsnakes are also adept climbers. Their diet consists of rodents, birds, lizards, and other snakes. Though non-venomous, their reproduction entails laying 3-24 eggs per clutch. Their conservation status is currently least concern.

7. Long-Nosed Snake

The Long-Nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) is a non-venomous reptile that reaches lengths of 30-52 inches (76-132 cm). Its distinct black or brown coloration features red, cream, or white bands. Commonly found in semi-arid or desert areas, grasslands, scrublands, and rocky terrain, this nocturnal creature is terrestrial, non-aggressive, and primarily feeds on rodents, lizards, and small mammals. Long-nosed snakes reproduce by laying clutches of 3-10 eggs, and their conservation status is listed as least concern.

8. Mojave Desert Sidewinder

The Mojave Desert Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) is a venomous snake found in desert environments, including sandy and rocky areas of Nevada. Reaching up to 2.5 feet (76 cm) in length and sporting a light brown or sandy beige color with dark bands, this nocturnal snake uses sidewinding locomotion for movement. Its diet consists of lizards, small rodents, and sometimes small birds. The Sidewinder is oviparous, laying eggs in clutches of 4-25. Its venom contains neurotoxic and hemotoxic components, but the snake is currently of least concern when it comes to conservation status.

9. Mojave Rattlesnake

The Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) is a highly venomous snake native to desert, scrublands, and grasslands of America. Measuring 24-54 inches (61-137 cm) in length, it boasts a light brown or greenish color with distinct diamond-shaped patterns. This nocturnal species feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and displays aggressive behavior when threatened. Mojave Rattlesnakes are live-bearing, producing 2-17 offspring per litter. Their potent venom contains both neurotoxic and hemotoxic components. Despite their deadly reputation, their conservation status is of least concern.

10. Panamint Rattlesnake

The Panamint Rattlesnake (Crotalus stephensi) is a venomous snake found in desert and mountainous regions, thriving in rocky habitats. Measuring up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length, its coloration ranges from gray, light brown, to pinkish with dark brown diamond-shaped markings. As nocturnal and terrestrial predators, their diet consists of rodents, small mammals, and lizards. These ovoviviparous reptiles produce 5-12 live offspring, equipped with potent hemotoxic venom. Currently, their conservation status is listed as least concern.

11. Ringneck Snake

The Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) is a small, mildly venomous serpent, measuring 12-15 inches (30-38 centimeters) in length. Exhibiting a gray or dark brown coloration with a distinct yellow or orange ring around its neck, this species prefers habitats including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. As nocturnal, secretive creatures, Ringneck Snakes are found hiding under rocks or logs, feeding on small invertebrates such as insects, worms, and slugs. Reproducing by laying 3-10 eggs per clutch, this snake is presently classified as least concern in terms of conservation status.

12. Smith’s Black-Headed Snake

Smith’s Black-Headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi) is a small, slender reptile measuring 10-20 inches (25-51 cm) in length. Distinguished by its black head and vibrant yellow, orange, or reddish body, it inhabits various ecosystems, including grasslands, shrublands, deserts, and forests. As a diurnal and secretive creature, it preys on centipedes, scorpions, spiders, and insects. The non-venomous snake lays eggs in small clutches and has a conservation status listed as “Least Concern”.

13. Sonoran Lyre Snake

The Sonoran Lyre Snake (Trimorphodon lambda) is a nocturnal and terrestrial reptile that can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length. With gray or brown coloring and distinctive dark bands, this snake inhabits deserts, rocky canyons, and shrublands. Its diet primarily consists of rodents, lizards, and bats. The Sonoran Lyre Snake reproduces by laying eggs in clutches of 2-12. Although it possesses mild venom, it is not harmful to humans. Currently, this species holds a conservation status of least concern.

14. Speckled Rattlesnake

The Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii) is a venomous snake species found in rocky habitats such as deserts, canyons, and mountains. Reaching up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) in size, these snakes have a gray or brown coloration with dark speckles. As nocturnal ambush predators, they primarily feed on rodents, birds, and lizards. Speckled Rattlesnakes are live-bearing, producing 3-7 young per litter. Their venom contains hemotoxins, which can damage tissues and blood vessels. Currently listed as “least concern” in terms of conservation status.

15. Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake

The Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake (Phyllorhynchus decurtatus) is a small, non-venomous reptile, measuring up to 20 inches (50 cm) in size, with a tan or pale gray color and distinctive dark spots. This nocturnal and burrowing creature inhabits desert scrublands and sandy areas, where it actively hunts arthropods like insects and spiders. The species reproduces by laying clutches of 2-5 eggs, and is currently considered of the least concern in terms of conservation status.

16. Striped Whipsnake

The Striped Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) is a long, slender snake measuring up to 6 feet (1.83 meters) in length. Sporting black, green, or blue scales with yellowish stripes, it inhabits deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas of Nevada. As a fast-moving, diurnal creature, it thrives primarily on the ground, preying on lizards, small mammals, birds, and amphibians. Non-venomous in nature, it lays 3-12 eggs in each clutch. The Striped Whipsnake’s conservation status is classified as “least concern.”

17. Wandering Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans vagrans, commonly known as the Wandering Garter Snake, grows up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) and has a black or dark green color with yellow-white stripes. Inhabiting meadows, grasslands, and woodlands near water sources, these diurnal, terrestrial creatures primarily feed on earthworms, amphibians, and fish. The Wandering Garter Snake is a live-bearing species and produces 4-10 offspring, possesses mild venom harmless to humans, and holds a “Least Concern” conservation status.

18. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is a large, gray-brown or pinkish-brown serpent adorned with diamond-shaped patterns. It can grow up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) long, and it inhabits deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. This nocturnal and terrestrial snake primarily preys on rodents, rabbits, and other small mammals. Reproduction involves live birth, yielding 4-25 young in each litter. Its potent hemotoxic venom is a notable characteristic. Fortunately, its conservation status remains at “Least Concern.”

19. Western Ground Snake

The Western Ground Snake (Sonora semiannulata) is a small, non-venomous reptile found in diverse environments, including deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. Measuring up to 20 inches (51 cm) in size, its color varies from shades of brown to reddish or gray with wide bands. A nocturnal and secretive species, their diet consists of insects, arachnids, and small lizards. Reproduction involves laying clutches of 3-5 eggs. At present, the conservation status of this snake is listed as least concern.

20. Western Patch-Nosed Snake

The Western Patch-Nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis) is a non-venomous reptile reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in length. Its light brown or gray coloration features dark brown or black spots, allowing it to blend seamlessly into its desert, grassland, and shrubland habitats. Primarily diurnal and terrestrial, this snake feeds on lizards, small mammals, reptiles, and eggs. During reproduction, females lay egg clutches containing 4-9 eggs. Presently, their conservation status is classified as least concern.

21. Western Shovelnose Snake

The Western Shovelnose Snake (Tropidechis carinatus) is a small, non-venomous reptile reaching up to 50 cm (20 inches) in length. Characterized by its light brown color and dark bands, this nocturnal and fossorial snake can be found in arid or semi-arid habitats of Nevada, including sandy and rocky areas. Feeding primarily on termites, ants, and other insects, the oviparous snake lays 3-8 eggs per clutch. Its conservation status is listed as Least Concern.

22. Western Threadsnake

The Western Threadsnake (Leptotyphlops humilis) is a non-venomous, nocturnal snake species that grows up to 10.6 inches (27 cm) long. Its uniform dark brown or pinkish color aids in camouflage within its desert and dry grassland habitats. Known for burrowing in loose soil, these small creatures primarily feed on ants, termites, and other arthropods. Western Threadsnakes lay eggs in small clutches of two to five and are currently listed under the conservation status of “Least Concern.”

23. Yellow-bellied Racer

The Yellow-bellied Racer (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) is a non-venomous snake that can grow up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) long. It features an olive green to blue-gray back with a bright yellow belly, providing its descriptive common name. These diurnal reptiles inhabit grasslands, forests, and scrublands of Nevada, actively foraging during the day for a diet that includes small mammals, birds, lizards, and invertebrates. As an oviparous species, they lay clutches of 5 to 50 eggs. Currently, their conservation status is listed as Least Concern.

Nearby States:

• Snakes in New Mexico
• Snakes in Oregon

Final Words

All the 23 snakes have truly opened our eyes to the fascinating world of snakes found in Nevada. Who knew there were so many different types of these slithering reptiles, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats?

Not only did we get a chance to learn about some of the more common and well-known species, but we also delved into the lesser-known and often misunderstood ones.

So, the next time you’re out and about in Nevada, keep an eye out for these incredible creatures, and let’s continue to appreciate and protect the diverse wildlife that makes our world so interesting!

How Do Nevada Snakes Compare to Snakes in Pennsylvania in Terms of Behavior and Environment?

Nevada’s snakes tend to favor arid, desert environments, while Pennsylvania’s snakes thrive in more temperate, forested regions. Differences in behavior emerge due to these habitat distinctions. Unraveling pennsylvania snake species mysteries involves understanding how they adapt to colder winters compared to their Nevada counterparts, who cope with extreme heat.

¿Qué oportunidades laborales existen para los cazadores de serpientes en Nevada?

En Nevada, los cazadores de serpientes pueden encontrar oportunidades laborales en el control de plagas, la investigación científica y la industria del cuero. El sueldo de cazadores de serpientes varía según la experiencia y el empleador, pero puede oscilar entre $30,000 y $50,000 al año, dependiendo de la demanda y la ubicación.

Resources:

• NEVADA HISTORICAL SOCIETY QUARTERLY
• Nevada Historical Society Quarterly – IIS Windows Server
• Snake Valley Agreement and Las Vegas Water Use
• Las Vegas in popular culture – Digital Scholarship @UNLV