Snakes in Chaves County

• 
  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.

• 
  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.

• 
  Eastern Massasauga

  Sistrurus catenatus

  ▲ Venomous

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

Every snake recorded in Chaves County

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

▲ Venomous

Western Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis proximus

Harmless

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans

Harmless

Plains Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus

Harmless

Long-nosed Snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei

Harmless

Western Massasauga

Sistrurus tergeminus

▲ Venomous

Checkered Garter Snake

Thamnophis marcianus

Harmless

Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus

Harmless

Plains Black-headed Snake

Tantilla nigriceps

Harmless

Great Plains Ratsnake

Pantherophis emoryi

Harmless

Desert Kingsnake

Lampropeltis splendida

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Chihuahuan Nightsnake

Hypsiglena jani

Harmless

Red Cornsnake

Pantherophis guttatus

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Texas Blind Snake

Rena dulcis

Harmless

Black-necked Garter Snake

Thamnophis cyrtopsis

Harmless

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake

Gyalopion canum

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Great Plains Ground Snake

Sonora episcopa

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Striped Whipsnake

Masticophis taeniatus

Harmless

Speckled Kingsnake

Lampropeltis holbrooki

Harmless

Eastern Massasauga

Sistrurus catenatus

▲ Venomous

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Chaves County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Chaves County, New Mexico?

Yes. 4 venomous snake species have verified records in Chaves County, New Mexico, including Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga, Eastern Massasauga. Most snakes in Chaves County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.

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

20+ snake species have verified records in Chaves County, New Mexico, of which 4 are venomous.

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

The Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake is the most frequently reported snake in Chaves County, New Mexico, based on verified wildlife observations.

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Chaves 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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