Snakes around Las Vegas
Nearly all information on this page pertains to snakes found at Red Rock Canyon, Lake Mead, and Mt. Charleston.
Very few fatalities due to snake bites have occurred in Clark County (Las Vegas areas).
The 52 Peak Club has done almost 6,300 hikes. No one has ever been bitten by a snake.
You should join us. We are the safest hiking club in Las Vegas.
The 52 Peak Club was created and run by Branch Whitney
Very few fatalities due to snake bites have occurred in Clark County (Las Vegas areas).
The 52 Peak Club has done almost 6,300 hikes. No one has ever been bitten by a snake.
You should join us. We are the safest hiking club in Las Vegas.
The 52 Peak Club was created and run by Branch Whitney
Out of 18 snakes around Las Vegas only three are venomous
There are no venomous snakes in Mt. Charleston
Most active months for snakes are April and October
Snakes are most active in early morning and at dusk
20 to 40% of bites from venomous snakes are dry bites (no venom)
Snakes are most active between temperatures of 70 and 90 degrees
Some rattlesnakes don't rattle
The Red Racer (non-venomous) is the most common snake seen around Las Vegas
I have only seen 18 rattlesnakes in 20 years!
Out of 18 snakes around Las Vegas only three are venomous
There are no venomous snakes in Mt. Charleston
Most active months for snakes are April and October
Snakes are most active in early morning and at dusk
20 to 40% of bites from venomous snakes are dry bites (no venom)
Snakes are most active between temperatures of 70 and 90 degrees
Some rattlesnakes don't rattle
The Red Racer (non-venomous) is the most common snake seen around Las Vegas
I have only seen 18 rattlesnakes in 20 years!
Three Venomous Rattlesnakes
Mojave
Color: Greenish tint on the flanks. Diamond pattern. Terrain: Creosote slopes and washes Elevation Range: Up to 4,500 feet Prime Location: Lake Mead Bite: Very serious. Injects neuro-toxic venom. Best Identifier: Greenish color. |
Speckled
Color: Salt and Pepper gray, shades of brownish-orange sandy color Terrain: Rocky. Outcrops and foothills Elevation Range: Up to 6,500 feet Prime Location: Red Rock Bite: Bad. Lots of venom Best Identifier: Sandy, speckled appearance. |
Sidewinder
Color: Tan with dark blotches Terrain: Washes and sandy areas Elevation Range: Up to 4,500 feet Prime Location: Lake Mead/RR Bite: Least venomous rattlesnake around Vegas Best Identifier: Small snake. Light background color overlain by dark blotches. |
Other Snakes
Western Diamondback:
Color: Generally light tan to brown with faded "dusty" diamond pattern. Terrain: Brushy desert, rocky canyons
Elevation Range: Up to 5,000 feet
Prime Location: South of Searchlight, NV - normally not found around Las Vegas, NV
Bite: Highest fatality rate of any snake in North America!
Best Identifier: Size. This is a big snake compared to other rattlesnakes. White and black bands on tail.
Gopher Snake - Not Poisonous:
Color: Cream colored to yellow brown
Terrain: Various
Elevation Range: Up to 8,000 feet
Prime Location: All areas
Bite: Not venomous, but will bite
Best Identifier: Lack of triangular head. No ring/rattler on tail.
Color: Generally light tan to brown with faded "dusty" diamond pattern. Terrain: Brushy desert, rocky canyons
Elevation Range: Up to 5,000 feet
Prime Location: South of Searchlight, NV - normally not found around Las Vegas, NV
Bite: Highest fatality rate of any snake in North America!
Best Identifier: Size. This is a big snake compared to other rattlesnakes. White and black bands on tail.
Gopher Snake - Not Poisonous:
Color: Cream colored to yellow brown
Terrain: Various
Elevation Range: Up to 8,000 feet
Prime Location: All areas
Bite: Not venomous, but will bite
Best Identifier: Lack of triangular head. No ring/rattler on tail.