New Mexico’s diverse landscapes host a rich variety of snake species. Understanding these often-misunderstood reptiles, their behaviors, and habitats fosters coexistence and helps distinguish between venomous and non-venomous types, promoting safety and appreciation.
New Mexico’s Venomous Snakes
New Mexico is home to eight species of venomous snakes, with seven being rattlesnakes and one coral snake. Identifying these species is crucial for safety, as their bites can necessitate immediate medical attention. Most rattlesnakes in New Mexico possess a triangular-shaped head, wider at the back than the neck, and heat-sensing pits located between their nostrils and eyes.
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is New Mexico’s most frequently sighted and largest rattlesnake, often reaching 4 to 6 feet. It has gray-brown coloration with dark diamond patterns and distinctive black and white tail banding, earning it the nickname “coon-tail.” This species inhabits flat plains and rocky canyons across much of the state, from grassland deserts to pine-oak forests.
The Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus), found in extreme southern New Mexico’s desert or low grassland habitats, is typically greenish-gray or olive green with a white belly, reaching 24 to 48 inches. Its venom is highly potent.
The widespread Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) inhabits various New Mexico habitats, from grassland desert to pine-oak forest. They are often greenish-gray or pale brown, with light-colored tail rings that darken with age.
The Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) inhabits southwestern and central New Mexico, primarily in rocky, mountainous areas. Its coloration is typically greenish or steel gray, but can also be sulfur yellow or rust, with a distinct dark brown or black tail.
The Desert Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii) is a smaller, stout rattlesnake, 18 to 30 inches long, found in desert grasslands across southern, central, and eastern New Mexico. It can be black, brown, or tan with small dark spots.
The New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi obscurus) is a protected species with a limited range in the southeastern part of the state. These snakes are usually gray, sandy-gray, reddish-gray, or brownish-gray, with light-colored bands, small brown spots, and a distinct ridge along their nose.
The Sonoran Coral Snake (Micruroides euryxanthus), New Mexico’s only coral snake, is found in extreme southwestern Catron and western Hidalgo and Grant counties. This slender, small snake, 13 to 21 inches long, is identified by bright, alternating broad rings of red and black, separated by narrower white or yellow rings, encircling its body. Its head is black. A common mnemonic to distinguish it from non-venomous mimics is “red touches yellow, kill a fellow.” While its venom is potent, it rarely bites, and its small mouth and fangs make envenomation less likely than with rattlesnakes.
Common Non-Venomous Snakes
New Mexico hosts a wide variety of non-venomous snakes, commonly encountered and beneficial to the environment. They help control rodent and insect populations, contributing to ecological balance. Distinguishing them from venomous species is important, as most snake encounters involve harmless types.
Garter snakes (Thamnophis species) are common non-venomous snakes in New Mexico, often found near water. Several species inhabit the state:
Terrestrial Garter Snakes (Thamnophis elegans) are highly variable, often displaying three stripes (yellow, orange, or white) along their brownish or greenish bodies, reaching 18 to 41 inches. They feed on slugs, worms, and small amphibians.
Plains Garter Snakes (Thamnophis radix) are typically gray-green with a distinct orange back stripe and greenish-yellow side stripes, averaging 36 inches.
Black-necked Garter Snakes (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) are often dark olive with an orange-yellow dorsal stripe and yellow to white lateral stripes, growing up to 42 inches. They consume frogs, toads, and fish.
Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis species) are common non-venomous snakes known for preying on other snakes, including venomous ones.
The Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) is native to New Mexico, characterized by its glossy black or dark brown body speckled with off-white or yellow, typically 3 to 4 feet long. They feed on rodents, lizards, and other snakes, often found near water.
The California Kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae), also found in New Mexico, is typically black and white banded, 24 to 51 inches long. These secretive, nocturnal snakes prey on rodents, lizards, birds, and other snakes.
The Gray-banded Kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna) inhabits rocky, desert habitats of southeastern New Mexico. This medium-sized snake, reaching about 1.2 meters, is gray with black and orange banding and primarily consumes lizards and small rodents.
Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi), a gopher snake subspecies, are among North America’s longest snakes, reaching up to 8 feet. They are heavy-bodied with a yellow or brown base, reddish blotches, and black tail bands. Common throughout New Mexico, they mimic rattlesnakes by flattening their heads and vibrating their tails when threatened. These powerful constrictors primarily eat rodents, making them effective pest controllers.
Coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum) are slender, fast-moving snakes, 50 to 72 inches long. Their coloration varies widely, including tan, gray, pinkish, or black, with possible stripes or blotches. Found in diverse habitats, they actively hunt lizards, rodents, and other snakes.
Where Snakes Live in New Mexico
New Mexico’s diverse geography, from arid deserts to high-altitude forests, supports a wide array of snake habitats. Snake distribution is tied to temperature, water availability, and suitable shelter and prey, allowing different species to thrive across various ecological zones.
Desert and grassland areas, especially in southern and eastern New Mexico, host many snake species. These sandy flats, rocky outcrops, and sparsely vegetated areas offer basking spots and cover. Species like the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and Desert Massasauga are common here. As ectotherms, snakes seek shade during hot periods and bask in cooler temperatures to regulate body heat.
As elevation increases, New Mexico’s landscape transitions into woodlands and forests, including pine-oak and conifer forests. These areas support various snake populations, such as the Prairie Rattlesnake and certain kingsnake species. Snakes in these higher, cooler environments may exhibit different activity patterns, often being more active during daylight hours or warmer weather.
Rocky Areas
Rocky areas, characterized by boulders, rock crevices, and canyons, are particularly favored by many species for shelter, hibernation sites, and hunting grounds. Black-tailed Rattlesnakes and Gray-banded Kingsnakes, for instance, are often associated with such rugged terrain.
Water sources, even in arid regions, are significant for snake distribution. Riparian corridors, streams, lakes, ponds, and artificial stock tanks attract snakes seeking hydration and prey like amphibians. Garter snakes and some kingsnakes are frequently found near these aquatic environments, highlighting water’s importance in supporting snake biodiversity.
Living Safely Around Snakes
Coexisting safely with snakes in New Mexico requires understanding their behavior and taking precautions. Snakes are generally not aggressive and prefer to avoid human contact; bites usually occur when a snake feels threatened or provoked. Awareness and respect are key to preventing encounters and responding appropriately.
Preventing snake encounters involves maintaining an organized outdoor environment and taking precautions:
Remove potential hiding spots around homes, such as tall grass, debris piles, and wood stacks.
Seal cracks and crevices in foundations, doors, and windows to prevent snakes from entering homes.
Wear protective clothing like long pants and closed-toe shoes or boots when outdoors, especially in snake-prone areas. Hikers might consider snake-proof gaiters.
If you encounter a snake, remain calm and give it space. Back away slowly, maintaining 6 to 10 feet distance. Do not provoke, capture, or handle the snake, even if it appears dead, as recently killed snakes can still bite. If a snake is in a residential area, contact local animal control or a snake relocation expert for professional removal.
In the event of a snakebite, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number and the New Mexico Poison Center. While awaiting transport, keep the bitten limb still and at or slightly below heart level to slow venom spread. Remove constricting items like jewelry or tight clothing from the affected area due to potential swelling. Do not attempt to suck out venom, apply ice, use a tourniquet, or cut the wound, as these are ineffective and can cause harm. Antivenom is the only definitive treatment for venomous snakebites.