Snakes of Phoenix – Snake ID & Info For Everyone From Hikers To Homeowners

This guide is a Phoenix metro resident’s go-to for identifying snakes in everyday places: your backyard, a trail, or even indoors. It gets right to the point: What is it? Is it dangerous? What should be done … or can I just ignore it?

This isn't your average field guide, drawing on data from thousands of snake relocations over more than 20 years, encounters from homeowners and hikers, and researchers' first-hand observations. We've tailored the information to reflect real-life comments and questions from people just like you, focusing on situations and species that are most relevant to everyday life.

For instance, we discuss Shovelnosed Snakes and Coralsnakes side-by-side, not because of scientific classification, but because it's a practical pairwise comparison. Similarly, the rarely-seen Glossysnake is reserved for latter pages, despite its resemblance to the more commonly seen Sonoran Gophersnake. We don't list the world record size; we give the biggest that people may actually see.

Some illustrations are adjusted to highlight key identification features, making it easier to identify an animal without counting scales or getting too close. This guide is designed to be a practical, easy-to-use tool for all who may encounter snakes, regardless of whether they like them.

A short booklet – just 24 pages, including all of the snakes that can be found in the area, and additional critical information.