Snakes in Otero County

• 
  Prairie Rattlesnake

  Crotalus viridis

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

• 
  Western Massasauga

  Sistrurus tergeminus

  ▲ Venomous

  Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.

Every snake recorded in Otero County

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans

Harmless

Plains Garter Snake

Thamnophis radix

Harmless

Great Plains Ground Snake

Sonora episcopa

Harmless

Plains Black-headed Snake

Tantilla nigriceps

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Plains Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus

Harmless

Ground Snake

Sonora semiannulata

Harmless

Common Watersnake

Nerodia sipedon

Harmless

Long-nosed Snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei

Harmless

Chihuahuan Nightsnake

Hypsiglena jani

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Lined Snake

Tropidoclonion lineatum

Harmless

Great Plains Ratsnake

Pantherophis emoryi

Harmless

Black-necked Garter Snake

Thamnophis cyrtopsis

Harmless

Speckled Kingsnake

Lampropeltis holbrooki

Harmless

Western Massasauga

Sistrurus tergeminus

▲ Venomous

Western Milksnake

Lampropeltis gentilis

Harmless

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Otero County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Otero County, Colorado?

Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Otero County, Colorado, including Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga. Most snakes in Otero County, Colorado, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Otero County, Colorado?

20+ snake species have verified records in Otero County, Colorado, of which 2 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Otero County, Colorado?

The Prairie Rattlesnake is the most frequently reported snake in Otero County, Colorado, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Otero 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.

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