Snakes in Utah

There are 31 different types of snakes in Utah and because of that a lot of people sometimes call it snake country or rattlesnake country. Out of these thirty plus species and subspecie there are both venomous and non-venomous.

They are all considered non-game animals which means that it is illegal to hunt and collect them. Owning a wild snake in Utah is only possible with a special license issued by the state.

Most snakes in Utah aren’t venomous. The ones that are venomous are rattlesnakes – i.e. they have special endings on their tails made of keratin that rattle and serve as a warning sign. The non-venomous snakes of Utah mostly belong to the Colubridae family. Read on to find out more about both!

Snakes in Utah

1. Great Basin Rattlesnake

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Viperidae
• Scientific Name: Crotalus lutosus (Crotalus oreganus lutosus)
• Other Names: Great Basin western rattlesnake
• Adult Size: 26-48 in
• Lifespan: 17 years
• Price Range: N/A 

As the name suggests, the Great Basin rattlesnake inhabits the Great Basin region of southwestern U.S. In Utah, this includes most of the western half of the state. The species comes in a wide variety of colors – gray, brown, olive green, yellowish-brown. It has dark brown or black blotches on its back.

The Great Basin rattlesnake feeds mostly on small animals – amphibians, birds and their eggs, small mammals (usually rodents), as well as other reptiles. Its natural predators are birds of prey – mostly hawks. The species usually inhabits dry areas with little foliage.

Like all other rattlesnakes, the Great Basin rattlesnake is a venomous species. They ambush their prey rather than hunt it. For this, they use their extremely sharp senses – they can smell, judge distances, and even have night vision. They subdue their prey with a bite and eat it whole.

2. Sidewinder

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Viperidae
• Scientific Name: Crotalus cerastes
• Other Names: horned rattlesnake, sidewinder rattlesnake
• Adult Size: 17-30 in
• Lifespan: 5 years
• Price Range: N/A 

This species of rattlesnake got its common name after the way it moves. Unlike most snakes, the sidewinder bends its body in an S shape and moves very quickly sideways. This is a highly effective method of movement on sand which, we’re sure, comes in handy for a snake that lives in desert areas.

Another reason why the sidewinder moves this way is to protect itself from heat. Sand can get pretty hot, but sidewinding ensures that the snake uses only two points of its body at any time to touch the ground.

Another characteristic that makes the sidewinder stand out is its horns (which earned the species its other common name, the horned rattlesnake). These horns are actually raised supraocular (above the eye) scales. Their purpose is to protect the snake’s eyes from sand and the sun.

3. Midget Faded Rattlesnake

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Viperidae
• Scientific Name: Crotalus concolor (Crotalus oreganus concolor)
• Other Names: faded rattlesnake, yellow rattlesnake
• Adult Size: 29 in
• Lifespan: N/A (assumed to be around 18 years)
• Price Range: N/A

Don’t let the small size of the faded rattlesnake fool you – it has the most potent venom of all western rattlesnakes. In fact, it has one of the most potent venoms in all of North America. It has neurotoxic properties, which means that it attacks the nervous system of the prey.

Speaking of prey, the species feeds on small mammals and lizards. Adult specimens usually hunt at night or in the late evening. When they’re still young, however, they tend to hunt during the day because their temperature regulation is still not good enough for nighttime activities.

When a faded rattlesnake feels threatened, its first instinct will be to flee. However, if that isn’t possible, it will try to scare off the predator (or unsuspecting passerby) by raising its head and rattling its tail. If that doesn’t work, the faded rattlesnake won’t hesitate to put up a fight.

4. Mojave Green Rattlesnake

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Viperidae
• Scientific Name: Crotalus scutulatus
• Other Names: Mojave green, Mojave rattlesnake
• Adult Size: 3 ft
• Lifespan: 24 years
• Price Range: N/A

If you thought that the midget faded rattlesnake sounds scary, wait till you meet the Mojave green. Not only is it one of the most venomous rattlesnakes in the world, but it can even deliver venom after it dies! On top of that, the symptoms can take a while to kick in, which can lead a bitten person to falsely believe they are safe.

The Mojave green rattlesnake mostly lives in desert areas and mountain slopes. It prefers places with little vegetation and few rocks. It isn’t a great climber and spends most of its life on the ground. In Utah, it inhabits a small southwestern part of the state.

The species is active in warmer months – from April to September. They mate twice a year – once in spring, and once in late summer. The rest of the year, the Mojave green rattlesnake brumates (i.e. hibernates).

5. Prairie Rattlesnake

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Viperidae
• Scientific Name: Crotalus viridis (Crotalus viridis viridis)
• Other Names: western rattlesnake
• Adult Size: 3.3 ft
• Lifespan: 16-20 years
• Price Range: N/A

The prairie rattlesnake is a large species, usually light brown in color. It has patches of a darker shade on its back. The ventral side (i.e. the belly) ranges from cream-colored to grey. It is practically impossible to tell the males and females apart just by looking at them.

The mating season for prairie rattlesnakes lasts from July until September. However, only about a third of the female population is actually in heat during this period, making reproduction somewhat difficult. The female lays anywhere between 4 and 20 eggs.

The species spends most of its time on land, although it can climb if necessary. During the colder months, the prairie rattlesnake is diurnal (active during the day), but once temperatures get too high, they prefer coming out at night.

6. Hopi Rattlesnake

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Viperidae
• Scientific Name: Crotalus viridis nuntius
• Other Names: Arizona prairie rattlesnake
• Adult Size: 2 ft
• Lifespan: 16-20 years
• Price Range: N/A

The Hopi rattlesnake looks very similar to the previous entry on this list, with the exception of its size. Since both species (or rather, subspecies of the western rattlesnake – crotalus viridis) have very similar geographic distribution, it is likely that interbreeding occasionally happens. All of this makes it practically impossible to distinguish them from one another.

The Hopi rattlesnake is mostly nocturnal. It spends its days hiding from predators and the heat and usually hunts in the early morning when temperatures are still not too high. Like other rattlesnakes, it feeds on small mammals and lizards.

The species is generally not aggressive and will flee if it feels threatened. It may also coil up and rattle its tail as a warning sign. As last resort, it will bite and release a hemotoxic venom – venom that attacks red blood cells. Its venom also has neurotoxic properties. It may also bite without releasing any venom at all.

7. Speckled Rattlesnake

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Viperidae
• Scientific Name: Crotalus mitchellii
• Other Names: Mitchell’s rattlesnake, white rattlesnake
• Adult Size: 24-30 in
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Price Range: N/A 

The speckled rattlesnake got its name after an American physician Silas Weir Mitchell. The species comes in a variety of colors that usually match its surroundings. The back is covered in dark blotches and speckles, while the tail has dark rings.

Just like the prairie rattlesnake, this species is diurnal during colder months and nocturnal during warmer periods. It prefers rocky areas with lots of places to hide. It feeds on small mammals such as mice, as well as birds and lizards.

Mitchell’s rattlesnake can mainly be found in the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. It is common in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California, and it also inhabits a number of islands in the Gulf of California. In Utah, the species is present in the extreme southwestern areas of the state.

8. Rubber Boa

• Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate
• Family: Boidae
• Scientific Name: Charina bottae
• Other Names: coastal rubber boa, northern rubber boa
• Adult Size: 1.5-3ft
• Lifespan: 7.5 years (15-20 in captivity)
• Price Range: $150

The rubber boa has smooth, shiny scales that give off the impression the snake is made of rubber. Not surprisingly, it is also rubbery to the touch. The color varies from tan to brown and gray, while the belly is usually of a lighter shade. Newborn rubber boas are of a pinkish shade.

Unlike most other snake species in the world, rubber boas aren’t crazy about high temperatures. On the other hand, they are known to be able to withstand temperatures as low as 54° F. They spend most of their time hiding in burrows or under rocks and foliage.

Rubber boas are very peaceful and tolerant creatures. They rarely ever strike and generally don’t mind being picked up and handled. This makes them a great pet for beginners. It is also the reason why this species is often used to help people with a fear of snakes overcome their phobia.

9. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Thamnophis elegans
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 18-41 in
• Lifespan: 2 years
• Price Range: $20-$300

The western terrestrial garter snake comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns depending on the subspecies. Although it isn’t considered dangerous to humans, the species technically is venomous. The mild toxin it possesses is enough to subdue smaller prey, such as mice, but will only cause discomfort to humans.

The western terrestrial garter snake is a clumsy hunter (it’s a good thing it has that mild venom or it would probably starve to death). It usually constricts its prey but is not nearly as good at it as other constrictor snakes. It takes a while to actually subdue its dinner.

The subspecies that inhabits Utah is known as the wandering garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) and comes in a variety of patterns. It is usually darker-colored with three lighter stripes running the length of its back.

10. Sonora Mountain Kingsnake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Lampropeltis pyromelana
• Other Names: Arizona mountain kingsnake, Pyro mountain kingsnake, Utah mountain kingsnake
• Adult Size: 3 ft
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Price Range: $185

The Sonora mountain kingsnake is relatively easy to recognize. It has a white-to-yellow snout and a black head. The body is covered in rings that alternate between red and white. There is also a clear black border around the white rings. Aside from its vivid colors, the species has another defense mechanism against predators. It releases a very unpleasant odor.

Kingsnakes (including the Sonora mountain kingsnake) are known for eating other snakes. What’s more, they often feed on venomous snake species because they are completely immune to the venom. Other than snakes, they feed on mammals, lizards, and other small animals. The Sonora king snake subdues its prey by biting and constricting it.

Like many other snake species in Utah, the Arizona kingsnake brumates during winter. While this state is very similar to hibernation, there are differences. In general, brumation isn’t as “deep” of a state as hibernation. For example, if there is an unusually warm day during winter, the snake will actually “wake up”.

11. Striped Whipsnake

• Experience Level: Expert
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Masticophis taeniatus
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 30-72 in
• Lifespan: 20 years
• Price Range: $50

Whip snakes were named after their long and thin bodies that resemble a whip. The striped whipsnake is further characterized by – you guessed it – stripes. Three light-colored lines run the length of its body – one on its back and one on each side. The base color is darker, usually a shade of grey or brown.

The long and thin body allows the whipsnake to move very quickly on various kinds of terrain. The species inhabits shrub- and grasslands, canyons, coniferous and deciduous forests, rocky areas. Basically, the striped whipsnake will live anywhere it can hide and find food.

Speaking of food, the species feeds on reptiles (lizards and other snakes), small mammals (usually rodents), insects, and birds. They will either stalk or ambush their prey and then attack it so quickly that it barely has time to react at all.

12. Night Snake

• Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Hypsiglena torquata
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 12-26 in
• Lifespan: 10 years
• Price Range: $150-$200

Night snakes are usually a light shade of brown or gray with darker saddle-shaped blotches. The triangular head is also of a darker brown shade. The ventral side (the belly) is usually cream-colored to white. Female night snakes can be up to three times longer than males.

The night snake is slightly venomous. It uses this mild toxin to subdue scorpions, lizards, salamanders, and other prey. They may also eat already dead animals. The venom is not considered dangerous to humans.

The night snake hunts during the night, and it spends days hiding from predators. They are a favorite item on the menu of many birds of prey, such as owls and hawks. Other snakes and some nocturnal mammal species may hunt them, too.

13. Desert Night Snake

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Hypsiglena chlorophaea
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 2 ft
• Lifespan: over 10 years
• Price Range: N/A

The desert night snake used to be considered a subspecies of the common night snake but is now classified as a species unto its own (trust us, we’re as confused as you are). It is tan to gray with a series of up to 70 darker blotches. Although female specimens tend to be longer, males have longer tails.

As the name suggests, the species prefers arid climates and areas with lots of rocks they can hide under, which is where they spend their days. At night, they hunt for scorpions, lizards, and other small animals. They often burrow in order to hide and ambush unsuspecting prey.

Much like the common night snake, the desert night snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous to humans. In fact, it’s not even aggressive and most likely won’t try to bite unless harassed. Usually, if it feels threatened, the desert night snake will curl up into a ball.

14. Western Patch-Nosed Snake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Salvadora hexalepis
• Other Names: western patchnose snake
• Adult Size: 20-46 in
• Lifespan: 14 years
• Price Range: N/A

The western patch-nosed snake got its name after a patch-like scale on its nose. The purpose of this large scale is to make digging easier when looking for lizard eggs. The base color is usually pale gray, and there is a thin lighter-colored stripe running along its back.

This is a docile, skittish species, and it is usually active during the day. It mostly stays on the ground, but it can climb if necessary. It prefers semi-arid areas with loose and easy-to-dig soil. In Utah, the western patch-nosed snake is found in the southwest of the state.

The western patch-nosed snake feeds on lizards and their eggs, small mammals, birds, and other smaller animals. It may also feed on other snakes.

15. Long-Nosed Snake

• Experience Level: Expert
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Rhinocheilus lecontei
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 30 in
• Lifespan: 10-19 years
• Price Range: $70

The long-nosed snake has a long snout, which earned it its common name. Its body is covered in a series of red and black bands with thin cream-colored or yellowish lines between them. There are also cream-colored spots inside the black bands.

The species is non-venomous, but encounters with it could still be unpleasant. Not because it bites – it doesn’t. It does, however, release a foul odor whenever it feels threatened. It may also bleed from its cloaca. Yes, you read that right.

The subspecies of the long-nosed snake that lives in Utah is the Texas Long-Nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei tessellatus). It can be distinguished from the other subspecies by its snout, which is sharper and upturned.

16. Western Blind Snake

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Leptotyphlopidae
• Scientific Name: Rena humilis (Leptotyphlops humilis)
• Other Names: western threadsnake, western slender blind snake
• Adult Size: 12 in
• Lifespan: N/A
• Price Range: N/A

The western blind snake is basically a crossover between a snake and a worm (not literally, just in the way it looks). It comes in shades of pink and has a blunt tail and head. Basically, it looks like a large earthworm with a single scale on its head.

And it not only resembles an earthworm, but it often acts like one. The western blind snake burrows and spends most of its time underground. Because the western blind snake doesn’t really need to see anything, it has lost this ability. Actually, its vestigial eyes can only detect light.

The species usually feeds on ants and termites, as well as their eggs and larvae. When it feels threatened, it will coil up and release a smelly substance from its cloaca. Occasionally, it may even play dead.

17. Gopher Snake

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Pituophis catenifer
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 36-84 in
• Lifespan: 15 years
• Price Range: $40 to $750

The gopher snake’s scientific name, catenifer, is a Latin word meaning “chain-carrying”, which is a reference to its dorsal chain-like pattern of a lighter brown base and darker saddle-shaped blotches. The belly is of a yellowish shade and may also have darker markings.

The gopher snake is an excellent actor. When it feels threatened, it will assume the behavior of pit vipers to scare away the predator. This includes assuming the striking pose of a viper, and even striking, although without even opening the mouth. It may also rattle its tail against foliage to convince the predator it is a rattlesnake.

The gopher snake subspecies that can be found in Utah is the Great Basin gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer deserticola). It is great at climbing, swimming, burrowing – you name it, this snake can do it. As you may have guessed, the species mainly feeds on gophers (a type of burrowing rodent), but it will also eat other small animals.

18. Glossy Snake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Arizona elegans
• Other Names: faded snake
• Adult Size: 30-50 in
• Lifespan: 4-18 years
• Price Range: $40-$100

The glossy snake looks very similar to the gopher snake, with one visible difference – the colors on the glossy snake look washed out, earning it its other common name, the faded snake. The two species also exhibit some similar behaviors. The glossy snake will also try to rattle its tail to confuse the predator.

However, unlike the gopher snake, this species doesn’t pretend to strike. It will actually try and bite when it feels threatened. It is also slightly smaller than the gopher snake and has a pointed snout.

The species is, luckily, non-venomous, so although it can inflict a wound, at least it can’t release venom. This is especially important to know since they can occasionally be found hiding in attics and basements.

19. Western Ground Snake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Sonora semiannulata
• Other Names: ground snake, common ground snake, miter snake, variable ground snake
• Adult Size: 9-18 in
• Lifespan: 15 years
• Price Range: N/A

The western ground snake is also known as the variable ground snake because its coloration and patterns vary greatly. It can be brown, reddish, or orange, with darker bands or stripes or without any markings. Its belly is usually white or light gray.

Somewhat of an explanation for such a variety can be found in the taxonomic history of the species. Formerly, five subspecies of the western ground snake were recognized based on their colors and patterns. However, all of these subspecies would interbreed, which has made it impossible to make any sort of distinction among them.

The western ground snake lives in dry, rocky regions where it is easy to burrow and hide. During the night, it comes out to hunt for food. It feeds on spiders, centipedes, crickets, and larvae. It also commonly eats scorpions.

20. Smith’s Black-Headed Snake

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Tantilla hobartsmithi
• Other Names: southwestern black-headed snake, Smith’s blackhead snake
• Adult Size: 8 in
• Lifespan: N/A
• Price Range: N/A

Smith’s black-headed snake was named after zoologist Hobart Smith, who was responsible for describing over 100 species of reptiles and amphibians in America. And this isn’t the only animal named after him. Others include Smith’s earth snake, Smith’s arboreal alligator lizard, Hobart’s anadia lizard, Smith’s anole, and Smith’s rose-bellied lizard.

As you have probably guessed, Smith’s black-headed snake is characterized by a black head (although it may also be dark brown). The rest of the dorsal (back) part of the body is of a lighter shade without any markings. On the belly, however, it has a pink or red stripe running from its head to its tail.

The species is nocturnal and spends a lot of time underground. It feeds on insects that it kills with venomous saliva. This venom, however, is completely harmless to mammals.

21. Western Lyre Snake

• Experience Level: N/A
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Trimorphodon biscutatus
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 3.3ft
• Lifespan: 12 years
• Price Range: N/A

This is a medium-sized species, usually brown, tan, or gray. It has brown saddle-shaped blotches on its back and fairly big eyes. It is native to Mexico, but can also be found as far north as southern Utah and Nevada.

This is a mildly venomous species, and it uses venom to subdue and eat lizards. However, since the venom is not as effective on birds and mammals, the snake may also use constriction to subdue its prey.

Like many other snakes that share their habitat with rattlers, the western lyre snake will often impersonate a rattlesnake to confuse and chase away predators. It will raise its head, “rattle” its tail, and even bite if it feels that it is in danger.

22. Milksnake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Lampropeltis triangulum
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 24in
• Lifespan: 12-20 years
• Price Range: $90-$170

Milksnake is a species of snake belonging to the kingsnake genus. Like most of its other kingsnake cousins, it comes in a combination of three colors of bands – white or cream, black, and red. Some populations may have red blotches instead of bands. There are two subspecies of milksnakes living in Utah – the Utah milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum taylori) and the Central Plains milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis).

Milksnakes feed on a variety of prey, including slugs, worms, and lizards. However, they are known to be opportunistic eaters and won’t turn down almost anything. They are known to eat birds and bird eggs, other snakes (like other kingsnakes, they are immune to snake poison), and amphibians.

Milksnakes are common guests on farms, namely in barns, where they use the dark and somewhat cooler environment to hide during the day. The frequent encounters in barns and stables resulted in a fable that says they feed on cow milk, which is likely how they got their common name. This is, however, completely false.

23. Smooth Green Snake

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Opheodrys vernalis
• Other Names: grass snake
• Adult Size: 14-20in
• Lifespan: 6 years
• Price Range: $65-$100

The smooth green snake has a vivid green color, a lighter belly, and unkeeled scales. But you probably would’ve been able to guess that without us telling you. But this snake isn’t born green. Juveniles are usually either olive-green or a shade of gray until their first shedding. And in case you were wondering, yes, there is also a rough green snake that has keeled scales.

This green color comes from the need to blend in with the environment and hide from predators. Naturally, then, the species inhabits areas with lots of foliage. It feeds on a wide variety of insects, including moths, caterpillars, ants, and spiders, and will also occasionally eat a slug or a snail. It is capable of swallowing its prey whole thanks to its flexible jaw.

The species is generally docile and will rarely try to bite (its first instinct is to flee). Their main threats in terms of predators are birds, some mammals, and even other snakes. Aside from predation, they are also facing the threat of habitat destruction, mainly due to pesticides. Other issues include urbanization, agriculture, and even the recreational activities of humans.

24. Coachwhip

• Experience Level: Expert
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Masticophis flagellum
• Other Names: red racer
• Adult Size: 4-6 ft
• Lifespan: 15 years
• Price Range: $50-$100

Much like its cousin, the Sonoran whipsnake, the coachwhip is a long and slender species resembling a whip. It can move very quickly, which is what earned it its other common nickname, red racer (although the red part is misleading – only one subspecies is actually red).

Coachwhips are active during the day and can endure higher temperatures than most other snakes. They are non-venomous and feed on lizards, snakes, and other small animals. They subdue prey by biting and holding on to it, rather than constricting it.

When they feel threatened, their first instinct is to flee. As the fastest snake species on the continent, they are usually successful at doing so. Although they spend the most time on the ground, coachwhips are good climbers and burrowers, and they can even swim very well.

25. Eastern Racer

• Experience Level: Expert
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Coluber constrictor
• Other Names: black racer
• Adult Size: 20-60 in
• Lifespan: 10 years
• Price Range: $30-$40

The eastern racer is a very fast species – hence the name racer. Speaking of names, its scientific name, Coluber constrictor, is misleading, since this species doesn’t actually constrict its prey, at least not completely. Rather, they coil their bodies once or twice and pin the prey down.

The eastern racer is known to be a somewhat aggressive species. If they feel threatened, they won’t hesitate to strike. There are even occasional reports of the eastern racer attacking people’s pets. It may even chase a human to get them off its territory.

The subspecies of the eastern racer that inhabits Utah is the western yellow-bellied racer, also known as the Mormon racer (Coluber constrictor mormon). It is long and thin and has a distinctive yellow belly. Its back is of a uniform grayish-green color.

26. California Kingsnake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Lampropeltis californiae
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 3-4ft
• Lifespan: 10-15 years (up to 40 in captivity)
• Price Range: $120-$190 

Much like other kingsnakes, the California kingsnake is characterized by a series of bands. However, unlike the previous kingsnakes on our list, the bands on this species come in two colors – one lighter, usually white or tan, and the other one darker, usually brown or black.

The California kingsnake is a relatively common guest in people’s homes. Although it is nonvenomous and generally considered harmless to humans, it won’t hesitate to bite if cornered. So if you happen to run into a California kingsnake, it’s best to leave it alone.

This species is known to have a very strong squeeze, especially in relation to its size. In fact, it can squeeze almost as hard as the much-larger Burmese python. It is believed that this is because its favorite food are reptiles, which generally require less air to survive.

27. Black-Necked Garter Snake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Thamnophis cyrtopsis
• Other Names: blackneck garter snake
• Adult Size: 20 in
• Lifespan: 4 years
• Price Range: $45-50

The black-necked garter snake has a pretty interesting pattern. Its base color is a shade of gray, with darker gray regularly-shaped blotches. There are also three tan or cream-colored lines running the length of its body. On the neck area, there are two bigger dark blotches, earning it its common name.

This is a semi-aquatic species, so it can usually be found near bodies of water. It hunts and feeds on aquatic and semi-aquatic animals, such as fish and amphibians. However, if food is scarce, the black-necked garter snake won’t hesitate to eat some other small animals.

However, the species has also found its place on the menu of a number of predators, including other snakes. To ward these threats off, it can release a foul-smelling anal secretion.

28. Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Phyllorhynchus decurtatus
• Other Names: spotted leafnose snake
• Adult Size: 12-20 in
• Lifespan: N/A
• Price Range: $50

This is a small, pale-colored species with darker spots that tend to be larger in the middle of the back, and smaller on the sides. The belly is much lighter, usually white, and without any markings. The species is easily recognizable by the shape of its snout, which has a large, triangular scale with raised edges.

The species is nocturnal, secretive, and very good at hiding. For this reason, it was falsely believed to be a relatively rare kind of snake until the 1920s. The species lives mainly in sandy areas, where it’s relatively easy to dig using its shovel-like nose. In Utah, this includes the extreme southwestern corner of the state. The spotted leaf-nosed snake feeds primarily on lizards and their eggs.

29. Sonoran Lyre Snake

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Trimorphodon lambda
• Other Names: N/A
• Adult Size: 2.5 ft
• Lifespan: 5 years
• Price Range: $180

Much like other species of lyre snakes, the Sonoran lyre snake is venomous, although its venom is not potent enough to be considered dangerous to humans. However, the bite can cause some unpleasant reactions, including pain, swelling, itching, and numbness. This is especially true if the bitten spot is a small part of the body, such as a finger, which allows the snake to “chew”.

The species is tricolored, with the base color being a shade of tan. The blotches on its back are of a darker tan or brown color with white outlines and centers. There may also be darker outlines within the white ones. In general, the species is perfectly colored to blend in with the rocky environment.

The species is nocturnal and mostly terrestrial, although it can climb very well. It mostly eats lizards, but won’t refuse an occasional mammal, bird, or even another snake.

30. Ring-Necked Snake

• Experience Level: Intermediate
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Diadophis punctatus
• Other Names: ringneck snake
• Adult Size: 10-15 in
• Lifespan: 20 years
• Price Range: $30

If you were starting to get bored of all these brown and gray snakes, we have a treat for you! Well, to be fair, the ring-necked snake is also grey, but it has a little secret. Its underside is of a vivid red-to-yellow shade. It also has a thin ring around its neck of the same color.

Needless to say, this kind of coloration is not random. The gray back helps the snake blend in with the background, making it more difficult to spot. If it does get spotted by a predator, however, the snake will coil up its tail and reveal the lively colors, which serve as a warning sign.

Although the species is venomous, it is believed that venom is there as a feeding aid, rather than a defense mechanism. When hunting, the ring-necked snake will first constrict the prey with its body, and then bite and envenomate it.

31. Great Plains Rat Snake

• Experience Level: Beginner
• Family: Colubridae
• Scientific Name: Pantherophis emoryi
• Other Names: chicken snake, Emory’s coluber, Emory’s pilot snake, Emory’s racer, Emoryi ratsnake
• Adult Size: 3-5 ft
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Price Range: $70-$90

This nonvenomous species got its name after William Hemsley Emory, a surveyor who collected specimens for the Smithsonian. It is usually tan or gray with darker blotches. It also has two lines, one on each side, which meet in the middle of its head, right between the eyes. The belly is black and white with a checkered pattern.

Although nonvenomous, the Great Plains rat snake can be quite aggressive when in danger. This is especially true for males during mating season. They rattle their tails against leaves, imitating rattlesnakes, and they can also release unpleasant odors.

As the name suggests, rat snakes feed mostly on rodents. However, they also enjoy eating birds and their eggs, as well as other snakes and reptiles. They will also occasionally eat a bat. When they’re still young, they often fall prey to foxes, owls, raccoons, and hawks. For adults, the main threat are humans who misidentify them as rattlesnakes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snakes in Utah

Wrapping up

Those were the 31 different types of snakes in Utah. We hope you enjoyed learning about them all.

Snakes in other states

• Snakes in Arizona
• Snakes in Colorado
• Snakes in Idaho
• Snakes in Nevada
• Snakes in New Mexico
• Snakes in Wyoming

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