Know the dangerous ones
Venomous snakes in Otero County, New Mexico
7 venomous snake species have verified records in Otero County. Learn to recognize each one, and know what to do if you are bitten.
Field entries
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.
Often seenFull profile →
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.
Occasionally 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.
Occasionally seenFull profile →
Crotalus scutulatus Mojave RattlesnakeVenomousCrotalus scutulatus
How to identify
Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Occasionally seenFull profile →
Crotalus molossus Western Black-tailed RattlesnakeVenomousCrotalus molossus
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.
Rarely seenFull profile →
Crotalus lepidus Rock RattlesnakeVenomousCrotalus lepidus
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 Otero County.