The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Adults are patternless and can be shades of gray, tan, olive green, and blue. Juveniles are heavily patterned with brown, reddish-brown, or orange blotches along their dorsals and spotting along their sides. The juvenile pattern fades to patternless as they age. The ventral is yellow to cream in color. This species is smooth-scaled and has large eyes.   

Size: A medium-sized snake that averages 2 to 3 feet in length. 

Range and Habitat: This snake occurs from northern Utah through central Utah and east through the Uinta Basin and portions of the Colorado Plateau. It inhabits a variety of habitat types including grasslands, wetlands, sagebrush basins and slopes, and woodlands. It is most commonly found below 7,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: This snake is sometimes confused with the Smooth Greensnake. Although the smooth greensnake is a much more vibrant green, it’s color can fade in death making them appear blue or gray.

This snake can also be confused with the Regal Ring-necked Snake which is more slender-bodied and has a vibrant orange and red underside with black speckling.