Sonoran
Whipsnake
Masticophis bilineatus
Body length: 24 - 67"
Diet: Birds, lizards, and frogs
This conspicuous day-active species is common throughout Tonto National Monument.
If you see (very briefly!) a greenish-gray snake streaking away from you on the
trail, the chances are good it's a Sonoran whipsnake. The whipsnake's keen eyesight
and speed are used to chase down lizards and other prey.
Whipsnakes seem to be as comfortable in trees as on the ground, and they may be
an important predator of birds such as cactus wrens
and thrashers. Other food items include frogs,
rodents, eggs, insects, and even carrion. When captured
by humans, whipsnakes bite aggressively, often drawing blood. However, they are
not venomous or harmful in any way.
NPS
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Updated
May 8, 2005