What to know about snakes in New Mexico

New Mexico, with its diverse landscapes ranging from deserts and mountains to forests and grasslands, is home to a fascinating array of wildlife. Among these creatures are various snake species, some elicit fear and others, intrigue.

Here’s what you need to know about snakes in New Mexico, including their habitats, behavior, and important safety tips for coexisting.

Snake Diversity in New Mexico

New Mexico boasts an impressive diversity of snake species, with over 50 different types identified within its borders. The most common non-venomous snakes found in New Mexico include:

Great Plains Rat Snake

This snake has a tan or light gray hue with dark gray, greenish gray, or brown irregular patches down its back. Its head features a light tan stripe visible on each side and meeting between its eyes. These rat snakes are generally non-aggressive and calm but can bite if disturbed. They can grow from 3-5 feet long.

New Mexico Milk Snake

A species of the kingsnake, most people mistake this snake for a venomous coral snake. The milk snake has several bright colors that form a pattern on its body. Often white-black-red or red-black-yellow bands and a black mouth. They enjoy hiding under barrows, logs, and thorny bushes. They typically grow from 2 - 4 feet long.

Gopher Snake

Sometimes known as a bull snake, these snakes have a tan, yellowish, or reddish-brown-hue, depending on where they live. Their bodies feature black, dark brown, or reddish-brown spots. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes, since the gopher snake will also vibrate its tail when threatened, but will strike with a closed mouth. These snakes typically grow up to 7 feet long.

Glossy Snake

Closely resembling a gopher snake but with a smaller, more narrow head. These snakes feature a variety of colors and skin patterns. They’re also called faded snakes because of their “washed-out” and pale appearance. These snakes grow from 2.5-4.5 inches long.

Sonoran Lyre Snake

This mildly venomous snake does have rear fangs and its venom (while not deadly) can cause swelling, itching, redness, and numbness. The name “lyre” comes from their distinct V-shaped pattern visible on their heads. They blend in well with their preferred rock habitats, ranging from light brown to gray. They can grow to a max of 4 feet long.

Venomous Snakes in New Mexico

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

These snakes grow up to 5 feet in length and are one of the most dangerous snakes in the state. They are generally non-confrontational but can become aggressive during the spring mating season. These snakes come in different colors including brown, gray, and yellow. They feature an infamous diamond shaped or triangular head. Their tales have black rings and a rattle. Their underbody has a black and white stripes.

Mojave Rattlesnake

Known as the most dangerous rattlesnake in the United States. Closely resembling the Western Diamondback, this pit viper’s venom is deadly. Its nature however, is generally tempered and timid. They prefer to avoid rather than confront threats.

Prairie Rattlesnake

These nocturnal snakes are another highly venomous snake with a mild temper. They can grow up to 6 feet long and like to blend in with their surroundings. Their coloring can be yellow, brown, pink, and yellow-brown color combinations. Their large dark spots all over the body help to identify them.

Sonoran Coral Snake

Don’t let their small sized snake fool you. This coral snake is also venomous and often mistaken for a harmless milk snake. Most often found near damp places the sonoran coral snake hides from humans and other snakes. They are often seen thanks to their small size of 1.5-3 feet.

There are a total of 10 venomous snakes in New Mexico, nine rattlers and one coral.

If you encounter a snake with a rattle, maintain a safe distance and slowly back away to allow it an escape route. Remember that most rattlesnakes are not aggressive by nature and will only use their venom as a last resort for defense.

Snakes of New Mexico

Snake Habitats

Snakes in New Mexico are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats. Desert-dwelling species are prevalent in arid regions, while others thrive in grasslands, rocky outcrops, woodlands, and even suburban areas. They are excellent at hiding and may be encountered in unexpected places, such as under rocks, in tall grass, or within crevices.

Behavior and Feeding Habits

Snakes are generally shy creatures and prefer to avoid human interaction. Most snake encounters are purely accidental, as they usually retreat to escape human presence.

Snakes in New Mexico are predominantly carnivorous and play a vital role in controlling rodent populations. Their diet primarily consists of small mammals like mice, rats, and voles, as well as insects, birds, and occasionally other reptiles.

Snake Safety Tips

While most snake encounters are harmless, it is essential to follow some safety guidelines when exploring New Mexico's outdoors:

— Give Snakes Space: If you encounter a snake, keep a safe distance of at least six feet and allow it to retreat. Never attempt to handle or provoke a snake, even if it appears non-venomous.

— Watch Your Step: Be vigilant when walking in natural areas and avoid stepping over rocks or logs without first checking for hidden snakes.

— Wear Appropriate Footwear: When hiking or exploring the wilderness, wear closed-toe shoes or boots to protect your feet from potential snake encounters.

— Educate Children: Teach children about snake safety and the importance of respecting wildlife from a young age.

— First Aid: In the unlikely event of a snakebite, seek medical attention immediately. While most bites are not fatal, medical evaluation is crucial to avoid complications.