There are a lot of misconceptions about New Mexico. Sure, it’s an arid state with lots of snakes and scorpions, but it’s also home to some beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and great food. New Mexico is one of the most under-visited states in the country. With so much natural beauty and interesting history, this state is perfect for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. However, just like any other place you may want to visit, there are some things you should know before traveling here. Let’s take a look at some things you probably didn’t know about New Mexico before visiting this incredible state.
Is New Mexico Dangerous?
No. New Mexico is incredibly safe. In 2017, New Mexico had the 9th lowest crime rate in the United States with only 450.9 crimes per 100,000 people. This is substantially lower than the national average of 587.2 crimes per 100,000 people. Additionally, crime rates have been steadily declining in the state since 2008.
The Real Reasons Why New Mexico Is So Dangerous
- New Mexico is an arid state, meaning that it doesn’t get a lot of rainfall. This means that many of the plants and animals are desert-adapted, meaning they are adapted to living in dry environments.
- New Mexico is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world and many of them are found in desert areas. The black rattlesnake, which is one of the most poisonous snakes in North America, can be found all over New Mexico. The brown snake is also venomous and can be found throughout most parts of New Mexico.
- Many people are under the impression that New Mexico is more dangerous than other states because there are more rattlesnakes than anywhere else in America, but this isn’t true. Rattlesnakes aren’t any more common in New Mexico than they are anywhere else; they just tend to live closer together there since there aren’t as many trees to climb.
- New Mexico is home to the world’s largest rattlesnake, the coiled-horned viper. This snake can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh over 100 pounds. It has a very distinctive rattle on its tail that makes it very easy to identify, which is why New Mexico is so dangerous for people who are afraid of snakes.
- There are many other kinds of poisonous snakes in New Mexico as well, such as the gopher snake, ring-necked snake, and the king snake. All of these snakes are venomous and all have a “bite” that can be fatal if not treated properly. If you see one of these snakes in New Mexico, stay away from it and get medical attention if needed.
The Unique Culture Of New Mexico
- It’s not just snakes that are dangerous in New Mexico; there are many scorpions and other insects that can be very dangerous as well. Scorpions are commonly found in New Mexico; they can be found on buildings, rocks, and even inside homes. There is a state law that requires all citizens to kill any scorpions they see in their homes within 24 hours of finding them.
- The vast majority of snakes in New Mexico are non-venomous and should be left alone; however, there is a deadly poisonous snake called the Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake that can be found throughout most of the state. This snake can reach lengths up to 6 feet long and has a rattle on its tail that is nearly as long as its body itself. There have been many cases where people have been killed by this snake because it strikes kept, the coral snake, and the ringneck snake. All of these snakes are found in New Mexico and can be deadly if you aren’t careful.
- In addition to snakes, New Mexico is home to a lot of scorpions and scorpion-like insects. The black widow spider is one of the most venomous spiders in North America and can be found throughout New Mexico.
- Contrary to popular belief, there are no rattlesnakes in Arizona or Utah! The only place you’ll find rattlesnakes is in New Mexico, so if you plan on visiting any other parts of America, don’t worry about it; there aren’t any rattlesnakes anywhere else!
- The majority of the people who are bitten by poisonous snakes in New Mexico are not bitten by a rattlesnake or other venomous snakes. Most of the time, people are bitten by non-venomous snakes that mimic the appearance and behavior of rattlesnakes (such as the gopher snake). These snakes will look very similar to a rattlesnake because they live in areas where there are lots of poisonous snakes. People become scared when they see a snake that looks like a rattlesnake so they will often try to kill it without realizing that it isn’t a rattlesnake. This can lead to serious injury or death.
Tips For Traveling Through New Mexico With Kids
- If you’re planning on hiking in New Mexico, be sure to wear good shoes and water-resistant clothing. Since there aren’t a lot of trees in New Mexico, you may find yourself hiking through some pretty rugged terrain without any shade nearby. The desert heat can also cause dehydration very quickly, so make sure to always have plenty of water with you.
- The New Mexico Department of Health recommends that everyone who plans to visit New Mexico should be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B and tetanus at least 10 days before traveling to this state so that they don’t get sick after arriving in New Mexico, especially if they haven’t been vaccinated before. This is especially important for people who plan on hiking or camping in some remote areas because of many of the cottonmouth. Cottonmouths are also very common in New Mexico, and they are often found in swamps and marshes. These snakes are venomous, but their bites aren’t usually fatal. They can cause mild to severe swelling of the bite area, making it painful to move the affected area.
- New Mexico is also home to the desert bighorn sheep, which is a species of goat that is endangered in many areas of America due to loss of habitat. One of the most amazing facts about this species is that it can run up to 40 miles per hour for short distances and climb steep inclines when threatened by predators or other obstacles.
- Another endangered species found in New Mexico is the jaguarundi, which belongs to a family known as Felidae that includes other big cats such as tigers and leopards. Jaguars once ranged throughout much of North America but have been hunted into extinction over time because they were, which is a venomous species of pit viper. In addition, there are rattlesnakes and copperheads in New Mexico that aren’t as poisonous as some of the others.
- If you are going to be visiting New Mexico, you should know that there is a lot of snake activity during the spring and summer months. You should also know that snakes tend to be more active at night than during the day. Therefore, if you are planning on camping in a lot of open areas where snakes can hide and ambush their prey, it is probably best for you not to go in the summer months when there is more activity from the snakes.
Final Words
New Mexico is a wonderful place to visit, but it isn’t without its dangers. It is crucial to keep an eye out for snakes and scorpions and be aware of the climate. Visitors should also be aware of the terrain, as driving can be challenging, and the long distances between towns and tourist attractions can make day trips difficult. With all of this in mind, New Mexico still welcomes visitors with open arms. This is a place where you can step back in time and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and fascinating cultures that make this state so special.