Nightsnake

Night Snake, Hypsiglena torquata

While out hiking a desert canyon here in Washington County last week, a friend and I happened to find a  Night Snake.  This is the first night snake I have ever come across.  Night Snakes are not uncommon and can be found throughout most of Utah.  Their nocturnal behavior and secrecy make them rarely seen.  These snakes are actually venomous though not very potent, and unlike rattlesnakes their fangs are located in the back of the mouth.  These factors along with its tiny size make this snake harmless to people.  One of the most striking features of these snakes are their eyes.  The vast majority of Utah's snakes have circular pupils, only the Night Snake family and the Rattlesnake family have pupils formed into vertical slits.  This was definatly the highlight of the week.