New Mexico
Snakes in Torrance County
19 species have been documented here, 5 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Torrance 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.
Western MassasaugaSistrurus tergeminusVenomousStout, dark-blotched body, nine large scales on the crown, and a small rattle.
Eastern Black-tailed RattlesnakeCrotalus ornatusVenomousHeavy 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 Torrance County
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Harmless
Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
Venomous
Eastern Milksnake
Lampropeltis triangulum
Harmless
Lined Snake
Tropidoclonion lineatum
Harmless
Plains Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus
Harmless
Striped Whipsnake
Masticophis taeniatus
Harmless
Western Massasauga
Sistrurus tergeminus
Venomous
Western Milksnake
Lampropeltis gentilis
Harmless
Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Smooth Greensnake
Opheodrys vernalis
Harmless
Long-nosed Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei
Harmless
Black-necked Garter Snake
Thamnophis cyrtopsis
Harmless
Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Crotalus ornatus
Venomous
Western Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Crotalus molossus
Venomous
Plains Black-headed Snake
Tantilla nigriceps
Harmless
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Torrance County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Torrance County, New Mexico?
- Yes. 5 venomous snake species have verified records in Torrance County, New Mexico, including Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga, Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake. Most snakes in Torrance County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Torrance County, New Mexico?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Torrance County, New Mexico, of which 5 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Torrance County, New Mexico?
- The Prairie Rattlesnake is the most frequently reported snake in Torrance County, New Mexico, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Torrance 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.