The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: A light brown, tan, or yellow base color with brown, dark brown, reddish-brown, or black blotching down the dorsal. The blotching can be one color or often times the blotching is dark brown or black toward the head and tail, and brown mid-body. The pattern usually becomes more distinct toward the tail and can appear as dark bars or bands. A dark bar is usually present behind the eyes to the back of the mouth. It has keeled dorsal scales. This is one of Utah’s most commonly encountered snakes.

Size: A large snake averaging around 4 feet in length.

Range and Habitat: This snake can be found nearly statewide and in most habitat types, although it is usually absent from high elevations and heavily forested areas. It is most commonly encountered below 7,000 feet in elevation.

Similar Species: The Desert Glossy Snake has smooth scales. The Great Plains Ratsnake has lightly keeled scales and a gray base color.

The harmless gopher snake is likely the most commonly confused snake for Rattlesnakes in Utah. Gopher snakes lack vertical pupils and large heads. Although gopher snakes occasionally shake their tail as a defense, they also lack an actual rattle.