Warm weather is snake weather

 

Arizona Rattlesnakes Rattlesnake Facts Rattlesnake Species: Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchelli) Twin-spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris) Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerberus) Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus) Rattlesnake Research Rattlesnake Facts: Scientists have identified 36 rattlesnake species Rattlesnakes live only in North and South America 13 species live in Arizona, more than any other state Rattlesnakes use the "loreal pit," a heat-sensing organ between the nostril and eye to locate prey and potential predators These snakes have glands that make venom, much like human saliva glands make saliva The rattle is made of keratin, the same material found in human hair and fingernails The age of a rattlesnake cannot be determined by counting the segments of its rattle Rattlesnake prey may include small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and centipedes According to Arizona Poison Centers, less than 1% of rattlesnake bites result in human deaths Rattlesnake Species: Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) Up to 22" long Most primitive form of rattlesnake in U.S. One of four rattlesnake species with special protection in Arizona Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) Up to 50" long Widely considered most toxic rattlesnake in U.S. Easily confused with Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) Up to 64" long Reportedly used in famous Hopi snake dance ritual Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) Up to 25" long Travels in side-winding motion Only rattlesnake with horns over eyes Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchelli) Up to 51" long Color can vary greatly from nearly white to pink, gray or brown Color often matches their surroundings Twin-spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) Up to 26" long Small rattle sounds like insect One of four rattlesnake species with special protection in Arizona Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris) Up to 35" long Small head doesn't hold much venom, but venom is powerful Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi) Up to 26" long Gets its name from raised ridge of scales around front of snout Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake is official state reptile One of four rattlesnake species with special protection in Arizona Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) Up to 66" long Largest rattlesnake in the West Responsible for more bites and deaths to humans than any other rattlesnake species in U.S. Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) Up to 48" long Color can vary greatly from brown or beige to green or golden yellow Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerberus) Up to 42" long Young are vividly patterned and can look very different from adults Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) Up to 63" long Has venom twice as strong as Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake, but produces less venom Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus) Up to 33" long Young use brightly colored tail to attract prey, but tail changes color as snake gets older One of four rattlesnake species with special protection in Arizona