An Arizona Black Rattlesnake in ambush in the first sun of the day. The flat rock is on the only, narrow path to a natural water hole – the only water in the region. Any small mammal wanting to visit it would have to jump across this rock. This is likely something this snake knows very well by now, an example of how much can go into the selection of a hunting position. If I may anthropomorphize a bit, I’d call it strategic.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake sitting out in the early morning after a long night waiting for a mouse. It will have another chance for prey, as birds and lizards visit the hillside, possibly not noticing this orange “rock” perfectly situated in the landscape.
This tan Blacktailed Rattlesnake was spotted on a night hike in the Harquahala mountains of western Arizona. In the low desert, they look quite different than the typical yellow and black Blacktails we often post photos of. This is a very adaptable species, thriving in mountainous habitat from sea level to high mountains, in hot, dry deserts to relatively cool pine forest and all in between.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake hiding away on a dry May day. A site nearby will serve as an aestivation den a few weeks later, once temperatures were firmly in the triple digits each day.
One of many Indian Vinesnakes we found moving in low branches on a rainy night in Karnataka, India.
One of many Caucasian Sand Boas we found in Greece a couple of years ago.
This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was aestivating on a cool, extremely dry May morning. This drainage used to be rich with life, but recent fires fueled by invasive grasses have changed it into a charred, open oven. A few animals remain – the most abundant life to spring up after the event: globe chamomile. Hopefully this snake found a way to survive.
A Florida Cottonmouth I found in the Everglades, doing what they do. What they don’t actually do: chase after people. The stories are just that, often not even a cottonmouth at all. And they don’t smell like cucumbers either 😉
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake cruising along a dry wash on a hot summer evening. Nearby water means a higher number of rattlesnakes in the area, and they can be found each evening moving to and from the spring. Not only good for a drink; these situations are ideal hunting opportunities for prey who also need it.
Arizona Black Rattlesnake from the far eastern end of its range in the state, found at high elevation in Greenlee County. These rattlesnakes in th is region can look different than those more familiar from the central rim region, where most of the animals you’ve likely seen in photographs are from.
