Today we were hiking in the Brown Mountain area of the Tucson Mountains. This is the first rattlesnake I’ve seen in almost two years of hiking in the Sonoran Desert. Relatively speaking, this western rattlesnake is a little guy. As you can see, he blinds in nicely to the environment, which might explain why he was almost stepped on by some fellow hikers before creating a lot of commotion. By the time I got closer for these photos, he was coiled and making a lot of noise — the loudest I’ve ever heard from a rattlesnake. He was not happy with our being in his territory. I’m more familiar with darker rattlers in the southeastern U.S.
kenne
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake — Images by kenne
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Great photos!
WOW
Great post today. I really enjoyed your photos very much. Thanks for sharing.
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okay, this is just way to close for comfort, Kenne. how far away were you when you snapped this sucker? you are too brave. Amazing photos!!!
. . . I was standing about 8 feet away with plenty of room to run if necessary. This is the time of year for the snakes to be on the move — one was spotted yesterday in Sabino Canyon near where 1st graders were being lead through an activity, “Now You See It Now You Don’t.” In the activity the kids color a paper critter with the colors they think will best blend into the surrounding area when they hide it — then kids from another table come looking for the critters. It was at this point that a rattlesnake was spotted (the students were not in any immediate danger) and then headed into the bushes. It was a great learning moment — now you see it, now you don’t! I’m told that four of the paper critters were left hidden. This is an activity I will be teaching this Thursday with 1st graders.