Black-tailed rattlesnakes are a rather fascinating species! They are absurdly versatile, occupying elevations ranging from sea level to nearly 8000'! I have encountered them in dry desert canyons, forests, along streams, and nestled among large boulders on rocky hillsides. Their captivating coloration and temperament are just as variable! Photographed in the Chiricahua Mountains, AZ, after being moved off a road.
A beautiful Mojave rattlesnake is accented by the gentle light of a rapidly approaching sunset. Denizens of the desert grasslands, Mojave rattlesnakes very much resemble unusually pretty diamondback rattlesnakes. They have unusually potent venom and one should always respect their space. Willcox, AZ.
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When two equally-matched diamondbacks both seek the attention of a lady, they will make a contest of each snake attempting to stand the tallest while trying to push over his opponent. Over and over again, they would stand as tall as snakily possible before yet again plummeting to the ground. We probably watched these antics for 15 minutes! Occasionally, the snakes ended up only 6 or so feet away, but were so obsessed with romance they never even acknowledged our presence. Finally, the unusual spectacle disappeared deep in the tall grass and we meandered along. Tucson, AZ.
Encountered in the middle of a hiking trail, I nearly stepped on this sidewinder rattlesnake. This picture depicts him / her amidst the natural surroundings. Sidewinders are known for their unique means of locomotion which their name summarizes well...fascinating to watch!
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Prior to this beautiful creature, I've yet to meet a defensive black-tailed rattlesnake. The several previous snakes have all been peaceful creatures with no defensive behaviour, and scarcely even a rattle. This brazen chap, however, sat at the edge of the trail, greeting me with a rattle and a posture that clearly said "no bs." After snapping a few pics, I offered him/her some water and continued down the trail with the rattle continuing until out of earshot.
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A young sidewinder tastes the air as he/she sizes me up.
Sidewinders are known for their unique means of locomotion which their name summarizes well...fascinating to watch!
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The most rewarding wildlife encounters are this which play out respectfully. The observer does not overstep their boundaries and the wild creature does not exhibit signs of stress. During this interaction, the black rattlesnake did not rattle. In fact, a flight body readjustment was the only reaction. Afterward, my friend and I slowly backed away and left this beautiful serpent in peace. Galliuro Mountains, AZ.
When viewed extremely closely, one can see the overlap, contrast, and captivating iridescence of the black-tailed rattlesnake's scales. Highly adaptable, I have seen these snakes in every habitat from scorching, low-elevation desert, to over 6000', deep in the forest.
Southeastern AZ.
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This stunning juvenile Arizona black rattlesnake was photographed by none other than my beloved companion, Brittany. Photo taken in the Galiuro Mountains, AZ.
Banded rock rattlesnakes are only found in mountainous areas. These tiny, beautiful rattlesnakes are protected in the state of Arizona. Giant centipedes, of all creatures, constitute a large portion of their diet.
Meet Arizona's state reptile, the ridge-nosed rattlesnake. These small mountain-dwellers have truly striking features! After years of lusting after an encounter, this beauty was my very first.
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A western diamondback rattlesnake strikes the classic defensive posture. He/she apparently didn't take kindly to being moved away from the trail. Western diamondbacks are probably the most common snake in Southeastern Arizona.
Saguaro Nat Park, AZ.
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Despite unusually potent venom, the tiger rattlesnake is considered low-risk (for a rattlesnake). Small fangs, reluctance to bite, and tiny venom glands are all to thank. Photo taken in Saguaro NP West, AZ.
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This lovely timber rattlesnake allowed for just a few photos before hurrying across the remote forest road. Bald Eagle State Forest, PA.
A western diamondback rattlesnake "tastes" the air with it's tongue. This helps him/her to not only monitor my movement, but assess what sort of creature I might be. Saguaro National Park, AZ.
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