Mojave Rattlesnake

Description

The Mojave rattlesnake is a slim olive-green to brown rattlesnake usually around a metre long with dark brown diamond markings outlined in cream and a distinctive pair of light scales between the eyes. The pale rings on the tail are wider than the dark ones, helping separate it from the diamondback.

Behavior

Mojaves are often active at night in summer and during the day in cooler months. The venom in much of the range contains a potent neurotoxin called Mojave toxin, alongside typical hemotoxic components, making bites a serious medical emergency requiring specific antivenom protocols.

Range

Distributed across the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, from southern California east to west Texas. Local populations differ in venom composition, with some carrying mostly hemotoxic and others mostly neurotoxic venom.