The gorgeous state of Utah is well-known for its magnificent rock formations created by millennia of erosion and its impressive mountains.
One other notable feature of Utah is the abundance of natural snakes.
More than forty distinct types of snakes live in Utah’s highlands, semi-desert, and rocky terrain.
Utah is especially known as rattlesnake country because it is home to a wide variety of rattlesnakes.
Every poisonous type of snake in Utah is either a related species of rattlesnake or a rattlesnake itself.
When in Utah, you should constantly keep one eye on the ground in front of you and scan for movement to avoid surprising a poisonous snake.
See the types of snakes in Utah below;
1. Great Basin Rattlesnake
Great Basin rattlesnake is starting our list of types of snakes in Utah.
As its name implies, the Great Basin rattlesnake lives in the southwest of the United States. This region covers most of Utah’s western region.
The species is available in various hues: gray, brown, olive green, and yellowish-brown. Its back is speckled with dark brown or black marks.
The primary food sources for the Great Basin rattlesnake are small mammals (mainly rodents), birds and their eggs, amphibians, and other reptiles.
Its primary natural predators are raptors, primarily hawks. The species typically lives in arid regions with minimal vegetation.
Like all other rattlesnakes, the Great Basin rattlesnake is a venomous species. Rather than hunting their prey, they ambush it.
These types of snakes in Utah employ their incredibly keen senses—which include the ability to smell, measure distance, and see in the dark—to do this. With a single bite, they capture and devour their prey entirely.
2. Sidewinder
Sidewinder is also one of the types of snakes in Utah. The common name for this kind of rattlesnake comes from the way it moves.
In contrast to most types of snakes in Utah, the sidewinder swiftly glides sideways while bending its body into a S form.
This is an extremely efficient way to navigate across sand, which will be very handy for a desert-dwelling snake.
Another factor in the sidewinder’s movement is its ability to defend itself from heat.
Although the sand can get quite hot, sidewinding ensures that the snake only touches the ground with two points on its body simultaneously.
The sidewinder’s horns, which gave rise to the species’ other popular name, the horned rattlesnake, are another distinctive feature.
Raised supraocular (above the eye) scales are actually what these horns are. They serve to shield the snake’s eyes from the sun and sand.
3. Midget Faded Rattlesnake
Be not fooled by the fading rattlesnake’s diminutive stature; it possesses the strongest venom among all western rattlesnakes.
Its venom is among the strongest in all of North America. Because of its neurotoxic qualities, it targets the prey’s nervous system.
About prey, these types of snakes in Utah consume lizards and small animals. Adult specimens typically hunt in the late afternoon or at night.
But when they’re young, their ability to regulate their body temperature is still insufficient for them to hunt at night. Therefore, they usually hunt during the day.
The natural reaction of a fading rattlesnake to a perceived threat is to run. If that isn’t feasible, it will attempt to frighten the predator—or an unwary bystander—by lifting its head and twitching its tail.
Should that be ineffective, the faded rattlesnake will not think twice about waging war.
4. Mojave Green Rattlesnake
The Mojave green is much more frightening than the tiny faded rattlesnake if you thought so. It’s not just one of the world’s most venomous rattlesnakes—it can even spew poison after it dies!
Furthermore, it may take some time for the symptoms to manifest, which could deceive the person who was bitten into thinking they are safe.
The Mojave green rattlesnake is primarily found on mountain slopes and in desert regions. It favors areas devoid of many rocks and vegetation.
These types of snakes in Utah live mostly on the ground and are not very good climbers. It lives in a small area in the southwest of Utah.
The species is most active in the warmer months of April through September. They mate twice a year, in the spring and late summer.
The Mojave green rattlesnake brumation, or hibernates, for the remainder of the year.
5. Prairie Rattlesnake
The large species of prairie rattlesnake typically has a light brown color. On its back, there are darker-colored spots.
The color of the belly, or ventral side, varies from cream to gray. It is nearly hard to distinguish between men and females based solely on appearance.
For prairie rattlesnakes, July through September is the breeding season.
However, reproduction is relatively challenging during this period because only around one-third of the female population is in heat. These female types of snakes in Utah lay four to twenty eggs.
The species can ascend if needed, although it spends most of its time on land.
The prairie rattlesnake is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day during the cooler months; however, when the temperature rises too high, it prefers to be outside at night.
6. Hopi Rattlesnake
Except size, the Hopi rattlesnake resembles the last entry on this list.
Given the striking similarity in geographic distribution of the two species (really, subspecies of the western rattlesnake, Crotalus viridis), it is highly probable that interbreeding occurs on occasion. Because of this, it is nearly impossible to tell them apart.
These types of snakes in Utah are mostly nocturnal. They mainly hunt in the early morning when the temperature is still relatively cool, spending their days hiding from predators and the heat.
It consumes lizards and small mammals, just like other rattlesnakes.
Normally, it is not aggressive, but the species will run away if it senses danger. As a warning, it could also coil up and shake its tail.
Finally, it will bite and inject itself with a hemotoxic venom targeting red blood cells. Additionally, its venom is neurotoxic, so it could potentially bite without injecting any poison.
7. Speckled Rattlesnake
The American doctor Silas Weir Mitchell is the inspiration behind the name of the speckled rattlesnake.
The species has a range of colors that often blend in with its environment. Dark rings on the tail, dark spots, and speckles on the back.
Like the prairie rattlesnake, this species is nocturnal in the warmer months and diurnal in the winter.
It favors rough terrain with lots of hiding spots. These types of snakes in Utah consume lizards, birds, and small mammals like mice.
The northern regions of Mexico and the southern United States are home to Mitchell’s rattlesnakes.
It lives on several islands in the Gulf of California and is widespread in Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California. The far southwestern regions of Utah are home to the species.
8. Rubber Boa
The rubber boa snake appears composed of rubber due to its glossy, smooth scales. It is also, predictably, squishy to the touch.
It can range from tan to brown to gray, with the belly typically being a paler tint.
Rubber boas for newborns have a rosy tint. Rubber boas are better tolerant to high temperatures than most other snake species.
However, they can tolerate temperatures as low as 54° F. They spend Most of their time hidden beneath rocks and plants or in burrows.
Rubber boas are incredibly gentle and peaceful animals. They never attack and usually do not mind being picked up and handled.
Therefore, they are excellent pets for new owners. This species is frequently used to help those who are afraid of snakes overcome their fear.
9. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The western terrestrial garter snake has many colors and patterns depending on the subspecies.
The species is technically poisonous, even though humans aren’t thought to be at risk from it. Its moderate poison is sufficient to subdue smaller animals, such as mice, but it irritates humans.
Fortunately, the western terrestrial garter snake has only moderate venom; without it, it would most likely starve to death.
Although it is not quite as skilled as other constrictor types of snakes in Utah, it frequently constricts its prey. It requires some time to truly tame its dinner.
The subspecies of Thamnophis, often known as the wandering garter snake, is found in Utah and exhibits a range of patterns.
Usually, it has three lighter stripes down the length of its back, giving it a deeper color.
10. Sonora Mountain Kingsnake
Sonora Mountain Kingsnake is next on our list of types of snakes in Uta. Identification of the Sonora mountain kingsnake is not too difficult. Its head is black, and its snout is white to yellow.
Rings that alternate between red and white cover the entire body. The white circles are surrounded by a distinct black border.
The species has additional defense mechanisms against predators in addition to its vibrant colors.
It releases an awful smell. It is well known that kingsnakes, such as the Sonora mountain kingsnake, consume other snakes.
Furthermore, because these types of snakes in Utah are immune to the poison, they frequently consume venomous species.
They consume mammals, lizards, and other small animals, including snakes. The Sonora king snake subdues its prey through biting and constriction.
The Arizona kingsnake brumation throughout the winter, just like many other snake species in Utah.
There are variances even though this state is extremely close to hibernation. Generally speaking, brumation isn’t as “deep” as hibernation.
For instance, the snake will truly “wake up” on a very warm winter’s day.
11. Striped Whipsnake
Because of the way their long, thin bodies resemble whips, whip snakes got their name. You guessed it: stripes are another distinctive feature of the striped whipsnake.
Its body is lined with three light-colored lines, one on each side and one on its back. The base color is typically a darker shade of brown or gray.
The whipsnake’s long, slender body enables it to move swiftly over various terrains.
The species live in rocky, coniferous, deciduous forests, canyons, shrubs, and grasslands. The striped whipsnake will essentially dwell where it can find food and a place to hide.
Speaking of food, the species consumes insects, birds, small mammals (mostly rodents), and reptiles (lizards and other snakes).
They will attack their victim so fast that they hardly have time to respond at all, either by stalking it or ambushing it.
12. Night Snake
Typically, night snakes have lighter gray or brown coloring with darker saddle-shaped patches.
Additionally, the triangular head has a deeper shade of brown. The belly, or ventral side, is typically white or cream.
The length of the female types of snakes in Utah can reach up to three times that of a male.
There is some poison in the night snake. This moderate poison subdues salamanders, lizards, scorpions, and other prey.
Also, they might consume already-dead animals. It is believed that the venom poses no threat to humans.
The night snake spends days hiding from predators and hunts at night. It is a staple food for many raptors, including hawks and owls.
Other snakes and certain types of nocturnal mammals may also hunt them.
13. Desert Night Snake
We know you’re perplexed, but the desert night snake was once considered a subspecies of the common night snake.
However, it is now recognized as a separate species. It has a range of up to 70 darker spots and is tan to gray. Males have longer tails than females despite the tendency for females to be longer.
These types of snakes in Utah spend their days in regions with lots of rocks to hide behind, as suggested by its name, and favor dry conditions.
They go on nighttime hunts for lizards, scorpions, and other tiny creatures. They frequently dig tunnels to conceal themselves and ambush unsuspecting victims.
Like the common night snake, the desert night snake is not considered threatening to people despite being somewhat poisonous.
It’s not even hostile; unless it’s harassed, it probably won’t try to bite. Generally, the desert night snake will coil into a ball if it senses danger.
14. Western Patch-Nosed Snake
The patch-like scales on the snout of the western patch-nosed snake gave rise to its name. This huge scale is intended to facilitate digging for lizard eggs.
Typically, it has a light gray base color with a narrow stripe of a lighter color running up its back.
This timid, docile species is most active in the daytime. It can ascend if needed, but it primarily stays on the ground. It favors semi-arid regions with loose, easily diggable soil.
The southwest region of Utah is home to the western patch-nosed snake. Its diet includes small mammals, birds, and other smaller creatures, as well as lizards and their eggs.
It might consume other snakes as food.
15. Long-Nose Snake
The popular name “long-nosed snake” comes from its lengthy snout. Its body is patterned with tiny, cream-colored, or yellowish lines between black and crimson bands.
The black bands contain specks that are cream in color as well.
Even though these types of snakes in Utah are not poisonous, interactions with them may be unpleasant.
It doesn’t bite, that’s why. But anytime it senses danger, it does emit a bad smell. Moreover, it can bleed from its cloaca. You did read correctly.
The Texas Long-Nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus) is the subspecies of the long-nosed snake that inhabits Utah.
It has an upturned and sharper nose, which sets it apart from the other subspecies.
16. Western Blind Snake
In terms of appearance only, the western blind snake is a mix between a snake and a worm.
Its head and tail are blunt and pink in various shades. Its appearance is essentially that of a big earthworm with a single scale on top.
It also behaves and looks like an earthworm. The majority of the life of a western blind snake is spent underground in burrows.
The western blind snake has lost its capacity to see because it does not truly need sight. Its remaining eyes are limited to seeing light.
Termites and ants, along with their eggs and larvae, are often these types of snakes in Utah food sources.
When it senses danger, this creature coils up and expels an odorous material from its cloaca. It may sometimes even pretend to be dead.
17. Milksnake
The kingsnake genus includes the milk snake as one of its members. Like most of its other relatives, kingsnakes have bands combining three colors: red, black, and white or cream.
Some populations could have red spots instead of bands. Two subspecies of milk snakes live in Utah: the Central Plains milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis) and the Utah milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum taylori).
Milk Snakes consume a wide range of prey, such as worms, lizards, and slugs.
Nevertheless, these types of snakes in Utah are renowned for being opportunistic feeders and will consume nearly anything.
They have been observed to consume amphibians, other snakes (as they are resistant to snake venom, same as other kingsnakes), and birds and their eggs.
Milk Snakes are frequent farm visitors, especially in barns, where they hide during the day due to the dim lighting and slightly colder temperatures.
According to a myth based on their frequent contacts in barns and stables, they eat cow milk, which is probably where their popular name came from. However, this is wholly untrue.
18. Smooth Green Snake
The smooth green snake has unpeeled scales, a lighter belly, and a striking green color. But if we hadn’t told you that, you could have probably guessed that.
But it’s not a green snake from birth. Juveniles are often olive-green or grayish until they shed for the first time. If you were wondering, a rough green snake with keeled scales exists.
The desire to blend in with the surroundings and conceal from predators is the source of this green hue. Thus, it stands to reason that the species lives in heavily forested environments.
It consumes many insects, such as spiders, ants, caterpillars, and moths. Occasionally, it will even consume a snail or slug. Because of its flexible jaw, it can swallow its prey whole.
The species’ natural tendency is to run away. Therefore, it is usually docile and rarely tries to bite.
Predators that pose the greatest threat to them include birds, certain mammals, and even other snakes.
One of the biggest threats they face is habitat damage from pesticides, in addition to predators. Urbanization, agriculture, and even human leisure activities are additional concerns.
19. Coachwhips
Coachwhips are long, thin species that resemble whips, much like their relative, the Sonoran whipsnake.
Its other famous moniker, “red racer,” comes from its ability to travel swiftly (though the red part is misleading; only one subspecies is red).
Unlike most other types of snakes in Utah, coachwhips can withstand greater temperatures and are active during the day.
Because they are non-venomous, they consume lizards, snakes, and other small animals for food. They do not restrict their victims; instead, they subdue them by biting and holding on to them.
When they sense danger, they run. They are typically effective in doing so because they are the quickest snake species on the continent.
Despite spending most of their time on the ground, coaches are adept climbers and burrowers with excellent swimming abilities.
20. Eastern Racer
The eastern racer, named for its high speed, is still on our list of snake types in Utah.
Speaking of names, this species’ scientific name, Coluber constrictor, is deceptive because it does not, at least not entirely, constrict its victim. Instead, they pin the victim down by coiling their bodies once or twice.
It is well known that the eastern racer is a reasonably hostile species. If they sense danger, they will attack without hesitation.
There have even been occasional reports of the eastern racer attacking people’s pets. To eject a human from its domain, it might even chase them.
Coluber constrictor Mormon, also referred to as the western yellow-bellied racer or Mormon racer, is the subspecies of the eastern racer that lives in Utah.
It is slender and long, with a characteristic yellow belly. Its back is consistently colored in a grayish-green hue.
21. California Kingsnake
A sequence of bands distinguishes the California kingsnake from other kingsnake types of snakes in Utah.
However, unlike the other kingsnakes on our list, this species’ bands are bicolored; the lighter ones are typically white or tan, while the deeper ones are typically brown or black.
In many households, California kingsnakes are frequent visitors. It is widely thought to be harmless to people and nonvenomous, but if it is cornered, it will not think twice before biting.
Therefore, leaving a California kingsnake alone is best if you encounter one.
It is well known that this species has an extremely strong squeeze, particularly when considering its small size.
Indeed, it has a squeezing force comparable to that of the larger Burmese python.
This is considered the case since reptiles, which typically require less air to survive, are their preferred food source.
22. Black-Necked Garter Snake
The design of the black-necked garter snake is quite intriguing. It has a gray base color with patches of darker gray that are uniform in shape.
Its body is additionally adorned with three lines that are either cream or tan in color. Its common name comes from the two larger dark patches on the neck area.
As a semi-aquatic species, it is typically found near bodies of water.
It hunts and consumes fish and amphibians, as well as aquatic and semi-aquatic species.
However, if food is in short supply, the black-necked garter snake will not think twice to consume certain other small creatures.
However, various predators, including other snakes, have also discovered a home for the species.
It can secrete an unpleasant-smelling anal fluid to ward off these risks.
23. Spotted Leaf-Nosed Snake
This is a tiny species with pale coloring and darker dots, usually smaller on the sides and larger in the middle of the back.
The belly is normally white, considerably lighter, and void of marks.
The snout’s morphology, a huge triangular scale with elevated edges, makes the species easy to identify.
These types of snakes in Utah are highly adept at hiding, nocturnal, and secretive.
Because of this, until the 1920s, it was mistakenly considered a very uncommon snake species.
The species is mostly found in sandy environments, where digging is comparatively simple with the help of its shovel-like nose.
This encompasses the southwest portion of Utah. The spotted leaf-nosed snake’s main food source is lizards and their eggs.
24. Sonoran Lyre Snake
The Sonoran lyre snake is poisonous, just like other species, but not to the extent that people would be at risk from it.
Nevertheless, the bite may result in uncomfortable side effects like numbness, discomfort, swelling, and itching.
This is especially true if the snake can “chew” on the bitten area, a small part of the body like a finger.
These types of snakes in Utah have three colors, the base color being a tan tint.
Their backs have blotches that are darker than tan or brown, with white centers and edges.
In addition, there can be darker outlines inside the white ones.
The species is often perfectly colored to blend in with its stony surroundings. It is primarily terrestrial and nocturnal, though it is a skilled climber.
Though it occasionally rejects a mammal, bird, or even another snake, its primary diet consists of reptiles.
25. Ring-Necked Snake
We have something special for you if you are growing tired of all these brown and gray types of snakes in Utah!
The ring-necked snake has a small secret, but it is still gray. Its underside has a striking reddish-yellow hue.
It also has the same color in a narrow ring around its neck. This type of coloring is not arbitrary.
The snake is more difficult to see because its gray back helps blend in with the surroundings.
However, if a predator notices it, the snake may coil up its tail and display vibrant colors as a warning.
Despite being poisonous, the species’ venom is considered a feeding assistance rather than a defense strategy.
When hunting, the ring-necked snake will bite and envenomate its target after first constricting it with its body.
26. Western Ground Snake
The western ground snake is also a type of snake in Utah. Because of the wide variations in its color and patterns, the western ground snake is often called the varied ground snake.
It may have darker stripes or bands, be orange, reddish-brown, or have no markings. Usually, its belly is pale gray or white.
The species’ taxonomic history provides some reason for this diversity. In the past, the colors and patterns of the western ground snake were used to identify five subspecies.
However, since they would all be interbreed, it has become impossible to distinguish between these subspecies.
The dry, rocky areas where the western ground snake may easily burrow and hide are home to them.
It emerges at night to forage for food. It consumes larvae, centipedes, spiders, and crickets as food. It also frequently consumes scorpions.
27. Smith Black-Headed Snake
The biologist Hobart Smith, credited with characterizing more than 100 species of amphibians and reptiles in America, inspired the name Smith’s black-headed snake. Furthermore, other animals bear his name.
The others are Hobart’s lizard, Smith’s anole, Smith’s arboreal alligator lizard, Smith’s earth snake, and Smith’s rose-bellied lizard.
As you may have guessed, Smith’s black-headed snake is named for its black head (but it can also be dark brown).
The remainder of the body’s dorsal, or rear, portion is bare and has a paler hue. On the other hand, a pink or red stripe that extends from its head to its tail is seen on its belly.
Being nocturnal, the species spends a lot of time underground. It consumes insects that it venomously salivates to kill. For mammals, however, its venom poses no threat at all.
28. Western Lyre Snake
This species is medium in size and typically brown, tan, or gray. Its eyes are fairly large, and its back has brown saddle-shaped markings.
It is indigenous to Mexico. However, it can also be found in northern regions such as southern Utah and Nevada.
This species, which is somewhat venomous, subdues and consumes lizards with its venom.
However, these types of snakes in Utah may also use constriction to subdue their prey, as its venom is less potent against birds and animals.
Like many other types of snakes in Utah that coexist alongside rattlers in their habitat, the western lyre snake frequently assumes the appearance of a rattlesnake to elude and confound potential predators.
If it senses danger, it will lift its head, “rattle” its tail, and maybe bite.
29. Great Plains Rat Snake
The Smithsonian’s William Hemsley Emory, a surveyor who gathered specimens, is honored in the name of this nonvenomous species. It is usually gray or tan with darker patches.
Moreover, it has two lines—one on each side—that come together in the center of its head, just between its eyes. The belly has a checkered design and is black and white.
Even though it is not poisonous, the Great Plains rat snake can become hostile when threatened. This is particularly true for males during mating season.
These types of snakes in Utah can produce offensive smells and mimic the sound of rattlesnakes rattling their tails against plants.
As the name implies, rodents are the main food source for rat snakes. However, they also like to consume other snakes, reptiles, birds, and eggs.
Occasionally, they will also consume a bat. When they are young, they frequently become prey to hawks, raccoons, owls, and foxes.
Adults are primarily threatened by people who mistake them for rattlesnakes.
