Careful! Top 3 Most Venomous Snakes Found in Arizona

Living in Arizona means sharing your area with some of the most venomous creatures in the country.

Thankfully, most fatal encounters with these animals are rare. However, a few species have a storied history of dangerous bites, and the severity of their venom is not to be understated.

Understanding where they live and how they behave can help all of us enjoy the desert safely. Here are the top three most dangerous snakes in Arizona, based on annual fatalities.

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#3: Arizona Coral Snake

Coming in at number three, the small and somewhat secretive Arizona Coral Snake earns its place on this list thanks to its highly potent neurotoxic venom.

This snake doesn’t strike often, and fortunately, documented cases of death are extremely rare. However, its venom is powerful enough to cause respiratory failure.

The danger of this snake’s bite is in its potency rather than how often people are bitten. That makes the Arizona Coral Snake one of our state's most venomous creatures despite its shy nature.

READ MORE: The Story Behind 'The Snake Guy' And His Recent Snakebite

#2: Mojave Rattlesnake

The dubious award for the number-two spot goes to the Mojave Rattlesnake.

This snake doesn’t bite as often as the Western Diamondback, but when it does, the consequences can be even more severe.

This serpent is often called the most dangerous rattlesnake in North America. That’s because it carries a rare combination of neurotoxic and hemotoxic venom. This snake’s venom can leave a wake of destruction, simultaneously attacking the nervous system and destroying tissue. This is a deadly mix if the victim doesn’t seek immediate medical care.

RELATED: When Do Rattlesnakes and Scorpions Wake Up in Arizona?

#1: Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

The snake that snakes the top spot on Arizona’s danger list is the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.

This viper is responsible for more venomous bites in Arizona than any other species. Some experts even consider it the deadliest snake in the United States. Its hemotoxic venom destroys blood cells and tissue, and with the ability to inject up to 400 mg of venom in a single bite, it’s no surprise that it leads local statistics.

Awareness of Venomous Snakes is Key

Arizona’s wildlife is part of what makes the state so unique, but this special beauty should always be respected.

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just enjoying your backyard, stay alert and give these animals plenty of space. Snakes don’t go looking for a fight, but they will always defend themselves if they feel threatened.