How to Identify Snakes in Kiowa, Colorado

Snake field guides help you identify snakes that could be potentially dangerous or fatal.

Identification keys or field guides for snakes can help you better enjoy the outdoors by being able to identify some of the wildlife you might come across. They can also help keep you safe by telling you which species are potentially dangerous or fatal if you were to be bitten. Make sure that your identification key or guide focuses specifically on the area in which you live. For example, if you live in Colorado, you would want a key or guide that specializes on that state.

Things You'll Need

• Colorado snake identification key
• Colorado snake field guide

Instructions

Snakes with a rattle

1. Identify the snake as a rattlesnake. The rattle will be at the end of the snake's tale. Since there are several varieties of rattlesnakes, you will need to look for other distinctive features to reach an accurate identification.

2. Look at the snake's scales. If the length of scales at the top of the head appears to be about four inches in length, the snake is likely a Crotalus viridis, or Western (prairie) rattlesnake.

3. Examine the scales further if they are smaller than four inches. If the head scales measure about two inches in length, the snake is likely a Sistrurus catenatus, or Massasauga rattlesnake.

Identify Snakes without a Rattle

1. Identify distinguishing characteristics of non-rattlesnakes. Draw on information from you identification key, or consult your field guide. Colorado is home to many types of non-rattlesnakes, including the striped whipsnake, plains garter, blackneck garter, common garter, lined snake, western terrestrial garter, western hognose, coachwhip and the ringneck, to name only a few.

2. Focus on features such as the direction and color of any striping on the snake. Body length can also be an important factor for identification.

3. Examine, if possible, the belly of the snake. Look for the presence of rings, either covering the body or located around the neck. Also look out for distinguishing markings on the head. Finding these and other markings will help identify the snake when consulting an illustrated field guide.

Tips & Warnings

• It pays to be prepared. Consult you identification key or field guide in advance so you have some knowledge of significant features to look out for when trying to observe and identify snakes. Read through the key or thumb through the photos in a field guide. Familiarize yourself with the types of snakes you are likely to come across.

• Many snakes in Colorado can cause severe health problems if they bite you. Take precautions when attempting to observe or identify snakes. Wear sturdy hiking boots to protect your ankles from bites.

• As always, when going for a wilderness walk or a longer hike, let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return.

References

• The Colorado Herpetological Society: Key to the Snakes of Colorado
• Colorado Division of Wildlife: Quick Key to Amphibians and Reptiles of Colorado

Resources

• The Colorado Herpetological Society: Field Guides