Safety note: Venomous — keep distance
The Sidewinder moves with a distinctive sidewinding locomotion, leaving parallel J-shaped tracks in sand. Its horned scales above the eyes reduce glare. It buries itself in sand during the day with only its camouflaged back visible.
Habitat
Sand dunes, desert flats, and sandy washes in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts
Diet
Lizards and small rodents
How common
Common
Best time to see a Sidewinder
The best time to see a Sidewinder is February–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,298 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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Recent Sidewinder sightings near you
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5,300+species
63national parks
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