Snakes in Union County

• 
  Prairie Rattlesnake

  Crotalus viridis

  ▲ Venomous

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

• 
  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.

• 
  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.

Every snake recorded in Union County

Prairie Rattlesnake

Crotalus viridis

▲ Venomous

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Harmless

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

Thamnophis elegans

Harmless

Plains Garter Snake

Thamnophis radix

Harmless

Common Coachwhip

Masticophis flagellum

Harmless

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Harmless

Lined Snake

Tropidoclonion lineatum

Harmless

Texas Blind Snake

Rena dulcis

Harmless

Plains Hognose Snake

Heterodon nasicus

Harmless

Plains Black-headed Snake

Tantilla nigriceps

Harmless

Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

▲ Venomous

Glossy Snake

Arizona elegans

Harmless

North American Racer

Coluber constrictor

Harmless

Western Ribbon Snake

Thamnophis proximus

Harmless

Great Plains Ratsnake

Pantherophis emoryi

Harmless

Rock Rattlesnake

Crotalus lepidus

▲ Venomous

Pine Snake

Pituophis melanoleucus

Harmless

Eastern Kingsnake

Lampropeltis getula

Harmless

Black-necked Garter Snake

Thamnophis cyrtopsis

Harmless

Ground Snake

Sonora semiannulata

Harmless

Eastern Milksnake

Lampropeltis triangulum

Harmless

Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus ornatus

▲ Venomous

Western Massasauga

Sistrurus tergeminus

▲ Venomous

Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.

Snakes in Union County: FAQ

Are there venomous snakes in Union County, New Mexico?

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

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

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

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

The Prairie Rattlesnake is the most frequently reported snake in Union County, New Mexico, based on verified wildlife observations.

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

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