How to Identify a Sidewinder Snake

Sidewinder Snakes are a common inhabitant of the deserts of the American southwest. The three species of Sidewinder Snake, the Sonoran Sidewinder, the Colorado Desert Sidewinder and the Mojave Sidewinder, are easily identifiable especially if you can see one in motion. Here's how to identify a Sidewinder Snake.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take note of the Sidewinder Snake's range. Sidewinder Snakes live in northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States making their homes in the Colorado Desert, the Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Desert.

2. Learn about the preferred habitat of the Sidewinder Snake. Sandy deserts, especially near creosote bushes, are good areas to look for Sidewinder Snakes.

3. Observe the Sidewinder Snake's appearance. Sidewinder Snakes have an overall coloring that resembles the sand in which they make their homes. This color can appear buff, pink, gray, brown, yellow, tan or cream. Sidewinder snakes tend to have whitish colored bellies, and they also have square shaped blotches on their backs. These small, dark blotches number between 28 and 47. A dark stripe running from the corner of the mouth to the corner of the eye also appears on the face of the Sidewinder Snake. In addition, Sidewinder Snakes have protruding scales over their eyes.

4. Know the size of a Sidewinder Snake. Adults range from 43 to 76 cm in length, making the Sidewinder Snake not very large when compared to other rattlesnakes. Female Sidewinder Snakes are larger than their male counterparts.

5. Watch the distinctive behavior of a Sidewinder Snake. These snakes get their name from the way in which they move over desert sand (side winding.) When a Sidewinder Snake moves over sand, it thrusts its head forward and drags its body behind. This motion leaves J-shaped tracks in the sand. The end tip of the hook in the letter J points in the direction of the snake's travel.

Tips & Warnings

• Sidewinder Snakes are also referred to as Horned Rattlesnakes.
• When the local temperatures are cooler, Sidewinder Snakes are active during both the day and the night. However, when temperatures begin to warm, Sidewinder Snakes become largely nocturnal being active only at night.
• The Sidewinder Snake is a poisonous snake. Get medical attention right away if bitten by this dangerous snake.