Utah is home to a wide range of snakes, from the Gopher Snake to the Great Basin Rattlesnake. With over 200 species of snakes in Utah, Snakes can be found in urban areas as well as remote areas. Snakes are important predators and prey for other animals in their ecosystem. They help keep populations of rodents and insects in check, which helps protect plants, crops, and other resources.
Snakes can be beneficial to their environment, but they can also pose a threat to people who come into contact with them. Most snakes that you find in Utah are harmless but there are some venomous snakes such as the Great Basin Rattlesnake and Rattlesnake that you should avoid. If you do encounter any snakes it’s important to remember not to touch or tease them. It is also important to note that snakes often seek shelter during cold weather, so extreme caution should be taken when working outdoors in areas where snakes may reside. It is recommended that anyone wishing to explore Utah’s great outdoors become familiar with the snakes of Utah and their habits.
18 Snakes In Utah
1 – Great Basin Rattlesnake
The Great Basin Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This rattlesnake can be identified by its distinctive rattle, which it produces when threatened or agitated. The snakes are typically brown in color with dark bands on their back and sides. It is important to note that these snakes can grow up to 4 feet in length and should always be avoided if encountered in the wild. They tend to inhabit rocky outcrops, cliffs, and open deserts but can also be found near human dwellings.
It is important for people living and recreating in rattlesnake country to take proper precautions such as wearing protective shoes and being aware of your surroundings. In addition, it may also be helpful to learn some first aid tips in the event of a bite, such as keeping the bitten area still and seeking medical attention immediately.
2 – Great Prairie Rattlesnake
The Great Prairie rattlesnakes are another venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding regions. This species of rattlesnake can be identified by its large diamond-shaped pattern on its back and sides and yellowish coloration. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 3 feet in length and inhabit grassland areas, rocky hillsides, and open woodlands. It is important to note that these snakes are very shy but will defend themselves if provoked or threatened.
Like all snakes, the Great Prairie Rattlesnake plays an important role in its environment by controlling rodent populations which helps protect crops and other resources. If you are recreating in rattlesnake country, be sure to take necessary precautions such as wearing protective shoes and remaining aware of your surroundings.
3 – Rubber Boa Snake
The Rubber Boa Snakes are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snake can be identified by its short, stout body with a brownish coloration and smooth scales on top of its head. The snakes typically reach lengths of up to 16 inches in length and inhabit woodlands, grasslands, and other vegetated habitats. They are most active at night when they search for prey such as insects, small rodents, frogs, lizards, and snakes.
Rubber Boa snakes play an important role in their environment by helping to keep rodent populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no danger to humans. If you are recreating in snake country, be sure to take necessary precautions such as being aware of your surroundings and wearing protective shoes.
4 – Western Territorial Garter Snake
The Western Territorial Garter Snakes are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snakes can be identified by its black stripes down the back and sides and yellowish coloration. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 3 feet in length and inhabit grasslands, woodlands, open fields, ponds, marshes, and other wetland habitats. They are active during the day when they search for prey such as worms, snakes, larvae, fish, frogs, lizards, and small rodents.
Western Territorial Garter snakes play an important role in their environment by helping keep insect populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no threat to humans. If you are recreating in snake country, be sure to take necessary precautions such as wearing protective shoes and being aware of your surroundings.
5 – Sonoran Lyre Snake
The Sonoran Lyre Snakes are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snake can be identified by its yellowish coloration with dark bands around the neck. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 3 feet in length and inhabit wooded areas, rock piles, and brush piles. They are most active during the day when they search for prey such as small rodents, lizards, snakes, insects, frogs, and spiders. Sonoran Lyre snakes play an important role in their environment by helping keep rodent populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no danger to humans.
6 – Sidewinder Snake
The Sidewinder Snakes are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snake can be identified by its yellowish coloration with dark bands around the neck and sides. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 18 inches in length and inhabit arid or semi-arid habitats, such as deserts, scrublands, grasslands, and rocky hillsides. They are primarily active during the day when they search for prey such as small rodents, lizards, snakes, insects, frogs, spiders, and scorpions.
Sidewinder snakes play an important role in their environment by helping keep insect populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no danger to humans.
7 – Valley Garter Snake
The Valley Garter Snakes are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snakes can be identified by its black stripes down the back and sides and yellowish coloration. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 24 inches in length and inhabit grasslands, woodlands, open fields, marshes, ponds, streams, and other wetland habitats. They are most active during the day when they search for prey such as worms, snakes, larvae, fish, frogs, lizards, and small rodents.
Valley Garter snakes play an important role in their environment by helping keep insect populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no danger to humans.
8 – Great Plains Ratsnake
The Great Plains Ratsnake are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snake can be identified by its dark stripes down the back, black spots along the sides, and yellowish coloration. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 75 inches in length and inhabit rocky hillsides, woodlands, open fields, marshes, ponds, streams, and other wetland habitats. They are most active during the day when they search for prey such as mice, voles, snakes, lizards, frogs, birds’ eggs, and nestlings.
Great Plains Ratsnakes play an important role in their environment by helping keep rodent populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no danger to humans.
9 – Eastern Racer
The Eastern Racers are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snake can be identified by its solid gray or brownish coloration with spots along the sides. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 7 feet in length and inhabit grasslands, woodlands, open fields, marshes, ponds, streams, and other wetland habitats. They are most active during the day when they search for prey such as small rodents, lizards, snakes, insects, frogs, and spiders.
Eastern Racers play an important role in their environment by helping keep rodent populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no danger to humans.
10 – Ground Snake
The Ground snakes are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snake can be identified by its black color with white spots along the sides and yellowish or brownish head. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 18 inches in length and inhabit arid or semi-arid habitats, such as deserts, scrublands, grasslands, and rocky hillsides. They are most active during the day when they search for prey such as small rodents, lizards, snakes, insects, frogs, spiders, and scorpions.
Ground snakes play an important role in their environment by helping keep insect populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no danger to humans.
11 – Sidewinder
The Sidewinders are non-venomous snakes in Utah and surrounding areas. This species of snakes can be identified by its light gray coloration with dark stripes down the sides and yellowish or brownish heads. The snakes typically reach lengths up to 32 inches in length and inhabit arid or semi-arid habitats, such as deserts, scrublands, grasslands, and rocky hillsides.
They are most active during the day when Sidewinder snakes play an important role in their environment by helping keep insect populations in check. As long as these snakes are not provoked or harassed they pose no danger to humans.
12 – Mojave Green Rattlesnake
The Mojave Green Rattlesnakes are one of the most common snakes in Utah. This species of rattlesnake can be found all throughout the state and is especially prominent in southern Utah’s desert regions. The Mojave Green Rattlesnake is a large, venomous pit viper that grows to an average length of three feet. Its coloring ranges from greenish-yellow to brown, with dark diamond patterns running down its back and sides.
The Mojave Green Rattlesnake has been known to attack humans, it usually just shakes its rattle as a warning before retreating away. It would rather avoid contact with people than fight them and prefers warm climates over cold ones. Despite this, it’s best to stay away from them as their bite can be quite dangerous.
13 – Western Rattlesnake
Western Rattlesnakes are the second most common snakes in Utah. Unlike the Mojave Green Rattlesnake, it is found mainly in northern and central parts of the state. It has a similar coloring to its cousin, but with more pronounced light stripes that run down its back and sides. The Western Rattlesnake often takes shelter under rocks or inside tree hollows when not hunting for prey.
Their diet consists mostly of small rodents, birds, reptiles, and insects, which it usually kills by constriction before consuming them. Like the Mojave Green Rattlesnake, this species also possesses venomous fangs capable of causing serious injury if it bites a human. As such, it’s best to stay away from these snakes as well and watch out for their characteristic rattle in the wild.
14 – Gopher Snake
The Gopher Snakes are of the least dangerous snakes in Utah. Unlike its venomous counterparts, this species is non-venomous and harmless to humans. The Gopher Snake can be identified by its light brown color and black bands that run down its entire body length. It grows to an average size of four feet long, making it one of the biggest snakes in Utah.
The Gopher Snake is mostly active during the daytime and prefers to feed on small rodents like mice and voles, which it locates with its keen sense of smell. It will usually retreat away from people when disturbed, though it can become aggressive if provoked or cornered. Nonetheless, the Gopher Snake is not a threat to humans and can be admired in its natural habitat with caution.
15 – Speckled Rattlesnake
The Speckled Rattlesnakes are another common species of snakes in Utah. This small pit viper has a length that usually stays within one to two feet and features a tan, yellowish or grayish color with black blotches across its entire body. It can be found in northern parts of the state and prefers rocky outcrops for cover from predators. The Speckled Rattlesnake feeds mainly on lizards, snakes, small mammals, birds, and frogs which it kills by injecting venom through its fangs. As such, this species should not be touched or provoked as its bite can cause serious injury if left untreated.
These are just some of the many snakes that inhabit Utah’s varied habitats. With the proper knowledge and respect, they can be enjoyed their natural environment without any harm being done to them or the people around them. It’s important to remember that snakes play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and should not be disturbed unnecessarily.
16 – Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
The Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes are small, non-venomous species of snakes in Utah. It has a bright green or yellowish body with black markings along its back and sides. This snake can grow up to two feet long and is often seen basking in the sun during the day on rocks or near water sources. Its diet consists mainly of small fish, frogs, insects, plants, and other invertebrates which it hunts by sensing vibrations in the surrounding environment. The Western Terrestrial Garter Snake usually avoids human contact but may bite if provoked. As such, it’s best to keep your distance when encountering these snakes in their natural habitat.
17 – Striped Whipsnake
The Striped Whipsnake are small, thin species of snakes in Utah. It is usually seen in the western parts of the state and prefers rocky hillsides or grassy areas for shelter. The Striped Whipsnake has a light brown body with black irregular stripes along its sides and back. This snake grows to an average length of one-and-a-half feet long and feeds mainly on lizards, snakes, rodents, and other small animals which it actively hunts during the daytime. While it’s nonvenomous, it can still bite if provoked and should be left alone when encountered in its natural habitat.
These are just some of the many snakes that call Utah home. With proper knowledge and respect for their habitats, snakes can be admired from a safe distance and allowed to thrive in their natural environment. They play an important role in the local ecosystems and should not be disturbed unnecessarily.
18 – Desert Night Snake
The Desert Night Snakes are small, non-venomous species of snakes in Utah. It has a dark gray to black body with thin white stripes along its sides and back. This snake grows to an average length of one foot long and can be seen during the night hunting for rodents, lizards, and other small animals. The Desert Night Snake prefers to hide away from humans during the day but may become aggressive if provoked or cornered.
It’s best to observe these snakes from a safe distance and leave them undisturbed in their natural habitat. These snakes are just some of many that inhabit deserts throughout Utah. With proper knowledge and respect for their habitats, snakes can be admired without causing them any harm. They play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and should not be disturbed unnecessarily.
Conclusion
Snakes are an important part of Utah’s ecosystems, and with proper knowledge and respect for their habitats snakes can be enjoyed without causing them any harm. Different species of snakes inhabit various parts of the state, from deserts in the south to rocky hillsides in the north. With a bit of respect, these snakes can be observed from a safe distance and left undisturbed in their natural environment.
Snakes play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and should not be disturbed unnecessarily. It’s always best to leave snakes alone if encountered in their natural habitat as some species may bite if provoked or cornered. By learning more about snakes we can better appreciate them while also protecting them from potential harm.
