A Tiger Rattlesnake from the Phoenix area. These snakes are common in the right conditions, but rarely seen by hikers. One reason: they tend to be more nocturnal than similar species. While they can certainly be found in the daytime, they’re often the first to head in for the day. This one had been out all night near its aestivation den in the hottest time of summer.

Tiger Rattlesnake resting outside its aestivation den on a hot Phoenix summer night. These snakes are quite common in much of the area, though most hikers will never see one due to their secretive nature and effective camouflage. Even of those reported, a large number of them … if not most of them, end up being misidentified Speckled Rattlesnakes.