Arizona is known for its diverse wildlife, including the highest number of rattlesnakes in the United States. With at least 13 different types of rattlesnakes, Arizona is home to a variety of these venomous reptiles.
In this article, we will explore the 15 types of rattlesnakes that can be found in Arizona, including their characteristics and habitats.
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It’s important to note that rattlesnakes are venomous and should be treated with caution. Understanding the different types of rattlesnakes in Arizona can help you stay safe while exploring the state’s natural beauty.
15 Types Of Rattlesnakes In Arizona
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is a venomous snake that can be found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
This snake is considered a generalist and can be found living in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grassy plains, forests, rocky hillsides, and canyons.
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied snake with a triangular-shaped head and two dark stripes that run from the eyes to the corners of the mouth. They are pit vipers, which means they have a heat-sensing pit located behind each nostril that can detect differences in temperature, helping them to determine predator from prey.
The diet of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake consists of mice, rats, rabbits, gophers, ground-dwelling birds, lizards, and other small animals.
These snakes have many predators, including coyotes, kingsnakes, birds of prey, roadrunners, and even stock animals that can trample them. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is not currently threatened or endangered and has a stable population.
Sidewinder Rattlesnake
The Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes) is a venomous pit viper species belonging to the genus Crotalus, and is found in the desert regions of the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
This snake is also known as the horned rattlesnake, sidewinder rattlesnake, Mojave Desert sidewinder, and sidewinder rattler. The sidewinder is a small rattlesnake, with adults averaging slightly more than 50 cm (20 inches) in length, but can attain 80 cm. They are distinguished among rattlesnakes by their horn-like superocular scales on their heads.
The color pattern of these snakes consists of a ground color that may be cream, buff, yellowish-brown, pink, or ash gray, overlaid with 28-47 dorsal blotches subrhombic or subelliptical in shape.
Sidewinders are nocturnal and feed upon rodents. They are adapted to living in the desert and can move quickly across the sand by using a unique sidewinding motion.
The sidewinder is not currently threatened or endangered and has a stable population.
Black-tailed Rattlesnake
The Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Four subspecies of this snake are currently recognized.
Black-tailed rattlesnakes are terrestrial and occupy grasslands, deserts, and rocky, mountainous areas. They are also found at high-altitude pine-oak and boreal forests. This species prefers warm, rocky sites such as the sides of canyons or small ledges in caves.
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At lower elevations, this species lives in mesquite grassland and deserts. Individuals living on dark lava flows often have darker coloration that matches the dark earth.
Black-tailed rattlesnakes are carnivores and feed on rodents, birds, small lizards, and various other small mammals. When hunting for prey, this species uses its heat-sensitive organs on the sides of its head to detect infrared heat, and flicks its tongue to detect scents in its surroundings.
During the cold winter months, this species hibernates underground below the frost line in animal burrows or rock crevices.
Mohave Rattlesnake
The Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) is a highly venomous pit viper species found in the deserts of the southwestern United States and central Mexico.
Here are some key facts about the Mohave Rattlesnake:
– The Mohave Rattlesnake is also known as the Mojave rattlesnake, the Mojave green rattlesnake, and the Mohave green.
– This species is perhaps best known for its potent neurotoxic-hemotoxic venom, which is considered the world’s most potent rattlesnake venom.
– The Mohave Rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied snake with a triangular-shaped head and elliptical pupils.
– The color pattern of this species consists of a greenish-gray or tan base color with irregular dark brown or black diamond-shaped blotches down the back.
– The Mohave Rattlesnake is a generalist and can be found living in a variety of habitats, including deserts, rocky hillsides, and canyons.
– This species feeds on small mammals, lizards, and birds.
– The Mohave Rattlesnake is not currently threatened or endangered and has a stable population.
It’s important to note that the Mohave Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Mohave Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Prairie Rattlesnake
The Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) is a venomous pit viper species native to the western United States, southwestern Canada, and northern Mexico.
Here are some key facts about the Prairie Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– Adults range between 45.3 and 165 cm in length and weigh 227 to 361 g.
– They possess a light brown to black tint on their dorsum and a yellowish-white underbelly.
– Adults have a triangular head, blunt nose, narrow neck, and vertical pupils.
Habitat and Diet:
– Prairie Rattlesnakes inhabit the North American Great Plains from the Rocky Mountains to 96° W and from southern Canada to extreme northern Mexico.
– They prefer open grasslands, prairies, and sagebrush flats.
– Prairie Rattlesnakes are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as mice, rats, rabbits, and prairie dogs.
Conservation Status:
– The Prairie Rattlesnake is classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
– The population of Prairie Rattlesnakes is considered stable.
It’s important to note that the Prairie Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Prairie Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Speckled Rattlesnake
The Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchellii) is a venomous pit viper species found in the Southwestern United States and adjacent northern Mexico.
Here are some key facts about the Speckled Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– Most adult Speckled Rattlesnakes measure 24 to 30 inches in length, but some “giants” measuring almost 36 inches have been found.
– They are a long, heavy-bodied pit viper, with a thin neck, a large triangular head, and a rattle on the end of the tail consisting of loose interlocking hollow segments.
Habitat and Diet:
– Speckled Rattlesnakes prefer rocky terrain up to 8,000 feet (2,500 meters).
– This species is more common in rocky areas inland from the shore in southern California.
– They are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as mice, rats, and rabbits.
Subspecies:
– Five subspecies of Speckled Rattlesnakes are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
– The subspecies are: C. m. mitchellii, C. m. pyrrhus, C. m. angelensis, C. m. stephensi, and C. m. muertensis.
Conservation Status:
– The Speckled Rattlesnake is classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
– The population of Speckled Rattlesnakes is considered stable.
It’s important to note that the Speckled Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Speckled Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Tiger Rattlesnake
The Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris) is a highly venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Here are some key facts about the Tiger Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– Tiger rattlesnakes are small, and most adults only reach about two feet long.
– They are sexually dimorphic, and the males often grow larger than the females.
– The specific name tigris, (Latin for ‘tiger’), refers to the many narrow dorsal crossbands, which create a pattern of vertical stripes when viewed from the side.
Habitat and Diet:
– Tiger rattlesnakes are terrestrial snakes and are primarily nocturnal, even during cold temperatures.
– They are occasionally found basking during the day and after warm rains.
– They hibernate during the late fall and winter in rock crevices or animal burrows.
– Tiger rattlesnakes are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as mice, rats, and other rodents.
Conservation Status:
– The Tiger Rattlesnake is classified as a species of “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
– The population of Tiger Rattlesnakes is considered stable.
It’s important to note that the Tiger Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Tiger Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Rock Rattlesnake
The Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus) is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and northern central Mexico. Here are some key facts about the Rock Rattlesnake:
– Four subspecies of Rock Rattlesnakes are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here.
– The subspecies are: C. l. lepidus, C. l. klauberi, C. l. morulus, and C. l. maculosus.
– Rock Rattlesnakes are small- to medium-sized snakes, typically reaching 60 to 70 centimeters (23 to 27 inches) in length, though some males may exceed 80 centimeters (31 inches).
– They are terrestrial snakes and are primarily nocturnal, even during cold temperatures.
– Rock Rattlesnakes are carnivorous and feed on lizards, invertebrates, small mammals, birds, and other snakes.
– They use venom to subdue their prey before swallowing it whole.
– Rock Rattlesnakes are found in rocky terrain, large rock outcroppings, rocky stream beds, and steep rocky talus slopes in evergreen woodland and montane conifer forests.
It’s important to note that the Rock Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Rock Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Grand Canyon Rattlesnake
The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus abyssus) is a subspecies of the Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) and is found only in the U.S. states of Arizona and Utah. Here are some key facts about the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is a medium to large rattlesnake, with adults measuring 16-54 inches (41-137 cm) in total length.
– They have a light gray or tan base color with dark brown or black diamond-shaped blotches down the back.
– The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake has a triangular-shaped head and vertical pupils.
Habitat and Diet:
– The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, Great Basin Desert scrubland, bottoms in the Grand Canyon, talus and cliff slopes, rolling hills, and mountainous areas.
– They are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as rodents and lizards.
Conservation Status:
– The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is not currently listed as threatened or endangered.
It’s important to note that the Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Grand Canyon Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Arizona Black Rattlesnake
The Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerberus) is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States, including Arizona and western New Mexico. Here are some key facts about the Arizona Black Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– The adults are dark brown to almost black, and juveniles are more brightly patterned.
– They have a triangular-shaped head and vertical pupils.
– Arizona Black Rattlesnakes are medium-sized snakes, with adults typically measuring between 2 and 4 feet in length.
Habitat and Diet:
– Arizona Black Rattlesnakes live in the forests of Arizona and western New Mexico.
– They are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as rodents and lizards.
Reproduction and Behavior:
– Sexually mature females bear live young in broods of 4 to 21 neonates.
– The Arizona Black Rattlesnake is the first species of snake observed to exhibit complex social behavior, and like all temperate pit vipers, care for their babies.
– Females remain with their young in nests for 7 to 14 days.
Conservation Status:
– The Arizona Black Rattlesnake was previously considered a subspecies of the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), but has since been elevated to full species status.
– The population of Arizona Black Rattlesnakes is considered stable.
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It’s important to note that the Arizona Black Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter an Arizona Black Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake
The Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus tergeminus edwardsii) is a subspecies of venomous pit viper in the family Viperidae. Here are some key facts about the Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake is more slender and smaller than other subspecies of the Massasauga Rattlesnake, reaching a maximum total length (including tail) of 53 cm (21 in).
– They have a light brown or gray base color with dark brown or black blotches down the back.
Habitat and Diet:
– The Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake is found in the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
– They inhabit a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas.
– Desert Massasauga Rattlesnakes are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as rodents.
Conservation Status:
– The Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake is not currently listed as threatened or endangered.
– However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as human persecution, pose threats to this species.
It’s important to note that the Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Twin-spotted Rattlesnake
The Twin-spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Here are some key facts about the Twin-spotted Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Twin-spotted Rattlesnake is a small rattlesnake, with adults typically measuring between 1 and 2 feet in length.
– They have a gray, bluish-gray, brownish-gray, or medium- to reddish-brown ground color, usually with a fine brown speckling.
– The color pattern consists of a series of dorsal blotches that tend to be divided down the median line to form 39-64 pairs.
Habitat and Diet:
– The Twin-spotted Rattlesnake is found in a variety of habitats, including high mountain forests, rocky areas, and grasslands.
– They are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as rodents.
Conservation Status:
– The Twin-spotted Rattlesnake is not currently listed as threatened or endangered.
– However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as human persecution, pose threats to this species.
It’s important to note that the Twin-spotted Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Twin-spotted Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Western Rattlesnake
The Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus), also known as the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, is a venomous pit viper species found in western North America from the Baja California Peninsula to the southern interior of British Columbia. Here are some key facts about the Western Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Western Rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied snake with large dark spots, a wide triangular head, a distinct eye stripe, and a rattle at the tip of the tail.
– Adults can range from 2 to 4 feet in length.
Habitat and Diet:
– Western Rattlesnakes inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, rocky areas, and forests.
– They are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as rodents.
Conservation Status:
– The Western Rattlesnake is not currently listed as threatened or endangered.
– However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as human persecution, pose threats to this species.
It’s important to note that the Western Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Western Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake
The Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus molossus) is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Here are some key facts about the Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake is a medium-sized snake, with adults typically measuring between 2 and 4 feet in length.
– They have a light brown or gray base color with dark brown or black blotches down the back.
– The tail of the Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake is entirely black.
Habitat and Diet:
– Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnakes inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and rocky, mountainous areas.
– They are carnivorous and feed on small mammals, such as rodents.
Conservation Status:
– The Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake is not currently listed as threatened or endangered.
– However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as human persecution, pose threats to this species.
It’s important to note that the Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake
The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus pyrrhus) is a venomous pit viper species found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Here are some key facts about the Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake:
Physical Characteristics:
– The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake is a medium-sized snake, typically measuring between 2 and 3 feet in length.
– They have a light brown or gray base color with dark brown or black blotches down the back.
– The coloration is variable and depends on the color of the rocks and soil of the habitat.
Habitat and Diet:
– The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake is found mostly in rocky country, active at night and feeding on small mammals.
– They inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, deserts, and rocky areas.
Conservation Status:
– The Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake is not currently listed as threatened or endangered.
– However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as human persecution, pose threats to this species.
It’s important to note that the Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake is a venomous snake and should be treated with caution. If you encounter a Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it.
FAQS
1. How many types of rattlesnakes are there in Arizona?
There are 17 different types of rattlesnakes in Arizona.
2. Are all rattlesnakes in Arizona venomous?
Yes, all rattlesnakes in Arizona are venomous.
3. What should I do if I encounter a rattlesnake in the wild?
If you encounter a rattlesnake in the wild, it’s best to give it plenty of space and avoid provoking it. Back away slowly and leave the area. If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately.
4. How can I avoid getting bitten by a rattlesnake?
To avoid getting bitten by a rattlesnake, stay on designated trails when hiking, wear long pants and boots, and watch where you step. Be aware of your surroundings and listen for the sound of a rattlesnake’s rattle.
5. What should I do if I am bitten by a rattlesnake?
If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, seek medical attention immediately. Do not try to suck out the venom or use a tourniquet, as these methods can do more harm than good.
6. Are rattlesnake bites in Arizona common?
Rattlesnake bites are relatively uncommon in Arizona, but they do occur. In Maricopa County, which has more than 4 million of Arizona’s citizens, there were 79 rattlesnake bites reported in 2021.
7. What are some of the most common types of rattlesnakes in Arizona?
Some of the most common types of rattlesnakes in Arizona include the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, the Sidewinder Rattlesnake, the Arizona Black Rattlesnake, the Great Basin Rattlesnake, and the Mojave Rattlesnake.
8. Are rattlesnakes in Arizona endangered?
Most rattlesnake species in Arizona are not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as human persecution, pose threats to some species.
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