Mojave rattlesnake

The Mojave rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) is a highly venomous pit viper found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is characterized by a segmented rattle at the tip of its tail, which produces a buzzing sound when vibrated. These snakes are not typically aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation, but their habit of lying near paths can make them dangerous to humans.

Mojave rattlesnakes are typically 0.5 to 2 meters (1.6 to 6.6 feet) long, with coloration varying from gray or light brown to shades of orange, pink, red, or green, often with dark diamond or hexagonal patterns. They possess heat-sensing pits to detect prey and inject potent venom containing hemotoxins and neurotoxins. While bites are painful and can be fatal, prompt medical treatment with antivenin is effective. These snakes give birth to live young, which are born with functioning fangs and venom glands.12