New Mexico
Snakes in Valencia County
19 species have been documented here, 5 of them venomous.
Venomous snakes in Valencia 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 MassasaugaSistrurus catenatusVenomousStout, 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.
Every snake recorded in Valencia County
Prairie Rattlesnake
Crotalus viridis
Venomous
Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans
Harmless
Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
Venomous
Western Massasauga
Sistrurus tergeminus
Venomous
Gopher Snake
Pituophis catenifer
Harmless
Desert Kingsnake
Lampropeltis splendida
Harmless
Common Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis
Harmless
Common Coachwhip
Masticophis flagellum
Harmless
Pine Snake
Pituophis melanoleucus
Harmless
Plains Black-headed Snake
Tantilla nigriceps
Harmless
Long-nosed Snake
Rhinocheilus lecontei
Harmless
Eastern Kingsnake
Lampropeltis getula
Harmless
Plains Hognose Snake
Heterodon nasicus
Harmless
Checkered Garter Snake
Thamnophis marcianus
Harmless
Chihuahuan Nightsnake
Hypsiglena jani
Harmless
Black-necked Garter Snake
Thamnophis cyrtopsis
Harmless
Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake
Gyalopion canum
Harmless
Eastern Massasauga
Sistrurus catenatus
Venomous
Eastern Black-tailed Rattlesnake
Crotalus ornatus
Venomous
Compiled from verified GBIF & iNaturalist observations. Informational only.
Snakes in Valencia County: FAQ
- Are there venomous snakes in Valencia County, New Mexico?
- Yes. 5 venomous snake species have verified records in Valencia County, New Mexico, including Prairie Rattlesnake, Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, Western Massasauga, Eastern Massasauga. Most snakes in Valencia County, New Mexico, however, are harmless.
- How many snake species live in Valencia County, New Mexico?
- 10+ snake species have verified records in Valencia County, New Mexico, of which 5 are venomous.
- What is the most commonly seen snake in Valencia County, New Mexico?
- The Prairie Rattlesnake is the most frequently reported snake in Valencia County, New Mexico, based on verified wildlife observations.
- What should I do if I see a venomous snake in Valencia 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.