Venomous animals in Nevada
The ones that need the most respect: western rattlesnake, sidewinder, Mojave rattlesnake, speckled rattlesnake. A bite from any of them is a medical emergency.
- 4 dangerous
- 4 medically significant
- 4 painful, rarely serious
Where they turn up in Nevada
- None recorded
- 1 species
- 2
- 3 to 4
- 5 or more
Venomous snakes in Nevada
Western rattlesnakeDangerous368 records, 17 counties
SidewinderDangerous430 records, 4 counties
Mojave rattlesnakeDangerous94 records, 3 counties
Speckled rattlesnakeDangerous227 records, 5 counties
Venomous snakes in Nevada: map, photos and look-alikes
Venomous spiders in Nevada
Black widowMedically significant57 records, 10 counties
Desert recluseMedically significant6 records, 1 county
TarantulaPainful, rarely serious31 records, 5 counties
Venomous spiders in Nevada: map, photos and look-alikes
Scorpions in Nevada
Arizona bark scorpionMedically significant17 records, 2 counties
Giant desert hairy scorpionPainful, rarely serious13 records, 2 counties
Northern scorpionPainful, rarely serious37 records, 13 counties
Scorpions in Nevada: map, photos and look-alikes
Centipedes in Nevada
Centipedes in Nevada: map, photos and look-alikes
Venomous lizards in Nevada
When they are out
- Venomous snakes
- Venomous spiders
- Scorpions
- Centipedes
- Venomous lizards
Recorded, but not living here
- Rare records Western diamondback rattlesnake 23 open records
- Rare records Brown widow 1 open record, latest 2022
A rare record means someone found or reported the animal once or a few times, but there is no known population. Many are strays, pets or hitchhikers in cargo.
Harmless look-alikes in Nevada
- Rattlesnake vs Gopher Snake Gopher snake is harmless
Quick answers for Nevada
- Lives here Rattlesnakes
- Not here Brown recluses
- Lives here Black widows
- Lives here Tarantulas
- Lives here Gila monsters
Questions
How many venomous snakes live in Nevada?
4 species: Western rattlesnake, Sidewinder, Mojave rattlesnake and Speckled rattlesnake.
Are there brown recluse spiders in Nevada?
No. There are no open records of the brown recluse from Nevada, and the state is outside its range.
Are there scorpions in Nevada?
Yes: Arizona bark scorpion, Giant desert hairy scorpion and Northern scorpion.
When are venomous animals most active in Nevada?
Most open records from Nevada fall in April to July. Records follow when people are outdoors too, so treat this as a guide, not a rule.
What should I do after a bite or sting?
Call 911 for any venomous snakebite or a severe reaction. For spider bites and scorpion stings, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, free and open 24/7.