This pair of Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes were found at a den in central Arizona near the edge of the species range in the area. With at least fifty observable individuals, this is a large den for these snakes in the state, which is also shares with Blacktailed Rattlesnakes and Arizona Black Rattlesnakes. With multiple large males roving around, I was watching hoping for combat, but it didn’t happen this day. This photo was taken right after the snakes eventually moved from courtship to mating, with tails elevated. They remained in this location for at least the rest of the day.
