Western Diamondback Out in the Rain

Posted on February 9, 2026February 9, 2026 by Bryan Hughes

One of many Western Diamondback Rattlesnake out in the rain on a cold December night. Being warm is great and all, but water drives activity in the desert.

You may see us issue a statement from time to time to give a heads up before going to firewood piles, etc. These events are largely predictable, where rattlesnakes behave in ways that are surprising to most people, and we may assume it’s not possible to see a rattlesnake. When you see something like that from us, know that it’s from a lot of data and getting out of bed in the middle of the night in December to stand around in the rain waiting to see if snakes come out 🙂

Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake Drinking

Posted on October 2, 2025October 2, 2025 by Bryan Hughes

A pregnant Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake out on a wet morning, coiled to maximize rain capture. A surprise rain got about every rattlesnake in the area on the surface for the day, in various forms of this pose. Hydrophobic scales help collect drops of rain, which the snake can then drink directly from its skin, as she is doing here.

Speckled Rattlesnake Drinking Rainwater

Posted on January 1, 2025January 1, 2025 by Bryan Hughes

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. Regardless of the season, every chance to drink in Arizona may be the last one for months, and these events are not to be missed.