Snake
Posted by Elizabeth Crane on April 22, 2006
Q: I was in the desert, with my dogs, below the Sheep Mountains in northwest Las Vegas, Nevada and saw a light yellowish brown, solid color, slender snake about three feet long. What was is and was it poisonous?!!! Or where can I find a guide on line to identify snakes in this area?
Habitat: desert
State: Nevada
Habitat: desert
A: Aside from a field guide that covers Nevada, the Nevada Dept of conservation or wildlife should have some information on-line for state reptiles that you can access.
Your mystery snake was NOT poisonous. The poisonous snakes in your area have distinct patterns that should have been obvious. From your description and location, it sounds as though you saw a Coachwhip Snake (Masticophis flagellum). This species varies in color from area to area, is found in relatively open habitat during the day, and is an especially fast snake. This species does get quite long 91-259cm (36-102") but not very thick. If you can google this snake, this should help you confirm my identification. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( April 24, 2006)