Know the dangerous ones
Venomous snakes in Lea County, New Mexico
5 venomous snake species have verified records in Lea County. Learn to recognize each one, and know what to do if you are bitten.
Field entries
Crotalus viridis Prairie RattlesnakeVenomousCrotalus viridis
How to identify
Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Often seenFull profile →
Crotalus atrox Western Diamond-backed RattlesnakeVenomousCrotalus atrox
How to identify
Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Occasionally seenFull profile →
Sistrurus tergeminus Western MassasaugaVenomousSistrurus tergeminus
How to identify
Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Occasionally seenFull profile →
Sistrurus catenatus Eastern MassasaugaVenomousSistrurus catenatus
How to identify
Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Rarely seenFull profile →
Crotalus ornatus Eastern Black-tailed RattlesnakeVenomousCrotalus ornatus
How to identify
Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Rarely seenFull profile →
Looking for all snakes here, not just the venomous ones? See all snakes in Lea County.