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Venomous Snakes in Nevada: 6 Species & How to Tell

Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.

On this page
  1. The 6 venomous snakes
  2. Mildly venomous snakes
  3. Lookalikes
  4. When they are active
  5. If you are bitten or stung
  6. How to report
  7. About this list
  8. Sources

Nevada has 6 venomous snakes named by official sources: Great Basin Rattlesnake, Mojave Green Rattlesnake, Sidewinder, Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and Panamint Rattlesnake. Each one is labelled venomous by NDOW. It also lists 2 snakes as mildly venomous or not dangerous to people; they are shown separately below.

The 6 venomous snakes of Nevada

Recognize them from a distance; a photo cannot confirm that a snake is safe. Identifying animals safely.

Great Basin Rattlesnake
Photo: NPS Staff · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Great Basin Rattlesnake

Crotalus oreganus lutosus

Venomous per NDOW

Danger to people
“Due to its large size, it is still relatively dangerous.” Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Where in Nevada
The Great Basin is the only rattlesnake inhabiting the northern two-thirds of the state. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say

Venom: “The Great Basin Rattlesnake is a pit viper and is venomous.” (NDOW)

Habitat: These snakes are found throughout all of Northern Nevada, and into parts of Southern Nevada. They are found in a variety of habitats including grassy, shrubby, and rocky areas. (NDOW)

Mojave Green Rattlesnake
Photo: Court Harding · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Mojave Green Rattlesnake

Crotalus scutulatus

Venomous per NDOW

Danger to people
“They are venomous and considered dangerous” NDOW
Size
Up to 50 inches excluding the rattle (Arizona). Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument says it averages 2 to 4 feet. Texas calls it smaller and more slender than the western diamondback.
How to recognize it
  • Rattle at the end of the tail
  • Broad triangular head on a slender neck; vertical pupils
  • Thin light stripe from the back corner of the eye running past the corner of the mouth
Where in Nevada
The Mojave is found throughout the Mojave Desert of Southern Nevada Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say

Venom: “The Mojave Green Rattlesnake is a large venomous snake” (NDOW)

Habitat: These desert dwelling snakes prefer areas with little vegetation. In Nevada, they are found in the southern part of the state. They utilize pre-existing rodent burrows to ride out the winter months. (NDOW)

Full Mojave Green Rattlesnake guide

Panamint Rattlesnake
Photo: Holger Krisp · CC BY 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Panamint Rattlesnake

Crotalus stephensi

Venomous per NDOW

Danger to people
“…its size and close relationship to the Speckled indicate that the Panamint is also a potentially dangerous snake.” Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Where in Nevada
Found in southwestern Nevada, the Panamint most commonly occurs in mountains and foothills. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Conservation
Species of Greatest Conservation Need (2022 SWAP)
What the sources say

Venom: “This species is venomous, therefore bites on humans are potentially dangerous without immediate medical treatment.” (NDOW)

Sidewinder
Photo: Ken-ichi Ueda · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Sidewinder

Crotalus cerastes

Venomous per NDOW

Danger to people
“…all rattlesnake bites are potentially dangerous, perhaps even life-threatening, and require proper and immediate medical attention.” Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Size
Small: up to 25 in excluding the rattle (Arizona); typically 1.5 ft or less but can reach 3 ft (Death Valley NPS); 17-33 in (Nevada).
How to recognize it
  • Enlarged, upturned, horn-like scales above the eyes
  • Rattle on the tail, though rattles can break off (UC IPM)
  • Broad, triangular head and slender neck
Where in Nevada
Most common in the valleys of the southern counties Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Conservation
NV state status: Priority Species, Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say

Venom: “The Sidewinder is a rattle snake and has the classic rattles on the end of their tail while also possessing venom.” (NDOW)

Habitat: The Sidewinder generally prefers sandy terrain. In the Mojave Desert, snakes concentrate near sandy washes and areas of relatively dense vegetation where mammal burrows are common, though in other areas the Sidewinder has been found to be more common where vegetation is sparse. (NDOW)

Full Sidewinder guide

No confirmed photo of Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake

Crotalus pyrrhus

Venomous per NDOW

Danger to people
“Its length, large average head size, and venom ranking of above average in toxicity make the Speckled a potentially dangerous snake.” Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Where in Nevada
The Speckled occurs in southeastern Nevada, south of Interstate 15 in Clark County and to the east of U.S. Route 93 toward Utah in Clark and Lincoln Counties. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say

Venom: “The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake is a large, venomous snake” (NDOW)

Habitat: The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake occupies a small range in southeastern Nevada, where it overlaps with the Panamint Rattlesnake in some parts of the Las Vegas Valley. This elusive species thrives in rugged canyons and rocky mountain areas, especially near Clark County and closer to the Colorado River. (NDOW)

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Photo: Gary Stolz (original) · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

Venomous per NDOW

Danger to people
“The Diamondback is one of Nevada's two most dangerous rattlesnakes due to its size and large venom capacity.” Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Size
Usually about 3.5 to 4.5 feet; Texas says it can reach seven feet. Arizona's maximum is 66 inches excluding the rattle; Saguaro National Park gives a range of 30 to 90 inches.
How to recognize it
  • Rattle at the end of the tail
  • Broad triangular head on a slender neck; vertical pupils
  • Thin light stripe from behind the eye down to the upper lip
Where in Nevada
Extreme southern tip of Clark County along the Colorado River corridor from the Laughlin area north to Cottonwood Cove Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Conservation
NV state status: Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say

Venom: “The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is venomous.” (NDOW)

Habitat: The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is found in the very southern tip of Nevada. They call the Mojave Desert home and can occupy a range of habitats such as rocky areas in desert washes, rocky hillsides, and grassy areas. (NDOW)

Full Western Diamondback Rattlesnake guide

For 16 other snakes on Nevada's list, no official source we use states whether it is venomous: Desert Striped Whipsnake, Glossy Snake (Desert and Mojave subspecies), Long-nosed Snake, Mojave Patch-nosed Snake, Mojave Shovel-nosed Snake, Northern Desert Nightsnake, Northern Rubber Boa and Red Racer and others. That does not make them harmless. Leave every snake alone.

Mildly venomous snakes

NDOW lists these 2 snakes as mildly venomous or not dangerous to people. Each card quotes what the source says about its venom. Like any snake, leave them alone.

Ring-necked Snake
Photo: Peter Paplanus from St. Louis, Missouri · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Ring-necked Snake

Diadophis punctatus

Mildly venomous per NDOW

Venom note
“These small rear-fanged snakes are not dangerous to humans.”
Size
Usually 8 to 15 inches long; Alabama reports up to about 18 inches, rarely 24. AZGFD gives a maximum of 34 inches for Arizona animals.
How to recognize it
  • A yellow, cream or orange ring around the neck; it may be incomplete, and some Lower Florida Keys and western Arizona snakes lack it.
  • Bright yellow to orange or red belly, often with a row of black half-moon spots; the underside of the tail is often red.
  • Smooth, shiny scales and a small head only slightly wider than the neck.
Where in Nevada
Southern Nevada (NDOW page map) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Priority Species, Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say

Venom: “Ring-necked snakes in the southwest envenomate their prey using enlarged, ungrooved upper rear teeth” (NDOW)

Habitat: The Ring-necked Snake is found in forests, woodlands, grassland, and riparian areas of arid regions. They do prefer areas that are seasonally wet at the very least. These snakes can be found taking cover under the bark of dead trees, under rocks, and on rocky hillsides. In Nevada, they are found in the southeastern part of the state. (NDOW)

Full Ring-necked Snake guide

No confirmed photo of Smith’s Black-headed Snake

Smith’s Black-headed Snake

Tantilla hobartsmithi

Mildly venomous per NDOW

Where in Nevada
Southern Nevada (NDOW page map) NDOW
Conservation
NV state status: Priority Species, Unprotected; federal column on NDOW page: Least Concern
What the sources say

Venom: “Although technically venomous, this snake's modified saliva is not considered a threat to humans” (NDOW)

Habitat: The Smith’s Black-headed Snake habitat includes pinyon-juniper woodland, chaparral-woodland, riparian woodland, sagebrush-greasewood, and mesquite-creosote bush. (NDOW)

See all 27 snakes, venomous and not, on Nevada snakes.

Snakes people confuse

Mojave Rattlesnake or Western diamondback rattlesnake?

Mojave Rattlesnake
Photo: Court Harding · CC BY 4.0 · iNaturalist

Mojave Rattlesnake Venomous

Western diamondback rattlesnake
Photo: Gary Stolz (original) · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Western diamondback rattlesnake Venomous

Hard to tell apart. Arizona: the Mojave's eye-stripe angle, its evenly colored blotches and its relatively thin tail rings set it apart. NPS Saguaro: Mojaves are often slightly greenish, with thick white and narrower black tail bands; the diamondback's bands are more even.

Photos show typical adults; individuals vary. Never get close to compare.

When venomous snakes are active in Nevada

Records of snakes in Nevada peak in April to June. They show when people record snakes, not how many there are (about month bars).

294 records of snakes in Nevada by month (GBIF, CC0 and CC BY records).
  • Rattlesnakes are most active March to October, day or night (NDOW). NDOW
  • In summer above 90°F rattlesnakes shelter from heat, and may enter shaded yards and garages (NDOW). NDOW
  • In winter, below about 60°F, rattlesnakes usually brumate (NDOW). NDOW

If you are bitten or stung

Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.

Official advice from NDOW and Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension:

How to report

NDOW dispatch 775-688-1331 for wildlife emergencies and residential mountain lion sightings; Las Vegas area urban wildlife hotline 702-668-3551 for venomous reptiles that threaten safety; reptile sightings to [email protected]; poaching to Operation Game Thief 1-800-992-3030 (NDOW page). NDOW

About this list

The species list comes from Commission Regulation 19-02, 2019 & 2020 Noncommercial Collection Seasons & Limits for Live, Unprotected Reptiles & Amphibians, combined with NAC 503.080, the 2022 SGCN List and the NDOW Species Information database (Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) / Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners, CR 19-02: 2019-2020; NAC: Rev. 10/22/2025; SWAP: 2022; NDOW pages retrieved 2026-11-03). 15 more entries come from other official sources named on each card.

Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.

Sources

  1. Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  2. Commission Regulation 19-02, 2019 & 2020 Noncommercial Collection Seasons & Limits for Live, Unprotected Reptiles & Amphibians (NDOW memo and table). Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) / Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners. memo dated October 11, 2018; checked November 3, 2026.
  3. Great Basin Rattlesnake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The Great Basin Rattlesnake is a pit viper and is venomous.”
  4. Venomous Reptiles of Nevada (replaces SP-07-07; University of Nevada Extension SP-20-13 / NDOW brochure). Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) with University of Nevada, Reno Extension. 2020 per University of Nevada Extension citation; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (6)
    “Due to its large size, it is still relatively dangerous.”
    “…all rattlesnake bites are potentially dangerous, perhaps even life-threatening, and require proper and immediate medical attention.”
    “Its length, large average head size, and venom ranking of above average in toxicity make the Speckled a potentially dangerous snake.”
    “The Diamondback is one of Nevada's two most dangerous rattlesnakes due to its size and large venom capacity.”
    “…its size and close relationship to the Speckled indicate that the Panamint is also a potentially dangerous snake.”
    “…juvenile rattlesnakes should not be mistaken as harmless”
  5. Mojave Green Rattlesnake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “The Mojave Green Rattlesnake is a large venomous snake”
    “They are venomous and considered dangerous”
  6. Sidewinder - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The Sidewinder is a rattle snake and has the classic rattles on the end of their tail while also possessing venom.”
  7. Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake is a large, venomous snake”
  8. Western Diamondback Rattlesnake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is venomous.”
  9. 2022 Nevada State Wildlife Action Plan, Appendix E: Species Accounts (includes "2022 SGCN List"). Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). 2022; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (3)
    “This species is venomous, therefore bites on humans are potentially dangerous without immediate medical treatment.”
    “Ring-necked snakes in the southwest envenomate their prey using enlarged, ungrooved upper rear teeth”
    “These small rear-fanged snakes are not dangerous to humans.”
  10. Great Basin Gopher Snake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “The Great Basin Gopher Snake is a large, non-venomous snake.”
  11. Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is non-venomous”
    “The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake is non-venomous, but it is a mimic of the Coral Snake”
  12. Smith’s Black-headed Snake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “Although technically venomous, this snake's modified saliva is not considered a threat to humans”
  13. Ring-necked Snake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  14. Reptiles - Lake Mead National Recreation Area. National Park Service. page "Last updated: January 30, 2024"; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “This is one of the best known and most readily identified non-venomous snakes.”
  15. Mojave Shovel-nosed Snake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  16. Northern Rubber Boa - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  17. Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  18. Western Threadsnake - Species Information. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
  19. Nevada Administrative Code Chapter 503: Hunting, Fishing and Trapping; Miscellaneous Protective Measures. Nevada Legislature (regulations of the Board of Wildlife Commissioners). file header "Rev. 10/22/2025"; checked November 3, 2026.
  20. Living with Rattlesnakes. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (6)
    “If a rattlesnake is found in the wild, leave it alone.”
    “If a rattlesnake is posing a public safety threat in Nevada, call 911.”
    “Rattlesnakes are most active from March to October and can be seen during the day or night.”
    “Oftentimes, rattlesnakes are encountered in urban areas including shaded yards, garages, or covered patios”
    “During the winter, when temperatures are consistently below 60°F, rattlesnakes usually seek shelter to stay warm”
    “Rattlesnakes can be found throughout Nevada, primarily in open, rocky areas.”
  21. Snake Season Underway Across Nevada - Safety Tips & ID Guide. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (2)
    “Slowly back away and give it at least 6-10 feet of space”
    “Do not assume a snake will rattle before striking”
  22. Living with Wildlife. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “In general, the best rule of thumb is if you can't identify it with certainty leave it alone!”
  23. Living with Mountain Lions. Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). undated page; checked November 3, 2026.
    Quoted passages (1)
    “…report it to the Nevada Department of Wildlife dispatch line at (775) 688-1331.”
  24. GBIF.org occurrence records, human observations licensed CC0 1.0 or CC BY 4.0 only, accessed November 3, 2026. The datasets behind these counts are listed on our Sources page.