9+ Non Venomous Snakes In Las Vegas And Their Characteristics - Felsics.com (2024)

Examples of non-venomous snakes in Las Vegas include the Gopher Snake, known for its large constricting abilities, and the California Kingsnake, recognizable by its glossy black body with white bands. Other species like the Coachwhip Snake are fast-moving diurnal hunters, while the Western Patch-nosed Snake relies on its distinctive nose patch for burrowing. The area also hosts smaller species like the Ring-necked Snake, with its characteristic neck rings, and the Western Yellow-bellied Racer, known for its vibrant yellow underside. Despite variations in appearance and behavior, these snakes play vital roles in controlling rodent populations and maintaining ecosystem balance.

1. Gopher Snake

The Gopher Snake, scientifically known as Pituophis catenifer, is a non-venomous snake species native to North America, including the Las Vegas area. These snakes are quite common in a variety of habitats, ranging from deserts to forests. In Las Vegas, they can be found in desert scrublands, rocky areas, and sometimes even in suburban neighborhoods.

Gopher snakes are large-bodied constrictors, often reaching lengths of 4 to 7 feet, though some individuals can grow even longer. They have a distinctive appearance, with a pattern of large, dark blotches along their dorsal side, which can vary in color from cream to brown or gray. Their bodies are usually tan or light brown, helping them blend into their surroundings.

These snakes are excellent burrowers and are often found in rodent burrows, which is where they get their common name. They are opportunistic hunters, preying on a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Despite their intimidating appearance, gopher snakes are generally docile and will typically try to flee rather than confront humans.

2. California Kingsnake

The California Kingsnake, scientifically known as Lampropeltis californiae, is another non-venomous snake species found in the Las Vegas area. These snakes are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, grasslands, and even urban environments.

California Kingsnakes are known for their striking appearance, with glossy black bodies adorned with bold white or cream-colored bands. These bands may sometimes have hints of yellow or brown. They typically grow to lengths of 3 to 4 feet, although some individuals may reach up to 6 feet.

In Las Vegas, California Kingsnakes play a vital role in controlling rodent populations, making them beneficial to have around. They are constrictors, meaning they subdue their prey by wrapping around them and squeezing until they suffocate. Despite their intimidating appearance and predatory nature, California Kingsnakes are generally harmless to humans and are often kept as pets due to their attractive appearance and ease of care.

3. Coachwhip Snake

The Coachwhip Snake, scientifically known as Masticophis flagellum, is a fast-moving and agile non-venomous snake species found in the Las Vegas area. These snakes are highly adapted to arid environments and can be found in desert scrublands, grasslands, and rocky areas.

Coachwhip snakes are easily recognizable by their slender bodies, which can grow to lengths of 3 to 7 feet. They have smooth scales and a coloration that varies from reddish-brown to pink or gray, with darker speckling or banding along their bodies. Their heads are elongated and pointed, allowing them to navigate through tight spaces in pursuit of prey.

As active hunters, Coachwhip snakes primarily feed on small mammals, birds, lizards, and insects. They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Despite their formidable appearance and speed, Coachwhip snakes are not considered dangerous to humans and will usually flee when encountered.

4. Striped Whipsnake

The Striped Whipsnake, scientifically known as Masticophis taeniatus, is a non-venomous snake species found in the southwestern United States, including the Las Vegas area. These snakes are closely related to Coachwhip snakes and share many similar characteristics.

Striped Whipsnakes are named for the prominent stripes that run along their bodies, which can vary in color from light brown to olive or gray. These stripes may be bordered by darker bands or speckling, giving them a distinct appearance. They have slender bodies that can grow to lengths of 3 to 5 feet, making them agile hunters capable of pursuing prey through various habitats.

In Las Vegas, Striped Whipsnakes can be found in desert scrublands, grasslands, and rocky outcrops. They are adept climbers and may occasionally be spotted in shrubs or trees in search of prey. Like other members of their genus, Striped Whipsnakes are non-venomous and rely on constriction to subdue their prey. They are generally shy and will avoid confrontation with humans whenever possible.

5. Western Patch-nosed Snake

The Western Patch-nosed Snake, scientifically known as Salvadora hexalepis, is a non-venomous snake species found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States, including the Las Vegas area. These snakes are named for the distinctive patch of enlarged scales on their noses, which helps them burrow into sandy soils in search of prey.

Patch-nosed snakes have slender bodies that can grow to lengths of 2 to 3 feet. They are typically gray or tan in color, with dark blotches or bands along their bodies. Their scales are smooth, and they have large eyes with round pupils, indicating their diurnal nature.

In Las Vegas, Western Patch-nosed Snakes are commonly found in sandy desert habitats, where they feed on a variety of prey, including small rodents, lizards, and insects. They are adept burrowers and may spend much of their time underground during the hottest parts of the day. Despite their relatively small size, Patch-nosed snakes are efficient predators and play an essential role in controlling rodent populations in their native habitats.

6. Long-nosed Snake

The Long-nosed Snake, scientifically known as Rhinocheilus lecontei, is a non-venomous snake species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including the Las Vegas area. These snakes are named for their elongated snouts, which they use to burrow into loose soils in search of prey.

Long-nosed snakes have slender bodies that can grow to lengths of 2 to 4 feet. They are typically reddish-brown or orange in color, with distinctive black and white banding along their bodies. Their scales are smooth, and they have large eyes with round pupils, indicating their diurnal nature.

In Las Vegas, Long-nosed Snakes are commonly found in desert scrublands, rocky outcrops, and sandy washes. They feed primarily on small rodents, lizards, and insects, using their keen sense of smell to locate prey underground. Despite their non-venomous nature, Long-nosed snakes are often mistaken for venomous species due to their vibrant coloration and bold patterning. However, they are harmless to humans and play an important role in maintaining the balance of desert ecosystems.

7. Glossy Snake

The Glossy Snake, scientifically known as Arizona elegans, is a non-venomous snake species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including the Las Vegas area. These snakes are named for their shiny, iridescent scales, which give them a glossy appearance.

Glossy snakes have slender bodies that can grow to lengths of 2 to 3 feet. They are typically pale yellow or cream in color, with dark brown or black blotches along their dorsal side. Their scales are smooth, and they have large eyes with round pupils, indicating their diurnal nature.

In Las Vegas, Glossy Snakes are commonly found in desert scrublands, sandy washes, and rocky outcrops. They are efficient burrowers and may spend much of their time underground, emerging at night to hunt for prey.

8. Ring-necked Snake

The Ring-necked Snake, scientifically known as Diadophis punctatus, is a non-venomous snake species found in various habitats across North America, including the Las Vegas area. These snakes are named for the distinctive ring-like markings on their necks, which contrast with the rest of their body coloration.

Ring-necked snakes have slender bodies that can grow to lengths of 10 to 15 inches. They are typically gray or bluish-black in color, with bright orange or yellow rings around their necks. Despite their small size, Ring-necked snakes are efficient predators, feeding on a variety of prey, including small amphibians, insects, and earthworms.

In Las Vegas, Ring-necked snakes can be found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrublands, grasslands, and woodland areas. They are nocturnal hunters, preferring to hunt for prey under the cover of darkness. Despite their non-venomous nature, Ring-necked snakes may exhibit defensive behaviors when threatened, such as flattening their bodies and vibrating their tails.

9. Western Yellow-bellied Racer

The Western Yellow-bellied Racer, scientifically known as Coluber constrictor mormon, is a non-venomous snake species found in the western United States, including the Las Vegas area. These snakes are named for their vibrant yellow or cream-colored undersides, which contrast with the darker coloration of their dorsal side.

Yellow-bellied racers have slender bodies that can grow to lengths of 3 to 6 feet. They are typically olive or brownish-green in color, with lighter-colored scales on their undersides. These snakes are highly active and agile hunters, preying on a variety of small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

In Las Vegas, Western Yellow-bellied Racers can be found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrublands, grasslands, and rocky outcrops. They are diurnal hunters, often seen basking in the sun or actively foraging for prey. Despite their non-venomous nature, Yellow-bellied racers are fast and elusive, making them challenging to catch or observe in the wild.

10. Desert Rosy Boa

The Desert Rosy Boa, scientifically known as Lichanura trivirgata, is a non-venomous snake species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, including the Las Vegas area. These snakes are named for their rosy or pinkish coloration, which contrasts with the darker markings along their bodies.

Rosy boas have stout bodies that can grow to lengths of 2 to 4 feet. They are typically tan or light brown in color, with darker blotches or bands along their dorsal side. Despite their relatively small size, Rosy boas are powerful constrictors, capable of subduing prey much larger than themselves.

In Las Vegas, Desert Rosy Boas can be found in desert scrublands, rocky outcrops, and sandy washes. They are nocturnal hunters, preferring to hunt for prey under the cover of darkness. Despite their non-venomous nature, Rosy boas are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to their similar coloration and pattern, but they are harmless to humans and play an important role in controlling rodent populations in their native habitats.

*Bullet Point Summary

• Gopher Snake: Large constrictor, common in various habitats.

• California Kingsnake: Adaptable, known for glossy black bodies with white bands.

• Coachwhip Snake: Fast-moving, slender, diurnal hunter.

• Striped Whipsnake: Agile, with prominent stripes along the body.

• Western Patch-nosed Snake: Burrower with distinctive nose patch.

• Long-nosed Snake: Elongated snout, important in rodent control.

• Glossy Snake: Shiny, iridescent scales, nocturnal hunter.

• Ring-necked Snake: Small, with distinctive neck rings, nocturnal.

• Western Yellow-bellied Racer: Active diurnal hunter, vibrant yellow underside.

• Desert Rosy Boa: Rosy or pinkish coloration, nocturnal constrictor.

Tabular Summary:

*FAQs

1. Are these snakes dangerous to humans?

   • No, all the mentioned snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans.

2. Can I keep these snakes as pets?

   • Yes, many of these species, such as California Kingsnakes and Rosy Boas, are popular choices for reptile enthusiasts.

3. How can I identify these snakes in the wild?

   • Each species has distinct characteristics, including coloration, patterns, and behavior, which can aid in identification.

4. Do these snakes play a role in the local ecosystem?

   • Yes, these snakes help control rodent populations, making them essential for maintaining ecological balance in their habitats.