New Mexico
Snakes in Lea County
18 species have been documented here, 4 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Lea County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Western Diamond-backed RattlesnakeCrotalus atroxVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Western MassasaugaSistrurus tergeminusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Eastern MassasaugaSistrurus catenatusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Every snake recorded in Lea County
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans
Harmless
Plains Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus
Harmless
Long-nosed Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei
Harmless
Checkered Garter Snake
Thamnophis marcianus
Harmless
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
Venomous
Western Massasauga
Sistrurus tergeminus
Venomous
Plains Black-headed Snake
Tantilla nigriceps
Harmless
Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Great Plains Ground Snake
Sonora episcopa
Harmless
Speckled Kingsnake
Lampropeltis holbrooki
Harmless
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Chihuahuan Nightsnake
Hypsiglena jani
Harmless
Ring-necked Snake
Diadophis punctatus
Harmless
Eastern Massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus
Venomous
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Lea County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Lea County, New Mexico?
- Yes. 4 venomous snake species have verified records in Lea County, New Mexico, including Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga, Eastern Massasauga. Most snakes in Lea County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Lea County, New Mexico?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Lea County, New Mexico, of which 4 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Lea County, New Mexico?
- The Prairie Rattlesnake is the most frequently reported snake in Lea County, New Mexico, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Lea 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.