Snakes in Sierra 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.

• 
  Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake

  Crotalus ornatus

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

• 
  Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake

  Crotalus molossus

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

• 
  Rock Rattlesnake

  Crotalus lepidus

  ▲ Venomous

  Heavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.

Every snake recorded in Sierra County

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

▲ Venomous

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Black-necked Garter Snake

Thamnophis cyrtopsis

Harmless

Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus ornatus

▲ Venomous

Striped Whipsnake

Masticophis taeniatus

Harmless

Checkered Garter Snake

Thamnophis marcianus

Harmless

Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus molossus

▲ Venomous

Ground Snake

Sonora semiannulata

Harmless

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Rock Rattlesnake

Crotalus lepidus

▲ Venomous

Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans

Harmless

Trans-pecos Ratsnake

Bogertophis subocularis

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus

Harmless

Long-nosed Snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei

Harmless

Texas Lyre Snake

Trimorphodon vilkinsonii

Harmless

Arizona Mountain Kingsnake

Lampropeltis pyromelana

Harmless

Chihuahuan Nightsnake

Hypsiglena jani

Harmless

Desert Kingsnake

Lampropeltis splendida

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Western Patch-nosed Snake

Salvadora hexalepis

Harmless

Plains Black-headed Snake

Tantilla nigriceps

Harmless

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake

Gyalopion canum

Harmless

Plains Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Coast Night Snake

Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus

Harmless

Western Threadsnake

Rena humilis

Harmless

Mexican Hognose Snake

Heterodon kennerlyi

Harmless

Texas Blind Snake

Rena dulcis

Harmless

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Sierra County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Sierra County, New Mexico?

Yes. 5 venomous snake species have verified records in Sierra County, New Mexico, including Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake, Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Sierra County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.

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

30+ snake species have verified records in Sierra County, New Mexico, of which 5 are venomous.

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

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

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Sierra 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.

Nearby counties