The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Tan, gray, light brown, or pink base color depending on the soil within the habitat. Brown dorsal blotches with white or lighter coloration between the blotches. Enlarged horn-like scales (supraoculars) above the eyes. This snake moves in a side-winding “S” motion leaving “J” shaped tracks. The scales are keeled. 

Size: A small heavy-bodied snake averaging around 2 feet in length. 

Range and Habitat: This snake occurs in Southern Washington County in the Mojave Desert. It inhabits Mojave desertscrub, creosote bush-dominated basins, and sand dunes. This snake prefers flat open areas with loose soil. It can be found up to 4,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The other rattlesnakes in Utah can be similar in color and pattern. The sidewinder is the only rattlesnake with enlarged horn-like supraoculars. This species overlaps in range with the Great Basin Rattlesnake, Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake, and Mojave Rattlesnake.