This Western Diamondback Rattlesnake was aestivating on a cool, extremely dry May morning. This drainage used to be rich with life, but recent fires fueled by invasive grasses have changed it into a charred, open oven. A few animals remain – the most abundant life to spring up after the event: globe chamomile. Hopefully this snake found a way to survive.
A pink Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake resting in rocks near the Rattlesnake Solutions office in the first morning sun, This snake uses the same area each year, showing up around June and leaving once aestivation is no longer necessary during the monsoon. Where it goes in the cooler months is unknown, but the tight site fidelity of this species is nearly absolute in most cases. This was in 2021, and if she survives another year, there is no doubt we’ll see her again in the same spot in 2025.
