-
U.S. Highway 89 Bryce Canyon to Grand Canyon
Road damage south of Page, Arizona will impact travel between Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon National Parks. Click for a travel advisory and link to a map with suggested alternate routes: More »
Striped Whipsnake
|
Common Name: Striped Whipsnake Scientific Name: Masticophis taeniatus Size (length) English & Metric: 40-72" (101.6-182.9 cm) Habitat: Grassland, arid flatland, rugged mountains; sea level to 9400' Diet: Lizards, small mammals, small snakes Predators: Hawks 
Striped Whipsnake NPS The Striped Whipsnake is long and slender, with color ranging among gray, bluish-green, olive, reddish-brown, and black. There are two or more light-colored lengthwise stripes on each side, the large head scales are edged in white, and scales are smooth in 15 rows. The species ranges from Washington to Great Basin to New Mexico and parts of west Texas. Whipsnakes get their name from their long and slender bodies and their high speed movement. Put simply, they are whip-like. 
Striped Whipsnake NPS The Striped Whipsnake courts in early spring and may nest in old rodent burrows. Three to 12 eggs are laid between June and July and hatch in August. They are 14-17" long at birth; males mature in one to two years and females in three. Whipsnakes are unusual in that they travel across the ground with their heads held high to get a better view of their surroundings. This species can vanish into burrows and rocks when surprised and is also known to escape predators by climbing trees. It hunts during the day and can climb trees to search for birds. Whipsnakes are swift and powerful predators capable of killing large lizards and even small rattlesnakes. 
Striped Whipsnake
NPS
Conservation: Throughout their range, the main threats to these snakes are loss of natural habitat to expanding agriculture, and being hit by cars. Like all animals at Bryce Canyon National Park, Striped Whipsnakes are protected. Please watch for them as you drive our roads. 
Habitat Range of the Striped Whipsnake NPS Striped Whipsnakes are occasionally seen during summer days. Although not particularly common, they can be found in almost any habitat within Bryce Canyon. Further Reading: Moon, Brad, "Reptiles of Washington," 2000: The Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Seattle. |
Did You Know?
Bryce Canyon National Park has three wildlife species listed under the Endangered Species Act: Utah Prairie Dog, California condor, and the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. It is illegal to take, capture, kill, pursue, hunt, or harm these species or their habitat. More...