Here are a few of the many mojave rattlesnakes, Crotalus scutulatus, I found in a 3 day period in August, 2009. The species has an incredible amount of variation throughout its range, and these individuals are no exception. The 4 hour drive to this location shows quite a bit of difference between the light greenish scutulatus I see around Phoenix.
It’s also worth mentioning that the scutulatus from Cochise county have more toxic venom than they would elsewhere. I am not sure why this is, but I’m as careful as ever when handling these guys.
Neonate
Crotalus scutulatus
A pissy morning scutulatus
Mojave Rattlesnake
Another bad morning
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Tags: arizona, cochise county, Crotalus scutulatus, hidalgo county, mojave rattlesnake, neurotoxin, new mexico, venom
Great shots of the Mojaves. I spent several days, last spring, in the Boot Heel of New Mexico, the Big Hatchet Mountains. We went in from the east side up Thompson Cyn. then climbed the Big Hatchet Pk. Only saw one rattlesnake. It was in the desert floor on the way in. Just a regular Western Diamondback. Are there any Mojaves in the Big Hatchet area?
Some years back, working for the Southern Pacific Railroad, I saw a lime green one just a few miles north of Mojave, California.
Paul McGuffin
Thanks Paul. I haven’t been to the Big Hatchet mountains yet, but mojaves do range there. The diamondbacks in the area look amazing, as well, being a lot more colorful and sporting a reduced pattern in comparison to the diamondbacks I see here in Phoenix.
Bryan, You need to make a trip to the Big Hatchets. It’s like going back in time. There were next to no signs of humans ever being there. If you find some Mojaves there, please post some photos. Take lots of water with you.
Paul McGuffin,