44 Types of Snakes in New Mexico
Yes, New Mexico is home to over 40 snake species, including bullsnakes, prairie rattlesnakes, and gopher snakes. Start your search in desert grasslands, rocky canyons, and near water sources. Focus on head shape, pattern, and tail features for positive ID.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 8
- species recorded
- May, June, July
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
44 types of snakes recorded in New Mexico
44 snake species have a verified observation record in New Mexico across snakes (suborder Serpentes), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in New Mexico
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Black-necked Garter SnakeNativeThamnophis cyrtopsis | Thamnophis cyrtopsis | 272 |
| 14 | Plains Hognose SnakeHeterodon nasicus | Heterodon nasicus | 269 |
| 15 | Western Black-tailed RattlesnakeCrotalus molossus | Crotalus molossus | 255 |
| 16 | Chihuahuan NightsnakeHypsiglena jani | Hypsiglena jani | 207 |
| 17 | Ring-necked SnakeNativeDiadophis punctatus | Diadophis punctatus | 186 |
| 18 | Common Garter SnakeThamnophis sirtalis | Thamnophis sirtalis | 181 |
| 19 | Big Bend Patch-nosed SnakeSalvadora deserticola | Salvadora deserticola | 169 |
| 20 | Plains Black-headed SnakeTantilla nigriceps | Tantilla nigriceps | 166 |
| 21 | Checkered Garter SnakeThamnophis marcianus | Thamnophis marcianus | 162 |
| 22 | Smooth GreensnakeNativeOpheodrys vernalis | Opheodrys vernalis | 161 |
| 23 | Rock RattlesnakeCrotalus lepidus | Crotalus lepidus | 128 |
| 24 | Western MassasaugaSistrurus tergeminus | Sistrurus tergeminus | 114 |
| 25 | Great Plains RatsnakePantherophis emoryi | Pantherophis emoryi | 100 |
| 26 | Mexican Hognose SnakeHeterodon kennerlyi | Heterodon kennerlyi | 99 |
| 27 | Texas Blind SnakeNativeRena dulcis | Rena dulcis | 92 |
| 28 | Lined SnakeTropidoclonion lineatum | Tropidoclonion lineatum | 85 |
| 29 | Trans-pecos RatsnakeBogertophis subocularis | Bogertophis subocularis | 66 |
| 30 | Arizona Mountain KingsnakeLampropeltis pyromelana | Lampropeltis pyromelana | 58 |
| 31 | Western Ribbon SnakeThamnophis proximus | Thamnophis proximus | 55 |
| 32 | Ground SnakeSonora semiannulata | Sonora semiannulata | 51 |
| 33 | Chihuahuan Hook-nosed SnakeGyalopion canum | Gyalopion canum | 50 |
| 34 | Great Plains Ground SnakeSonora episcopa | Sonora episcopa | 47 |
| 35 | Western MilksnakeLampropeltis gentilis | Lampropeltis gentilis | 38 |
| 36 | Plains Garter SnakeThamnophis radix | Thamnophis radix | 35 |
| 37 | North American RacerColuber constrictor | Coluber constrictor | 34 |
| 38 | Sonoran Lyre SnakeTrimorphodon lambda | Trimorphodon lambda | 27 |
| 39 | Sonoran WhipsnakeMasticophis bilineatus | Masticophis bilineatus | 23 |
| 40 | Sonoran CoralsnakeMicruroides euryxanthus | Micruroides euryxanthus | 20 |
| 41 | Plain-bellied WatersnakeNerodia erythrogaster | Nerodia erythrogaster | 18 |
| 42 | Desert NightsnakeHypsiglena chlorophaea | Hypsiglena chlorophaea | 12 |
| 43 | Narrowhead Garter SnakeThamnophis rufipunctatus | Thamnophis rufipunctatus | 11 |
| 44 | Western ThreadsnakeRena humilis | Rena humilis | 11 |
Plus 12 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
49,155 verified observations on iNaturalist of snake have been recorded in New Mexico, most often in May, June, July.
When snake are recorded in New Mexico
Yes, New Mexico is home to over 40 snake species, including bullsnakes, prairie rattlesnakes, and gopher snakes. Start your search in desert grasslands, rocky canyons, and near water sources. Focus on head shape, pattern, and tail features for positive ID.
What are the most common snakes in New Mexico?
The bullsnake (also called gopher snake) is widespread across the state. It can reach 6 feet and often hisses loudly to mimic rattlesnakes. Prairie rattlesnakes are common in grasslands and plains, while the western rattlesnake prefers rocky foothills. The desert kingsnake and coachwhip are also frequently seen.Check our snake identification hubfor detailed profiles.
In New Mexico, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in New Mexico are snakes most often seen?
Most sightings happen in the southern desert regions around Las Cruces and Deming, along the Rio Grande corridor, and in the eastern plains near Clovis. Snakes also concentrate near rocky outcrops in the Gila National Forest and in canyon bottoms throughout the state. Urban edges, especially around parks and arroyos, produce regular encounters. For statewide context, see ourNew Mexico wildlife guide.
When is the best season for snake sightings in New Mexico?
Spring (April to mid-June) and fall (September to October) offer the best odds. Snakes basking on roads or rock piles in the morning are easiest to spot. In summer heat, they shift to dawn and dusk activity. Winter is generally inactive except for occasional warm-day sunning.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell venomous snakes from non-venomous snakes in New Mexico?
New Mexico's rattlesnakes are the only venomous species. Look for a broad, triangular head, a distinct neck, and a rattle on the tail (though young rattlers may have a tiny button). Non-venomous snakes like bullsnakes have a more slender head, round pupils, and no rattle – they may hiss and vibrate their tail but it will not sound like a rattle. Always keep a respectful distance.
Which New Mexico snakes are most often mistaken for each other?
Bullsnakes and prairie rattlesnakes are the top lookalike pair. Bullsnakes have a narrower head, round pupils, and a patterned body with dark blotches on a lighter background. Prairie rattlers have a more triangular head, elliptical pupils, and a distinct rattle. Gopher snakes and western rattlesnakes also cause confusion; gopher snakes lack a rattle and have a more uniform pattern.
What should you do if you encounter a snake in New Mexico?
Stop and give the snake space. Do not try to handle or provoke it. Back away slowly and allow it to move off. Most bites happen when people try to kill or move snakes. Keep your eyes on the ground on trails, especially near rocks and logs. If you're interested in snake encounters, you might also enjoy spottingdeerorhawksin the same habitats.
Show your snake sightings with these New Mexico snake t-shirts
After identifying your first few species, why not wear your interest? These snake-themed shirts capture the spirit of herping in the Southwest.
Rattlesnake Graphic T-Shirt
A bold rattlesnake design perfect for field days. Shows off the iconic diamond pattern.Check Price and Availability
Green Viper Snake T-Shirt
Features a striking green viper illustration for a pop of color.Check Price and Availability
Retro Cute Snake T-Shirt
A playful design for a lighter take on snake appreciation.Check Price and Availability
See our full collection ofsnake t-shirtsfor more options.
Are there any venomous snakes in New Mexico?
Yes, only rattlesnakes are venomous in New Mexico. The most common are the prairie rattlesnake and western rattlesnake. Both have rattles and triangular heads. No other venomous snake species are found in the state.
What is the largest snake in New Mexico?
The bullsnake holds the record for length, commonly reaching 5-6 feet, with exceptional individuals up to 8 feet. The prairie rattlesnake is smaller, usually 3-4 feet. The gopher snake is also large but similar to the bullsnake.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common snakes in New Mexico?+
The bullsnake (also called gopher snake) is widespread across the state. It can reach 6 feet and often hisses loudly to mimic rattlesnakes. Prairie rattlesnakes are common in grasslands and plains, while the western rattlesnake prefers rocky foothills. The desert kingsnake and coachwhip are also frequently seen.Check our snake identification hubfor detailed profiles. In New Mexico, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in New Mexico are snakes most often seen?+
Most sightings happen in the southern desert regions around Las Cruces and Deming, along the Rio Grande corridor, and in the eastern plains near Clovis. Snakes also concentrate near rocky outcrops in the Gila National Forest and in canyon bottoms throughout the state. Urban edges, especially around parks and arroyos, produce regular encounters. For statewide context, see ourNew Mexico wildlife guide.
When is the best season for snake sightings in New Mexico?+
Spring (April to mid-June) and fall (September to October) offer the best odds. Snakes basking on roads or rock piles in the morning are easiest to spot. In summer heat, they shift to dawn and dusk activity. Winter is generally inactive except for occasional warm-day sunning. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you tell venomous snakes from non-venomous snakes in New Mexico?+
New Mexico's rattlesnakes are the only venomous species. Look for a broad, triangular head, a distinct neck, and a rattle on the tail (though young rattlers may have a tiny button). Non-venomous snakes like bullsnakes have a more slender head, round pupils, and no rattle – they may hiss and vibrate their tail but it will not sound like a rattle. Always keep a respectful distance.
Which New Mexico snakes are most often mistaken for each other?+
Bullsnakes and prairie rattlesnakes are the top lookalike pair. Bullsnakes have a narrower head, round pupils, and a patterned body with dark blotches on a lighter background. Prairie rattlers have a more triangular head, elliptical pupils, and a distinct rattle. Gopher snakes and western rattlesnakes also cause confusion; gopher snakes lack a rattle and have a more uniform pattern.
What should you do if you encounter a snake in New Mexico?+
Stop and give the snake space. Do not try to handle or provoke it. Back away slowly and allow it to move off. Most bites happen when people try to kill or move snakes. Keep your eyes on the ground on trails, especially near rocks and logs. If you're interested in snake encounters, you might also enjoy spottingdeerorhawksin the same habitats.
Are there any venomous snakes in New Mexico?+
Yes, only rattlesnakes are venomous in New Mexico. The most common are the prairie rattlesnake and western rattlesnake. Both have rattles and triangular heads. No other venomous snake species are found in the state.
What is the largest snake in New Mexico?+
The bullsnake holds the record for length, commonly reaching 5-6 feet, with exceptional individuals up to 8 feet. The prairie rattlesnake is smaller, usually 3-4 feet. The gopher snake is also large but similar to the bullsnake. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see snake
More wildlife in New Mexico