A young Great Basin Rattlesnake found in the Arizona strip – an expansive, relatively isolated region between the Grand Canyon and Utah. In the transition to Great Basin desert grassland, this species is the only rattlesnake all the way north into Idaho, and West into Oregon and northern California. This young snake will fade with age into the two-tone broken blotches of tan and brown … or one of the many other color combinations of the species.
An adult New Mexico Ridgenosed Rattlesnake from a few years back. Within the United States, climate change is quickly transforming its remaining habitat into hot, dry desert mountains under constant threat of fire.
A large Mexican Pygmy Rattlesnake from southern Mexico several years ago.
A Blacktailed Rattlesnake resting in the filtered light of a dense bush. This is one of many seen at a relatively densely populated den, at which we only found blacktails. Just down the hill, Western Diamondbacks also made an appearance. With some “up” left in the mountain and a change to more high elevation juniper habitat, we’re hoping for the addition of other rattlesnake species.
A red-hued Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from Phoenix, Arizona. Its red coloration is typical of the local phenotype, which may include many variations of reds, orange, purple, and all shades in between.
These snakes are common in popular hiking areas, but are not an issue for people. Considering the hundreds of people that visit area trailheads each weekend during the peak of these animals’ activity, bites are incredibly uncommon. Hikers can keep that status by staying on trails, not wearing headphones or texting while walking, and keeping dogs on leash (it’s the law, too).
A Rosy Boa from coastal Baja California Norte. These snakes are common in the steep boulder hillsides with blue-green sea in the distance.
One of many langurs that watched our reptile-finding efforts in India last year.
A young Great Basin Rattlesnake I found high on a precarious rocky outcrop in the spring. Throughout the week, the remaining rattlesnakes yet to leave the den emerged and made their way down the hill. This one was one of the last to leave but eventually disappeared after a series of warm days.
We met this big guy the last time we were in Florida. A Common Snapping Turtle, seen crossing a sand road at the edge of remaining Everglades. There was what looked like a squatted truck gathering in the area, so we’re happy we found it first and helped it off the road.
But, we just kicked the can down the road a bit. The place this old turtle lives is slated to become the next massive residential area as the state continues to fill in. If you’ve never seen the everglades … get down there and do it while you can.
A pretty orange Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from Yavapai County, Arizona. The oxidation in the surrounding rock shows why this snake is the color that it is. I got some photos and watched it crawl off in the direction it was headed.
