Western Rattlesnake

The western rattlesnake or "prairie rattler", Crotalus viridis, is the only venomous snake in this part of the West. They are more abundant than most people want to know and an extremely important part of the local ecology. By coincidence, their

Western Rattelsnake 2

Western rattlesnake ("prairie rattler"), Crotalis viridis, in defensive coil.

18-INCH WESTERN RATTLESNAKE IN FRESH SKIN

This medium-sized rattler was terrified of me. Like so many rattlers, it refused to rattle or even go into a defensive coil. It only wanted to get away.

FANGS - A GRUMPY RATTLER HEADS FOR THE DITCH

This medium-sized rattler was pretty grumpy. When sitting still failed him, he suddenly snapped into a coil and struck in my general direction giving me an adrenaline rush. He then crossed the road rattling all the way.