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More Snakes
There are many species of snakes that can be found in the Chihuahuan Desert. However, nearly
all of them are nocturnal. Those shown on this page are species that are out and about during the daylight hours during warmer months.
 Gopher Snake
The Sonoran gopher snake may be seen at any time of the day or night. However, during the hottest months
it will only be visible during the early morning hours and after sunset. It feeds primarily on rodents which it snatches out of the
mammal's burrow and kills by constriction. It can put on quite a demonstration that mimics the venomous rattlesnake - it coils, flattens its
head and hisses loudly while it rapidly vibrates its tail. If the snake happens to be on dry leaves, the tail makes a noise very much
like that of the rattler.
The snake may grow to nearly 8 feet in length but the average size is about half that. A totally harmless and beneficial snake.
 Coachwhip
The coachwhip may be seen even on the hottest days. It may often be seen moving across shrubs and
smaller trees looking for lizard prey. The snake is FAST! and can probably outrun the average human. The snake gets its name from
its long (to 8 feet) and slender body with a scale pattern that resembles a braided whip. The coachwhip is nervous and somewhat agressive. If you
corner one or try to capture it, you will be bitten. This snake has a reputation for not only biting but for tearing flesh. They make
poor captives and are best left alone.
The patchnosed snake (left) and the striped whipsnake(right) both have similar habits and both spend the daylight
hours searching for lizard prey. Both are harmless but the whipsnake has a short fuse, similar to that of the coachwhip above. He is best left alone.
The patchnose snake has a large raised scale on its snout that gives the snake its name.
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