The Arizona Ridgenosed Rattlesnake is the Arizona state reptile. It is one of three protected rattlesnake species in the state, due to limited range and collection by poachers. It is a relatively small snake, with adults seldom exceeding 2’ in length. In the U.S., it is found in only a handful of mountain ranges in the “sky islands” region of Southeast Arizona at elevations above 4,000’. It lives in Madrean Woodlands and adjacent grassy hillsides. This individual is one of a pair collected under permit from AZGFD to represent the species in educational presentations, and provide legal, captive-born specimens to Arizona educational programs.
- Dangerously Venomous
- Rarely encountered
- Protected - do not interact
- Snake fencing not necessary
