One thing that you should know about me is that I am not fond of snakes. I would go as far as to say that I utterly despise them. I have an overactive imagination and an exceptionally irrational fear of all things that can be construed as being snake-like. I have had panic attacks over lizards, and I will most certainly overreact to them again in the future!
The problem with my intense fear is that I live in the desert. Lizards are everywhere, and so are the snakes. The only difference between the two creatures is that snakes hide really well - usually.
Today, I frightened a snake - or maybe it just scared me (I am still not sure which one of us came out of the situation with more significant discomfort). I stumbled upon it by myself while wearing shorts and flip-flops. Among my lack of preparedness in my attire, this encounter left my mind so entirely discombobulated that the only identifying factor I can recall is that the snake was red. I backed up so far that I could not get a good look at it. How long was it? What did it look like? Where did it go? To Paul's significant (and understandable) frustration, I do not have the answer to any of these questions. It was a shade of red, and it was a snake. The only other memories I have are of struggling to get my phone's lock-screen opened, trying to call my husband (and failing), and shouting "red snake!" through hysterical tears until he came outside.
I was traumatized, and Paul realized that I have zero skills in handling snakes by myself.
Unfortunately, Paul was unable to find the snake. We researched Arizona snakes and determined what the snake was not - a Rattlesnake or Coral Snake. I am grateful that the snake was harmless, but the situation has left me feeling nervous. Perhaps, the thought of stumbling upon a snake is anxiety-inducing for you, as well.
No matter your emotions surrounding snakes, keep an eye out for these more dangerous species if you find yourself in Arizona.
Rattlesnakes!
According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, there are 36 different Rattlesnake species, and 13 of them live in the state of Arizona. Fortunately, most people are familiar with the look and design of a Rattlesnake, and they have a rattle on their tails to alert us of their presence.
However, there are a few crucial facts to keep in mind when dealing with rattlesnakes:
A snake's rattle can be damaged or missing.
Even though it can (and we would prefer if it would!), a snake may or may not use its rattle.
A rattlesnake does not need to be in a coiled position to strike, and it can strike 3/4 as far as its body length (Learn more at Arizona Sanora Desert Museum).
A dead rattlesnake can still bite (Learn more at Arizona Sanora Desert Museum).
Many harmless snakes look exceptionally similar to a rattlesnake, such as: Gophersnakes, Nightsnakes, Coachwhips (also known as Red Racers), Hognose Snakes, etc. (Learn more about dangerous and harmless snakes at Arizona Snake Identification.)
Coral Snakes
Unlike Rattlesnakes, which tend to blend in with their surroundings, Coral Snakes are brightly colored.
Coral Snakes are red, black, and yellow striped. It is important to pay close attention to the location of these stripes. If the red and black stripes are touching, the snake is harmless. However, if the red and yellow stripes are touching (and the red lines encircle the entire body), the snake is venomous. Take another look at the three snakes in the picture above. Are any of those snakes venomous?
No. The snakes pictured above are not Coral Snakes. They are much more common than Coral Snakes, and fortunately, they are harmless. Like Rattlesnakes, Coral Snakes also have several harmless lookalikes, such as Kingsnakes, Groundsnakes, Sandsnakes, and the Western Shovel-Nosed Snake. For this reason, it is crucial to identify which colored stripes are touching if you find a striped snake. It could be harmless, but you will undoubtedly want to know that it is not a venomous Coral Snake.
Unfortunately for me, snakes are simply a reality when living in the desert in Arizona. Nonetheless, I am determined to learn how to differentiate between dangerous and harmless snakes.
Scaly creatures like lizards and snakes still terrify me, and my anxieties are on high alert after my encounter with Mr. creepy this morning. Be that as it may, I am looking into the eyes of a beautiful opportunity to grow and get control of my fears through learning and educating others. I am determined to make my inevitable next experience with a snake a better one.
References:
Arizona Game and Fish Department: Wildlife: Living with Rattlesnakes - https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/livingwith/rattlesnakes/
Arizona Sanora Desert Museum: Rattlesnakes - https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_rattlesnakes2.php
Rattlesnake Solutions LLC: Snakes of Arizona -
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