Panamint Rattlesnake

Range

Southwestern Nevada and adjacent east central California.

Habitats

Lives in desert mountain habitats at elevations of 3000-7900 feet. Prefers rocky outcrops and boulders, but will also inhabit scrublands, cactus deserts, and open woodlands.

Identification

A venomous medium-sized snake with keeled scales and a large triangular head. It has elliptical pupils and two heat-sensing pits on the front of its snout between the eyes and mouth. Coloration is variable in this species, depending on camouflage requirements for local surroundings. Its patterning begins on the neck as wide, jagged blotches down the center of the dorsum, turning into bands that are narrow on the sides and wide in the center of the back, then becoming more uniform bands towards the tail. These markings are generally outlined in darker scales, and lighter in the center. The background coloration between the bands is even lighter. The end of the tail is black where it meets the rattle. This snake averages 2-3 feet in length.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians