A Speckled Rattlesnake from the Belmont Mountains, west of Phoenix. These rattlesnakes in this range often lack much of the characteristic speckling within the eye, leaving solid-colored, light grey or pale white eyes. A typical response when we post a snake from this area is something like “it’s ready to shed skin”, though that is not at all the case.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake looking just like a chunk of granite, fallen off the overhead outcrop. As the sun gets lower in the sky, a variety of rodents, birds, and lizards do what they do in surrounding bushes and rocks, oblivious to the invisible predator. To hikers on the mountain, they’re often just as cryptic, remaining hidden as hundreds of feet pass by every Saturday on popular trails.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake on the move late at night in Phoenix. These snakes are the most commonly encountered snake on many trails in the area. For the reasons you can see here, and others, these snakes are quite often misidentified as Tiger Rattlesnakes when people see them. At popular trails like Piestewa (not where this one was), they’re seen about every night, even on very busy paths. But, contrary to how people often think of rattlesnakes: bites are nearly unheard of in those situations.
One of several Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnakes drinking water from its hydrophobic scales after a surprise June rain a few years ago. These snakes group up, often alongside other species, to wait out the hottest, driest times of year. When a rare rain event does come, everyone comes out to soak and drink all they can. Regardless of the season, every chance to drink in Arizona may be the last one for months, and these events are not to be missed.
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 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.
This Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake was resting on a small rise just below its aestivation den in Phoenix. She’s pregnant, and will stayed in the area most of the summer before moving up the hill to a rocky slope to give birth.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake resting under a bush on a cool Spring day. With temperatures still in the low 50s at night, this snake sat out overnight waiting for prey to wander by, nearly a quarter mile from its den further up the bajada.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake found in the lower foothills of the Cerbat Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona.
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.
