Venomous Snakes in Yavapai County
A rattlesnake that doesn't bite teaches you nothing. ~ Jessamyn West
It must be stressed from the onset, that neither the pictures nor information provided on this site are intended to scare or intimidate anyone from venturing into the phenomenal wilderness areas that are present in the surrounding area. In fact, just the opposite is the intent... to provide you with information and access to materials that will make you a SAVY Wilderness explorer so you can truly enjoy the beautiful natural wilderness and its inhabitants that surround us in Yavapai County. It is my hope that you will become an avid explorer and begin to savor the wonders of the great outdoors laying at your doorstep.
What Should We Know?
Regarding rattlesnakes, it is important to understand that they are actually most common where homes meet desert habitats! Snake sightings are common almost year-round, but in the Prescott area, they are most likely to happen from late Spring (April) through the monsoon season (September) when rattlesnakes start heading for their winter dens.
As noted on our Home Page "Snakes found in the Central Highlands are nearly all non-venomous. The only venomous snakes native to our part of Arizona, Yavapai County, are four rattlesnake species: the Western Diamondback, the Mohave Green Rattlesnake, the Black-Tailed Rattlesnake, and the Arizona Black Rattlesnake; and of course the Arizona Coral Snake."
Meet The Team
Venomous Snakes & Reptiles
All rattlesnake images were purchased on Shutterstock.com for use on this website.
Coral Snake & Gila Monster images are from the University of Arizona's,
Poison and Drug Information Center
Other Noteworthy Facts
According to multiple general sources, Arizona is home to 52 native species of snakes. These range in size from the tiny thread snake (Leptophylopidae) that resembles a large earthworm and spends most of its life underground, to gopher snakes (Colubridae) and naturally, some rattlesnakes (Viperidae) that may be up to six feet long. Still, considering all the snakes found in Arizona, only 14 are venomous, and snakes found in the Central Highlands are nearly all non-venomous, except for those listed on this page.
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Scientists have identified 36 species of rattlesnake worldwide.
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14 species live around and among us in Arizona.
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Four of Arizona’s other rattlesnake species are protected.
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The Mojave Rattlesnake and the Tiger Rattlesnake are particularly dangerous.
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The Western Diamondback is the largest in the state and is responsible for more bites and deaths than any other.
Venoms are complex poisons that vary greatly in composition and potency among species and individuals. In addition to rattles, all rattlesnakes share some common physical characteristics:
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a triangular-shaped head
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cat-like pupils
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foldable fangs