The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Gray, tan, or cream base color, sometimes with a pinkish hue. Brown blotches along the dorsal and sides and a dark bar from the back of the eye to the back of the mouth. This snake has an enlarged, thick rostral (nose) scale used for digging. It has smooth scales and vertical pupils. 

Size: A small-sized snake averaging 12 to 18 inches in length. 

Range and Habitat: Currently there is only one documented specimen in Utah. This snake is suspected to range in the southwestern portion of Washington County in Mojave desertscrub and creosote bush-dominated basins below 3,500 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The Mojave Patch-nosed Snake has an enlarged rostral scale but is striped.