The Reptiles and Amphibians of Utah

Description: Highly variable throughout its entire range. In Utah, this snake usually has a base color of gray, peach, pink, or orange. Darker dorsal blotching or banding is diffused and speckled. The pattern becomes more banded toward the tail. The tail generally has black bands. The scales are keeled. 

Size: A medium-sized heavy-bodied snake averaging around 3 feet in length. 

Venom: This snake has a moderately toxic venom that consists primarily of hemotoxins. Medical treatment should be sought if a bite occurs.

Range and Habitat: This snake has a very limited range in Utah. It occurs only in a small section of Southwestern Washington County. It inhabits arid footslopes and Mojave desertscrub below 5,000 feet in elevation. 

Similar Species: The other rattlesnakes in Utah can be similar in color and pattern. This species overlaps in range with the Great Basin Rattlesnake, Mojave Desert Sidewinder, and Mojave Rattlesnake.