Snakes in Socorro 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.

• 
  Rock Rattlesnake

  Crotalus lepidus

  ▲ 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 Massasauga

  Sistrurus tergeminus

  ▲ Venomous

  Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.

• 
  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.

• 
  Eastern Massasauga

  Sistrurus catenatus

  ▲ Venomous

  Stout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.

Every snake recorded in Socorro County

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

▲ Venomous

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans

Harmless

Desert Kingsnake

Lampropeltis splendida

Harmless

Long-nosed Snake

Rhinocheilus lecontei

Harmless

Plains Black-headed Snake

Tantilla nigriceps

Harmless

Rock Rattlesnake

Crotalus lepidus

▲ Venomous

Striped Whipsnake

Masticophis taeniatus

Harmless

Common Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Harmless

Checkered Garter Snake

Thamnophis marcianus

Harmless

Black-necked Garter Snake

Thamnophis cyrtopsis

Harmless

Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus ornatus

▲ Venomous

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus

Harmless

Western Massasauga

Sistrurus tergeminus

▲ Venomous

Plains Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus molossus

▲ Venomous

Chihuahuan Nightsnake

Hypsiglena jani

Harmless

Texas Blind Snake

Rena dulcis

Harmless

Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake

Gyalopion canum

Harmless

Ground Snake

Sonora semiannulata

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Southwestern Blackhead Snake

Tantilla hobartsmithi

Harmless

Western Patch-nosed Snake

Salvadora hexalepis

Harmless

Great Plains Ratsnake

Pantherophis emoryi

Harmless

Eastern Massasauga

Sistrurus catenatus

▲ Venomous

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Socorro County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Socorro County, New Mexico?

Yes. 7 venomous snake species have verified records in Socorro County, New Mexico, including Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Prairie Rattlesnake, Rock Rattlesnake, Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Socorro County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.

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

30+ snake species have verified records in Socorro County, New Mexico, of which 7 are venomous.

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

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

What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Socorro 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