Snakes in Bernalillo 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 Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

  Crotalus atrox

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake

  Crotalus ornatus

  ▲ 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.

• 
  Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake

  Crotalus molossus

  ▲ Venomous

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

Every snake recorded in Bernalillo County

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

▲ Venomous

Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans

Harmless

Striped Whipsnake

Masticophis taeniatus

Harmless

Long-nosed Snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei

Harmless

Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus

Harmless

Plains Black-headed Snake

Tantilla nigriceps

Harmless

Plains Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus

Harmless

Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus ornatus

▲ Venomous

Western Massasauga

Sistrurus tergeminus

▲ Venomous

Lined Snake

Tropidoclonion lineatum

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Plains Garter Snake

Thamnophis radix

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Texas Blind Snake

Rena dulcis

Harmless

Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus molossus

▲ Venomous

Great Plains Ratsnake

Pantherophis emoryi

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Black-necked Garter Snake

Thamnophis cyrtopsis

Harmless

Desert Kingsnake

Lampropeltis splendida

Harmless

Chihuahuan Nightsnake

Hypsiglena jani

Harmless

Western Milksnake

Lampropeltis gentilis

Harmless

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake

Gyalopion canum

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Red Cornsnake

Pantherophis guttatus

Harmless

Checkered Garter Snake

Thamnophis marcianus

Harmless

Ball Python

Python regius

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Bernalillo County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Bernalillo County, New Mexico?

Yes. 5 venomous snake species have verified records in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, including Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga. Most snakes in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.

How many snake species live in Bernalillo County, New Mexico?

30+ snake species have verified records in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, of which 5 are venomous.

What is the most commonly seen snake in Bernalillo County, New Mexico?

The Gopher Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Bernalillo County, New Mexico?

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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