Colorado
Snakes in Mesa County
13 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Mesa County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Western RattlesnakeCrotalus oreganusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Mesa County
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless
Striped Whipsnake
Masticophis taeniatus
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Great Plains Ratsnake
Pantherophis emoryi
Harmless
North American Racer
Coluber constrictor
Harmless
Western Rattlesnake
Crotalus oreganus
Venomous
Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless
Western Milksnake
Lampropeltis gentilis
Harmless
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Southwestern Blackhead Snake
Tantilla hobartsmithi
Harmless
Western Ribbon Snake
Thamnophis proximus
Harmless
Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Mesa County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Mesa County, Colorado?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Mesa County, Colorado, including Western Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Mesa County, Colorado, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Mesa County, Colorado?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Mesa County, Colorado, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Mesa County, Colorado?
- The Gopher Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Mesa County, Colorado, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Mesa County, Colorado?
- Keep your distance and do not try to catch or kill it. Most bites happen when people handle or corner a snake. If someone is bitten, contact local emergency services or poison control immediately.