Prairie Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis

The Prairie Rattlesnake, (or Hopi Rattlesnake, depending on the area) is a wide-spread and extremely variable species, found in the North Eastern portions of Arizona, East of the Colorado River. Color, size, and pattern can vary greatly between communities, from small orange or reddish variants, or “Hopi” variety, to large-bodied, green, tan, or brown individuals. In Arizona, they are mostly found at higher elevations, between 4’500’ and 9,000’, inhabiting nearly every habitat type within their range. The Prairie Rattlesnake can be identified by the characteristically narrow light-colored facial stripes, and dorsal blotches that are often outlined oval or bow-tie shapes. They are often misidentifed as “Mojave Green” rattlesnakes in New Mexico and Northern Arizona.