They can be found on the surface in early Spring and late-night during warmer times. When disturbed this species emits a very strong and foul smelling musk. Their color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark dark brown stripes running the length of the body against a cream or grey base. They're harmless and non-venomous, though if someone were to pick one up it is likely to bite. The presence of a Kingsnake on a property may help deter or eliminate rattlesnakes. (Lampropeltis pyromelana ... Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. Diablo Range Gartersnake Gray: T. a. hydrophilus x T. a. atratus x T. a. zaxanthus Intergrades Dark Blue: T. a. atratus x T. a. zaxanthus intergrades: Red: Thamnophis couchii - Sierra Gartersnake : Terrestrial Gartersnake: Giant Gartersnake: Two-striped Gartersnake: Red: Thamnophis elegans elegans - Mountain Gartersnake Purple: Thamnophis elegans terrestris- They are a cream or tan color with, unlike the similar Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake, a series of dark brown, incomplete bands along the body that are relatively few. They can be mistaken for the Sonoran Coralsnake on occasion, but in general are easy to differentiate by the lack of white or yellow bands. Coloration is light as a young snake, being tan or grey with brown circles down the back. DISTRIBUTION: In Arizona this snake is found at elevations ranging from 3,000' to 9,000'. In Arizona, the remaining tobosa grass habitat of the Massasauga is in decline due to development and grazing of cattle. 7782 ft. Mount Tritle is one of a string of 7,000+ ft. peaks that separates Prescott from the lower interior of the Bradshaw Mountains. Although highly venomous, they should not be considered dangerous. This is meant as a deterrant to predators, who may not want a mouthful of nasty goop. (Map rotated 90°.) The California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) is a nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to the western United States and northern Mexico, and is found in a variety of habitats. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4’500’ and 9,000’, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. They are usually calm, but will stand their ground when threatened. Utah specimens are quite variable. Photo about Sonoran mountain kingsnake lying among the rocks. If stressed, it might perform a series of dramatic, fake hisses and strikes with its mouth closed, but does not actually bite. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. 1). An improperly-cleaned bite from a mountain kingsnake may cause a bacterial infection. Upon closer examination, you can see that the red bands of the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake are bordered by black, whereas the red bands of a Coral Snake are bordered with white or yellow. An improperly-cleaned bite from a mountain kingsnake may cause a bacterial infection. The author has examined specimens from The North Rim Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino Co., AZ., Mohave Co., AZ., Egan Range, White Pine Co., NV. Longnosed Snakes are usually patterned with speckled black and white bands, with varying amounts of red or orange coloration. The “smudge” on the head is an easy differentiator between this snake and the Grand Canyon and Midged Faded rattlesnakes. And search more of iStock's library of royalty-free stock images that features Animal photos available for quick and easy download. The wilderness lies within the rugged Peloncillo Range, which stretches from Mexico to the Gila River. Adults reach full size in 3 to 4 years of age. The Gila Monster is one of the most iconic animals of the Sonoran desert. Stripes are generally 2:1 white to black, while the diamondback are 50:50 white to black. They are heavy-bodied for their size, which can help differentiate them from the more commonly-seen Longnosed Snakes and variety of other small, ground-dwelling species. Food is killed by constriction and includes various lizards and their eggs, rodents, birds, and other snakes. Arizona - Arizona - Climate: About half of Arizona is semiarid, one-third is arid, and the remainder is humid. African ... A Sierra Mountain Kingsnake, Lampropeltis zonata multicincta, subspecies of California Mountain King Snake in California, USA. They can be a variety of colors; brown and tan is most common, though they also may be red, pink, orange, or black. The Sonoran mountain kingsnake is found throughout the center and southeastern montane regions of Arizona in pinon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine forests, chaparral, and pine-fir belts. This snake can deliver a large amount of highly toxic venom and should be left alone if encountered. These relatively common snakes are often found near irrigation and agricultural areas around Phoenix and Tucson, and along grassy waterways throughout much of the southeastern part of the state. Find the perfect Kingsnake stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. Usually brown and tan, oranges and pink colors can be found as well, especially in the Painted Desert (Arizona elegans philipi) subspecies. They are long and slender in comparison with, as the name suggests, a flat, slightly up-turned nose that is used to move through sand. The banding is more apparent throughout the body, which is usually grey with varying degrees of pink, orange, or brown. Length - over 4 ft. sometimes to 6 ft. They are generally considered as beneficial snakes, regardless of fondness for snakes, since they regularly prey on rattlesnakes. This snake inhabits the Sierra Madre in Sonora and several mountain ranges in southern Arizona. Arizona Black Rattlesnake(Crotalus cerus). This small, harmless snake is one of the most rarely-seen species that lives along the highly-urbanized areas of Phoenix and Tucson. The red, black and white bands of the nonvenomous Arizona Mountain Kingsnake are often mistaken for the red, black and white or yellow bands of the venomous Arizona Coral Snake. These fast snakes are commonly seen people enjoying the outdoors, but very rarely seen in and around homes and backyards. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, ... and placement within the known range (see map) ... are secretive snakes found in mountains of western Arizona. All words, designs, and phrases appearing in bold, italics, and/or with the symbol ®, ℠, or ™ are trademarks owned by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, or used under license or with permission. As the name suggests, the Glossy Snake's appearance is often shiny or, well, glossy, due to a lack of ridge (keel) on each scale as is found in the Gophersnakes. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. Bites may cause irritation and pain, but do not require hospitalization and have no long-lasting effect. The face has an enlarged scaled shaped like an upside-down heart that they use to push through sandy soil. E: Madrean Mountain Kingsnake, Chihuahuan Mountain Kingsnake, Knobloch's mountain kingsnake S: Culebra Real de Chihuahua : Synonym: Lampropeltis pyromelana knoblochi TAYLOR 1940 Lampropeltis pyromelana woodini TANNER 1953 (fide BURBRINK et al. These snakes are often misidentified as rattlesnakes because of their head shape, vertical pupils, and tendency to coil into a tight circle when threatened. Asian. January days in Phoenix receive more than four-fifths of the possible sunshine and have a mean maximum temperature of 65 °F (18 °C). These snakes should always be avoided if seen. They're slender, medium-sized snakes that get up to around 3' long. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a harmless constrictor that is not cause for alarm if seen. The California Kingsnake is usually identified by the stark white and black, or yellow and black, banding that runs the length of the body. They range in size between about 7″ as a hatchling, to around 3′ as adults. More distantly, it is sometimes mistaken for a coralsnake. DISTRIBUTION: In Arizona this snake is found at elevations ranging from 3,000' to 9,000'. Mature adults can appear to be all but patternless. Learn more about this program. The brilliant orange, yellow, and red coloration on the belly becomes exposed when the snake is stressed, with the tail forming a tight coil and the latter portion of body flopped upside-down. Unlike other large-bodied rattlesnakes in the area, they have a solid black tail area just before the rattle, as opposed to rings or stripes. When they are scared, they coil into a tight ball and hide their head under the body. There is a single white or cream-colored stripe along the back, and a thin stripe along each side that runs the length of the body. Using coalescent methods, we examine speciation, post-speciation population demographics, and taxon delimitation in the Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana), a species restricted to high elevations in southwestern United States and northern Mexico (SW). No subspecies have been recognized yet. Their venom can quickly kill its prey, but is not something that should be considered harmful to humans or pets. Most species of kingsnake have vibrant patterns on their skins with vivid contrasting colors. Coachwhips can help reduce rattlesnakes in an area because they are rattlesnake-eaters. Adults in the Phoenix area are commonly in the 3′ range, with exceptional animals approaching 4′. When disturbed this species emits a very strong and foul smelling musk. The Tiger Rattlesnake lives in many of the same rocky, mountainous areas as the Speckled Rattlesnake. Arizona is home to 47 national parks, monuments and refuges as well as 29 state parks that showcase mountains, buttes, deserts and hidden lakes. They are often misidentifed as “Mojave Green” rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona. California mountain kingsnakes are found in a variety of habitat types, including oak and pine woodlands, that continue to be converted, developed, and fragmented. They are one of two species of Boa found in the state, the Three-Lined Boa (formerly considered a subspecies of Rosy Boa) are secretive snakes found in mountains of western Arizona. Their primary defense is to defecate and musk when picked up, as well as occasionally bleed from the cloaca. In a captive colony of California Kingsnakes from Arizona and California, clutch size ranged from 2 to 9 and averaged 6.3 (13 clutches). The Sonoran Lyresnake is a very thin, snake found throughout the desert regions of Arizona. Most have some degree of alternating red or orange bands that do not encircle the entire body. Image of animal, reptile, adult - 93202198 They will open their mouths to hiss, and even rattle their striped tail while striking out towards a perceived threat. Coachwhips will bite if picked up, but are not venomous. Any <1 1-4 5-9 10-15 16-20 21-30 31-45 46-65 65> Ethnicity. Characteristics: Their snout is white or yellow, and their head is usually black on top, sometimes with flashes of red over the eyes. Anchored by the range highpoint Mount Wrightson, the fourty-ninth highest summit in the state of Arizona and the highest peak in the Tucson, Arizona area, the Santa Rita Mountains are a special and beautiful Sky Island range in far southern Arizona. In AZ, this snake is only found in the extreme North Western Great Basin desert and Arizona Strip regions, up to 8,000 feet in elevation. The banded rock rattlesnake usually has a grey base coloration, and a series of black bands, sometimes with a very bright teal or green outline. A hatchling measures about nine inches, while an adult ranges from 18 - 41 inches in length. They are often mistaken for Mojave Rattlesnakes by vacationers, being a common sight near Sedona and other popular tourist areas. They can be most easily identified by their distinct sideways motion (sidewinding), where the snake throws a loop of its body forward and pulls the rest along rather quickly. Not necessarily found right in Phoenix, look for these in the higher elevations of Maricopa County. Description: Description: Eastern kingsnakes are large -- 36 – 48 in (90-122 cm) -- shiny-black, smooth-scaled snakes with white or yellow chain-link bands that cross the back and connect along the sides. Age range. They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. Longnosed Snakes are completely harmless, and almost never bite, even if provoked to an extreme level. It is an eater of lizards, as well as small mammals, and birds. The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is sometimes mistakenly referred to as “Timber Rattlesnake” throughout it’s range due to generally being found at higher altitudes in wooded areas. The Desert Massasauga is protected in Arizona from all forms of collection and harrassment, though habitat-conservation is likely the only means of saving this species in our state. Behind their slightly arrow-shaped head, a black "hood" or collar is present. Summary 7 Lampropeltis pyromelana, the Arizona mountain kingsnake, is a species of snake native to the eastern part of Arizona.The adult size of the snake is thought to be 36 inches (910 mm) in length, and they only eat mice. The place we have most often been called out to retrive them from is the garage, where they get stuck in glue traps or are found under boxes in the Spring. Coloration is usually drab shades of brown or grey. January days in Phoenix receive more than four-fifths of the possible sunshine and have a mean maximum temperature of 65 °F (18 °C). Big Bend Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis deserticola, Desert Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis hexalepis, Mohave Patch-Nosed SnakeSalvadora hexalepis mojavensis. They are also very fast, and are very difficult to capture for this reason. They can be banded, striped, red, orange, grey, olive, tan, or any combination of these colors. However, they are very often confused with baby Longnosed Snakes, which have a very similar pattern. If you're unsure, we will identify it for you for free., Send us a photo or text a picture to 480-694-3020. In fact, they are completely harmless, and it would be a challenge to try to get one to try and bite. Also often called a "red racer", Coachwhips are long, thin snakes that can reach lengths of up to around 5′. Sonoran CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum cingulum, Lined CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum lineatulus, Red CoachwhipMasticophis flagellum piceus. Download this The Arizona Mountain Kingsnake Is A Beautiful Species Commonly Located At Higher Elevations photo now. It's face is relatively long and shovel-shaped. Other peaks in the range include Maverick Mountain (7443 ft.), Spruce Mountain (7496 ft.), Lookout Mountain (7530 ft.), Moscow Peak (7721 ft.), Mount Davis (7897 ft.) and the tallest peak in the Bradshaws, Mount Union (7979 ft.). They're long (up to 5' – 6' long as adults) and slender and usually disappear quickly into bushes when disturbed. Adult scarlet kingsnakes are typically 40 to 50 cm (16 to ... Arizona mountain kingsnake, Lampropeltis pyromelana (Cope, 1866) From Mapcarta, the free map. As its name implies, it is found in association with rocky areas, canyons, and woodland with sun-exposed outcroppings. Mountain Kingsnake. Compared to the Checkered and Black-necked Gartersnakes, these snakes are relatively drab in appearance. This vibrant and active snake hatched in July 1999. Counties of Mountain region 8 state county map. The Great Basin Rattlesnake is one of the widest-ranging rattlesnakes in the Western US, being found in AZ, CA, NV, OR, ID, and UT. and Washington Co., UT. 13 species live in Arizona, more than any other state Rattlesnakes use the "loreal pit," a heat-sensing organ between the nostril and eye to locate prey and potential predators These snakes have glands that make venom, much like human saliva glands make saliva They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their superficial likeness, and tendency to quickly become defensive when approached. The upper body is slate-grey or even steel blue in appearance, sometimes with a yellow or cream colored ring just behind the head. They're very small snakes, reaching an adult size of only around 2 feet. Its range extends from the extreme northwestern corner of the state, across the central mountains and Mogollon Rim country, into the "sky island" mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona. The coloration of the kingsnake is an example of mimicry in nature. There is another subspecies in Arizona , Lampropeltis pyromelana infralabialis (Utah mountain kingsnake), which has a restricted range in extreme north central Arizona. They eat scorpions, spiders, and are great to have around the yard. Due to ease of care and a wide range of color variations, the California kingsnake is one of the most popular snakes in captivity. It is a species of the sky island mountain ranges southward in the Sierra Madre Occidental, perhaps as far south as Durango and Sinaloa. The body alternates between black bands over an orange or cream-colored base, usually fading from a rich orange color on the back to lighter colors below. This snake has a pattern of irregular blotches along the back, often with a dark brown outline. This is a thick-bodied, large rattlesnake. These snakes are those most often seen by fishermen and campers along the rim areas along waterways, lakes, and ponds. The Tiger Rattlesnake has an unusually potent venom and should always be left alone if encountered. Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans eburnata, Arizona Glossy SnakeArizona elegans noctivaga, Painted Desert Glossy SnakeArizona elegans philipi. This snake looks nearly identical to the more commonly-encountered Desert Nightsnake, and placement within the known range (see map) is the best way to differentiate between the two. An eater of primarily lizard eggs, this snake is completely harmless. In the U.S., it is found in only a handful of mountain ranges in the “sky islands” region of Southeast Arizona at elevations above 4,000’. Arizona Mountain Kingsnake. In addition to being often mistaken for a Kingsnake, this snake is frequently misidentified as a Sonoran Coralsnake. When born, the pattern is highly contrasted but fades as the snake grows. Following is a list of all the native and introduced snakes in Arizona according to their type and appearance to make it easier to identify them. In California, this species can have a single stripe that runs from behind the head to the tail. They are primarily snake eaters, but also eat lizards and invertebrates. A hatchling measures about nine inches, while an adult ranges from 18 - 41 inches in length. 201 Park Avenue Hershey, PA 17033717-534-3900. Their color and banding can be quite variable, though all have some form of narrow, black bands over a cream or white base. This species is represented by at least several dozen occurrences or subpopulations (see map in Zweifel 1975). It can be distinquished from the western diamondback by the striping on the tail. It can also be found in rocky canyons, riparian areas, and transitional grasslands adjacent to heavily forrested areas. It can grow up to 36 inches (910 mm) in length. Their head has a more angular appearance than the similar-looking Coachwhip, with a white jaw and stripe extending through the base of the eye. They look very similar to the Variable Sandsnakes and Groundsnakes. The SSAR, whose list is used by this website, has recognized that the species Lampropeltis zonata - California Mountain Kingsnake (which formerly was viewed as one species with seven subspecies) now consists of two species. They are generally quick to be defensive, and quite venomous, so keep your distance and leave it alone if encountered. All mountain ranges are labeled with their actual names. They eat fish, tadpoles and frogs, and a variety of invertebrates, and are easily seen as they hunt in grass at the waters' edge. They are protected by state law and should always be left alone. A clutch of 2-12 eggs is laid in spring or summer. Overview Black Mesa borders the southeast edge of Garden Valley in the Superstition Mountains. While they are common in the sandy soil and grasslands where they live, they are relatively elusive. The gila monster is often confused with other large, desert lizards, such as the chuckwalla and desert iguana, but can be easily distinguished by it’s high-contrast black and yellow pattern. Their color is a brown or grey base color with numerous black or darker-brown blotches that appear in a checkerboard pattern and a white belly. A the snake matures, it will darken to a deep brown color to completely black. Predators with a strong sense of smell find the musk repugnant and will often release the snake before any extensive damage is done. Exact habitat requirements vary by region and depend upon local exposure, substrate type, and degree of isolation. Several species vary widely in size and coloration. They should always be left alone if encountered. They're small, usually only around a foot long. The Gila Mountains of Yuma County are a 26-mile long mountain range in southwestern Arizona in the northwest Sonoran Desert. They are commonly seen in mountains North of Phoenix. They range from central to southeastern Arizona down into Mexico, and parts of Utah and Nevada. The color is variable, usually consisting 3 dark brown, red, or orange stripes running nose-to-tail against a lighter, cream or white base color. They have large, round eyes that angle forward through indentations in the face, and can appear to be looking forward. The Prairie Rattlesnake can be identified by the characteristically narrow light-colored facial stripes, and dorsal blotches that are often outlined oval or bow-tie shapes. He arrived from the Phoenix Zoo in the same year. They are harmless, but may attempt to bite and rattle their tail defensively. This pretty snake is variously called the Arizona Mountain kingsnake or Sonoran Mountain kingsnake, It may be 2.5 to 4 feet long. They’re common in the Camelback Mountain region, South Mountain area, and other parts of the valley adjacent to similar habitat. Speckled Rattlesnakes live in rocky areas near mountains or hillsides. This kingsnake is pretty typical of California kingsnakes seen in the desert areas in Southern Baja and some parts of Arizona. According to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: “This snake occupies arid and semiarid regions in many different habitat types including thornscrub, desert-scrub, woodland, grassland and farmland. This snake inhabits rocky areas, often near streams. They live in flat, sandy scrubland desert, and avoid rocky areas and hills. This small and elusive rattlesnake just barely makes it across the northern Arizona border. Within Arizona, L. pyromelana has a discontinuous range extending from the extreme northwestern corner of the state, across the central mountain ranges and the Mogollon Rim, into the "sky island" mountain ranges of the southeast. OUR DATA: We use the most recent data from these primary sources: AnAge, UMICH, Max Planck, PanTHERIA, Arkive, UKC, AKC. This list has information that is from the perspective of every-day homeowners, casual hikers, and regular residents of Arizona. They are often mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake. The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is a medium-sized rattlesnake that can only be found within the Grand Canyon, Paria River Drainages, and Glen Canyon areas of Northern Arizona. They can be large, up to around 3 feet long, but most are smaller. On occasion, brilliant teal or blue skin can be seen between the scales, often when the snake has just eaten and engorged. This is a small rattlesnake, reaching a size of about 2.5 feet. For example, the farther west one goes in th… Some occur also in Utah and Nevada. The Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis splendida) is a robust and moderate to large snake (< 1520 mm total length, probably most are < 1200 mm in Arizona).The head is only slightly differentiated from the neck, dorsal scales are smooth, glossy, and typically in 23-25 rows (21 in New Mexico), the anal plate is undivided, and the subcaudals are divided. Due to superficial similarities in appearance, the unrelated Desert Nightsnake is often misidentified as a Twin Spotted Rattlesnake by concerned home owners searching online. It is a medium-sized, harmless snake. Its range extends from the extreme northwestern corner of the state, across the central mountains and Mogollon Rim country, into the "sky island" mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona. This is not only due to it being incredibly common, but also because it has adapted very well to life in the city. They do not bite and are completely harmless, and OK to have in your yard. I have seen this snake in the Bradshaw Mountains near Jerome. Although they are small, this snake can give a very bad bite and should never be bothered. They're capable of getting above 3 feet long, but most are half that size. The color is often a slate-grey, but sometimes appears as a colorful gradient of olive green, blue, to reddish brown, with a white belly and a stripe on each side from just behind the head down the body. This snake is mildly venomous and not considered dangerous, but should still not be handled when encountered. Find the perfect Kingsnake stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Adults are commonly in the 3′ range. You may be able to differentiate it from the very similar-looking Groundsnake by the relatively short, fat appearance relative to its length. The Basin and Range region has the arid and semiarid subtropical climate that attracts most winter visitors and new residents. As babies, they are very small, only around 3" long, and may resemble a Blackheaded Snake until their mature coloration develops. They are often found as babies during August and September, having found their way into garages and homes. Top Arizona Mountains: See reviews and photos of mountains in Arizona, United States on Tripadvisor. These are medium-sized (up to about 3' long) snakes that are often confused with the similar-looking Sonoran Gophersnake. The nonvenomous Sonoran mountain kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) is active during the day, and sometimes at night. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. In some parts of the range (southern Arizona) the common kingsnake is entirely dark with no light bands, while in other areas the bands degenerate into a speckled appearance. Color, size, and pattern can vary greatly between communities, from small orange or reddish variants, or “Hopi” variety, to large-bodied, green, tan, or brown individuals. They are very small, generally less than a foot long, and are often mistaken as baby rattlesnakes due to their triangular head and vertical eye slits. They are great at getting into small cracks and even get through pipes, and end up on kitchen counters, in bathroom sinks, and all kinds of surprising places. As you can see in the images given above, we have three types of Arizona Mountain Ranges Maps. The Sonoran mountain kingsnake is found throughout the center and southeastern montane regions of Arizona in pinon-juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine forests, chaparral, and pine-fir belts. The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is a seldom-seen, non-venomous snake found in higher elevation mountainous woodlands throughout Arizona. They're quick, and most people only get a glimpse of them before they disappear, which often leads to misidentificaiton as a Coachwhip or Whipsnake. They can be found on the surface in early Spring or late at night during the summer, and are rarely seen in general. Knobloch’s Mountain Kingsnake is certainly one of the most beautiful of snakes in our area. This species is represented by at least several dozen occurrences or subpopulations (see map in Zweifel 1975). The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is also notable for its particularly potent neurotoxic venom, referred to as “concolor toxin”. Their coloring can be understood by their geographic location, according to Savitzky. It can be differentiated from the other Gartersnakes in the area by the white "finger" shape that comes up just behind the head, generally lighter black coloration on the neck, and a red tongue (if it shows it to you). Due to ease of care and a wide range of color variations, the California kingsnake is one of the most popular snakes in captivity. Protected throughout its limited range in Arizona, this snake should be avoided. The patterns, especially bands and speckles, break up the snake's body outline so it is less visible to predators like birds of prey, mammals like foxes and coyotes and other snakes, according to the San Diego Zoo. As adults, they are generally less than a foot long. They can be very large, with adults commonly exceeding 5' or more in length. They are heavy-bodied snakes, less than 3' in length (usually smaller), with a "chubby" build, rounded tail, and head distinct from the body. They almost never bite, and if allowed to chew their mild venom into a hand (which is the only way a bite is going to happen), it may result in some temporary local swelling and redness. The 19,440-acre Peloncillo Mountains Wilderness is located 9 miles northeast of San Simon, Arizona, in Graham, Greenlee and Cochise counties. While they are not at all venomous, they may bite if handled, the worst result being a few cuts on the hand. There are several species of reptiles and amphibians that have declining or threatened populations. They are harmless, but may bite if picked up and cause a few scratches. 2011) Lampropeltis pyromelana knoblochi — TANNER 1985: 635 They are the smallest species of the former Western Rattlesnake complex, reaching an adult size of under 2 feet. It lives across Arizona’s desert and grassland regions below the Mogollon rim, and is common throughout its range, despite being rarely seen on the surface. The grand canyon rattlesnake is tan, yellowish, or pink in color; a good match for the colorful rocky areas that make up the majority of its range. Range: Central to southeastern Arizona down into Mexico, parts of Utah and Nevada Habitat: Prefers habitats with mixture of rocks, tree trunks, and undergrowth in mountainous areas with nearby water.