I spotted this Northern Blacktailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) resting about 4′ up in a tree on a hike in Yuma County, Arizona. Being up there can serve many purposes, from getting some cooler air on the belly to better hunting opportunities. This snake was likely hunting, waiting for one of the small birds and […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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.