The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Black bands with orange in between the bands on the dorsal. The sides in between the black bands are cream or pale in color. The head is only slightly wider than the neck. This snake is fossorial and has smooth shiny scales. This snake is highly variable throughout its entire range, but in Utah, the black and orange banded variety is the only documented color variation at this time. 

Size: A small-sized snake averaging 8 to 12 inches. 

Range and Habitat: This snake occurs in the Mojave Desert Region of Southern Washington County. It inhabits Mojave desertscrub, semidesert grasslands, and arid footslopes with loose sandy soils. It can be found below 4,500 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Utah Mountain Kingsnake and Utah Milksnake are red, black, and white banded and much larger.