New Mexico
Snakes in Taos County
10 species have been documented here, 2 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Taos County
Full guide & what to do if bitten →
Prairie RattlesnakeCrotalus viridisVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Western Diamond-backed RattlesnakeCrotalus atroxVenomousHeavy body, broad triangular head, vertical (cat-like) pupils, and a segmented keratin rattle at the tail tip.
Every snake recorded in Taos County
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
Harmless
Striped Whipsnake
Masticophis taeniatus
Harmless
Western Milksnake
Lampropeltis gentilis
Harmless
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
Venomous
Great Plains Ratsnake
Pantherophis emoryi
Harmless
Red Cornsnake
Pantherophis guttatus
Harmless
Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Taos County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Taos County, New Mexico?
- Yes. 2 venomous snake species have verified records in Taos County, New Mexico, including Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Taos County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Taos County, New Mexico?
- 10 snake species have verified records in Taos County, New Mexico, of which 2 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Taos County, New Mexico?
- The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake is the most frequently reported snake in Taos County, New Mexico, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Taos 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.