Arizona Coral Snake
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Arizona coral snake, also known as the western coral snake, is one of Arizona’s most distinctive wildlife reptiles. Recognized by bold red, yellow, and black bands, this small venomous snake is native to the Sonoran Desert and nearby rocky habitats. Despite its fearsome reputation, the Arizona coral snake is shy, secretive, and rarely seen by people. Most encounters are brief, and the snake usually tries to avoid contact when left undisturbed.
The brightly colored coral snake is venomous and has a unjustified reputation, but is not as dangerous to humans as a rattlesnake. The coral is related to the cobra and ounce-for-ounce, its venom is twice as potent as that of the Mohave Rattlesnake, considered the most venomous of rattlesnake species. However, there has never been a recorded human death from the bite of a coral snake.
Here's why. Although its venom is deadly potent, the Arizona Coral has a poor poison delivery system. It has a small mouth with small fangs that can hardly break human skin. It carries little venom and would have to hang-on and sustain a bite for a duration to inject enough venom to do serious harm. At about 13 to 20 inches long as an adult, it is a small snake. It is highly secretive, nocturnal and is not an aggressive snake. It will always avoid human contact.
Bites by a coral snake, like bites by gila monsters, are very rare and most reported bites are the result of people trying to handle the snake. Being small and brightly colored, people are tempted to handle them to get a closer look. That would be a big mistake. If you are bitten, seek immediate medical help. The effects of the venomous toxin can have delayed reaction. As a "neurotoxin", it can cause slurred speech and double vision and if enough venom is injected, it is possible to cause serious respiratory consequences.
Where to See Coral Snakes In Arizona
Coral snakes in Arizona are most often found in southern and central desert regions with rocky terrain, washes, cactus habitat, and loose soil. Good areas include portions of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson, Phoenix, and lower elevation desert foothills where natural habitat remains undisturbed. They often stay hidden beneath rocks, like scorpions, in burrows, or under debris, making sightings uncommon. Warm evenings, overcast days, and periods after summer rains can improve chances of seeing one. Always observe from a safe distance and never handle any snake.
Arizona Coral Snake Facts
Characteristics of the Coral Snake
The adult coral snake is small. Its average length is 13 to 20 inches long and has brightly colored bands of black, red and yellow that encircle the body of the coral. The Scarlet King Snake, with very similar banded color is often mistaken as a coral snake. The king snake is not venomous and poses no danger to people. At an average adult length of 48 to 72 inches long, the king snake is much longer than the venomous coral.
Here's a good way to identify the coral other than size. The coral's red bands that encircle its body touch the yellow bands that also encircle its body. It has a blunt nose and its head is completely black. However, it is never wise to handle a snake unless you are absolutely sure it is not venomous. Observing wildlife is a privilege, but never harass or do harm to any wildlife.
When Coral Snakes Are Most Active In Arizona
- Spring (March to May): Activity increases as temperatures warm and prey becomes active.
- Summer (June to August): Most active during warm nights, after monsoon rains, and during humid weather.
- Fall (September to October): Moderate activity continues during mild temperatures.
- Winter (November to February): Lowest activity period, usually hidden underground or sheltered.
Coral Snake Behavior and Habitat
As described above, Arizona Coral Snakes are small, shy and reclusive. Although there are exceptions, most bites only occur when the snake is handled. Coral snakes hunt by night and prefer a diet of smaller ground snakes and lizards. Their venom acts quickly upon these smaller cold-blooded creatures causing fast paralysis and respiratory failure. Coral snakes typically lay two to three eggs by the end of summer. After approximately ten weeks, the young snakes hatch.
What To Do If Bit By A Coral Snake
- Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Stay calm and reduce movement.
- Keep the bitten limb still and at a comfortable level.
- Remove rings, watches, or tight clothing before swelling begins.
- Watch for delayed symptoms such as weakness, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, breathing trouble, or vision changes.
- Do not cut the wound.
- Do not attempt to suck out venom.
- Do not apply ice or a tourniquet.
- Do not try to capture the snake.
- Follow emergency medical guidance promptly.
Western coral snakes live in Arizona's and northern Mexico's Sonoran Desert. They are often found in rocky locales where Saguaro cacti are present. They prefer the cool microcosm of life under rocks where they are not likely to encounter much company. They may even bury themselves in sand or soil. Because they are nocturnal creatures, they are seldom seen in the wild. If they are seen during daylight, it is usually during overcast days or after daytime rain.
Coral Snake Video
Coral Snake vs King Snake In Arizona
The Arizona coral snake is often confused with the non-venomous king snake because both species display colorful red, black, and yellow banding. However, the coral snake is usually much smaller, has a blunt black head, and its red bands touch yellow bands. In contrast, many king snakes have red bands touching black bands and grow much longer and thicker than coral snakes. King snakes are beneficial predators that often eat rodents, lizards, and even other snakes. Because color patterns can vary and mistakes are possible, it is safest to never handle any wild snake in Arizona and to observe from a respectful distance.
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