A female Western Diamondback Rattlesnake pausing on a bit near a large bush where she likely lives. These are the most common rattlesnake, if not snake, seen by hikers and homeowners in the Phoenix area.
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Takes a Break
Tag: arizona
Speckled Rattlesnake Resting Near Den
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.
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake
A Grand Canyon Rattlesnake found near its namesake a few years ago. This one is still pretty sharply patterned for a snake of this age.
Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake Close Up
The face of the Arizona state reptile, an Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake found in the Madrean oak grasslands of the sky islands. These small snakes rattle is reduced to sound more like an insect than what most expect from a rattlesnake. Despite being common, most of the ranchers and residents in the area that I’ve spoken with over the years have never heard of it – a testament to its cryptic lifestyle.
Arizona Black Rattlesnake In An Old Wall
I’ve been watching this old Arizona Black Rattlesnake for more than 10 years now, each year returning to the same location to hunt for small animals looking to get a drink at an isolated water hole. The rock wall built by ranchers long ago serves as perfect daytime refugia.
Baby Blacktailed Rattlesnake
Seeing a baby Blacktailed Rattlesnake isn’t especially common. This one was seen in southeastern Arizona just over 10 years ago. As it grows, it’s eye scale will darken, and in this region, the contrast between light and dark will remain just as vibrant. Hopefully today, this animal is still out there somewhere, midway into a long life.
Arizona Black Rattlesnake From Southern Arizona
Arizona Black Rattlesnake giving me a reminder to keep my distance and leave it alone. I spotted this one crawling from a small drainage back to tangled debris at the base of a sycamore in southern Arizona.
Desert Phase Blacktailed Rattlesnake
Blacktailed Rattlesnake showing off the “desert phase” phenotype, typical of lower, hot desert regions where this snake is common in rocky hills and mountains. This chaotic pattern can range from a yellow-green to silver, at times with the pattern degrading to the point of a unicolor appearance. This one is typical for mountains west of Phoenix.
Sonoran Lyresnake
Sonoran Lyresnake from the eastern end of Arizona. These are secretive snakes that live on rocky hillsides, eating lizards and small mammals. They are mildly venomous, and can cause a reaction in humans, but typically not considered dangerous. Fortunately, a bite can easily be avoided by just leaving these shy animals alone.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake from the Cerbat Mountains
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake found in the lower foothills of the Cerbat Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona.
