REPTILES: SNAKES

Striped Whipsnake, Masticophis taeniatus

Family Colubridae (Colubrid Snakes)

Size: Up to 72"

Range: Western Colorado

Habitat: Deserts, sage land, rocky areas, mountains, grasslands

Related to the racers, the striped whipsnake is aggressive and speedy. Its body is long and thin, like a bull whip, with a narrow, tapering tail and smooth scales. It has large, round eyes. The color is brownish, gray, or nearly black above, with two pale yellow or white stripes along each side, along with a broken (or solid), thin, dark stripe in between. The underside is whitish, pale pink, or yellowish. Active during the day, the striped whipsnake moves along the ground or in trees feeding on other reptiles, small mammals, insects, or birds. It hibernates during cold weather in burrows or under rocks. Striped whipsnakes usually speed away into the brush or rocks if provoked, and although not venomous, will readily bite.