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.
New Mexico Ridgenosed Rattlesnake
Category: Snakes
Mexican Pygmy Rattlesnake
A large Mexican Pygmy Rattlesnake from southern Mexico several years ago.
Blacktailed Rattlesnake at the Den
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.
Red Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
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).
Rosy Boa from Baja California
A Rosy Boa from coastal Baja California Norte. These snakes are common in the steep boulder hillsides with blue-green sea in the distance.
Great Basin Rattlesnake
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.
Speckled Rattlesnake Colored Like the Rocks
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.
Big Tiger Rattlesnake
A large adult Tiger Rattlesnake from southeastern Arizona. These secretive snakes are common where they are found, but even people who live next to them for a lifetime may never see one. Interestingly, speckled rattlesnakes are often misidentified as tigers … I think it may be as simple as that “tiger rattlesnake” sounds cooler than “speckled”. But, you if you see here, you can see one of the things that make a tiger a tiger: a tiny head, that looks about half as big as it should be for a snake with this body.
Arizona Black Rattlesnake Den
There are at least five Arizona Black Rattlesnakes in this photo. It’s a winter den site, where multiple generations live together through the cool part of the year.
Defensive Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake letting me know that it’s not a smart idea to come closer. This defensive behavior is often mischaracterized as aggression. While there are some cognitive gymnastics that could be done to force word choice, the misinterpretation of what these snakes are doing when in a pose like this often leads to the injury of both the animal and the person. Once a rattlesnake is seen, the danger is over unless the person chooses go approach it, ignoring these very clear signs.
