New Mexico
Snakes in Luna County
25 species have been documented here, 5 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Luna County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Western Diamond-backed RattlesnakeCrotalus atroxVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Eastern Black-tailed RattlesnakeCrotalus ornatusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Rock RattlesnakeCrotalus lepidusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Western Black-tailed RattlesnakeCrotalus molossusVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Luna County

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
Venomous

Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous

Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless

Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans
Harmless

Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless

Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Crotalus ornatus
Venomous

Checkered Garter Snake
Thamnophis marcianus
Harmless

Long-nosed Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei
Harmless

Mexican Hognose Snake
Heterodon kennerlyi
Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless

Desert Kingsnake
Lampropeltis splendida
Harmless

Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless

Striped Whipsnake
Masticophis taeniatus
Harmless

Rock Rattlesnake
Crotalus lepidus
Venomous

Plains Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus
Harmless

Western Patch-nosed Snake
Salvadora hexalepis
Harmless

Chihuahuan Nightsnake
Hypsiglena jani
Harmless

Ground Snake
Sonora semiannulata
Harmless

Black-necked Garter Snake
Thamnophis cyrtopsis
Harmless

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake
Gyalopion canum
Harmless

Plains Black-headed Snake
Tantilla nigriceps
Harmless

Texas Lyre Snake
Trimorphodon vilkinsonii
Harmless

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless

Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Crotalus molossus
Venomous

Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Luna County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Luna County, New Mexico?
- Yes. 5 venomous snake species have verified records in Luna County, New Mexico, including Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake, Rock Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Luna County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Luna County, New Mexico?
- 20+ snake species have verified records in Luna County, New Mexico, of which 5 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Luna County, New Mexico?
- The Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake is the most frequently reported snake in Luna County, New Mexico, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Luna 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.