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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
A Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake found in the lower foothills of the Cerbat Mountains of Mohave County, Arizona.
Rattlesnakes live in the highest areas of Arizona, often taking forms that defy what most residents would think possible. This one, an adult Twin-Spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei), is only about 20″ long as a mature adult, with a narrow head, tiny rattle, and body pattern that convergently looks just like a harmless nightsnake.
These are one of the four species of rattlesnakes in Arizona that are protected by law from any kind of disturbance, thankfully.
An Arizona Black Rattlesnake in ambush in the first sun of the day. The flat rock is on the only, narrow path to a natural water hole – the only water in the region. Any small mammal wanting to visit it would have to jump across this rock. This is likely something this snake knows very well by now, an example of how much can go into the selection of a hunting position. If I may anthropomorphize a bit, I’d call it strategic.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake sitting out in the early morning after a long night waiting for a mouse. It will have another chance for prey, as birds and lizards visit the hillside, possibly not noticing this orange “rock” perfectly situated in the landscape.
