RATTLESNAKES!!!

Many times you’ll hear it before you see it, a buzzzzzing coming from nearby. You know immediately what it is as that sound can only be one thing and as you look down you can see the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake coiled some twelve inches from your foot. Most experts will tell you to freeze, don’t move and let the snake go about its business. But I can tell you from personal experience when you are that close to a coiled and obviously distraught rattlesnake standing still is the last thing on your mind.
Of all the desert critters that can be seen in the Sonoran Desert, I believe the rattlesnake is by far the most feared and misunderstood. Hardened scales are added to the tail as the snake sheds its skin forming the rattles. When the snake vibrates it’s tail the brittle segments brush against one another producing the dreaded sound. The rattle serves as a warning to enemies, letting them know that the snake is nearby and ready for action. It doesn’t rattle when stalking its prey as the sound would frighten away dinner.
Click to hear a rattlesnake:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/audio/western_diamondback.mp3
Rattlesnakes are nocturnal, preferring the coolness of the summer nights to hunt. While they see well during the daylight hours, the heat sensitive pits on the side of their face creates an infrared image for the darkness. This image can detect a change of temperature of a degree or less enabling the snake to distinguish between its prey and a rock thus making the nighttime the perfect setting for hunting. Its prey consists of pack rats, mice, and other rodents, helping keep the rodent population under control.
The snakes will mate in the spring and in two or three months give birth to living baby rattlesnakes that are well equipped with fully functional fangs and a tiny rattle segment. There are many opinions on the potency of the baby rattlesnake’s venom with some experts believing it to be more venomous than the adult snakes. However, even if that is the case, the openings in fangs are smaller than the adults and do not inject as much venom into it prey.
There are several species of rattlesnakes that make their home in the Sonoran desert. In addition to the Western Diamondback, there is also the Sidewinder, Mojave and the Blacktailed rattlers with the Mojave rattlesnake being the most dangerous. The Mojave rattlesnake is considered by some to be an aggressive snake with tales of those who were stalked mercilessly by this vicious creature. Because of that misinformation many Mojave rattlesnakes are unnecessarily killed on sight. It is true; however, that Mojave rattlers are quick to go on the defensive but given an opportunity to escape the snake will go its own way. The venom from the Mojave is a neurotoxin and can cause severe respiratory problems and paralysis while the venom from the Western Diamondback causes tissue damage. Regardless of the type of snake, seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten.
September seems to be a good month to see rattlesnakes, at least in my part of the desert. Early afternoon, with the temperatures beginning to cool slightly, the snakes tend to come out earlier. Last September alone, I had three Western Diamondback rattlesnakes in my back yard, though not to fear, just a call to 9-1-1 and the Fire Department quickly arrived and snagged the crawly critters. (Rattlesnake trivia: the sound from my neighbor’s sprinkler system also sounds like a rattlesnake)
In addition to late September, the best time to see a rattlesnake (if you are so inclined) is in the summer, early morning or at dusk. Just drive through the Saguaro National Park or hike on one of the many trails in the park. Use caution if you do encounter a rattlesnake as it can strike up to a third of its body length. The best thing to do is give the snake its space, take a few photos and appreciate the opportunity you’ve been given.