Alternate Name(s):

Venom Status:

Non Venomous

Characteristics:

Slender, secretive, supple, nocturnal, and rear-fanged, these snakes are not inclined to bite but should be handled carefully. Adult at 3 to 3 ½ feet. Ground color a gray to brown that blends well with the snake’s rocky homeland. The light-edged dark dorsal blotches are divided medially. A lyre-shaped marking is clearly visible on the top of the head. Pupils are vertically elliptical. Emerges to forage at night. Hatchlings like adults but more brightly patterned. Scales, smooth. Oviparous. Hatchlings are similar to the adults.

Unique Features:

Habitat and Diet:

Pine woodlands to rocky slopes and slides. Prey includes birds, rodents, and lizards.

Geographic Range:

AZ, CA, NV, UT, NM