Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Crotalus molossus molossus

Venom Status:

Venomous

 

Characteristics:

A pretty and usually responsive, quick to stand its ground, 3 to 3 ½ foot long rattlesnake of both mountain and lowland habitats. Ground color varies from greenish to buff to charcoal. Darker colors are often associated with high elevations. Patterned dorsally with dark crossbands and saddles, and both are light-centered. Tail of adult’s unpatterned black. Juveniles are similar but the tail is banded. Note the vertical pupils and infrared sensing pit between, but lower than, the nostril and eye. Scales keeled. Ovoviviparous.

 

Unique Features:

Tail is unpatterned black and easily seen as it is usually extended and rattling if the snake is disturbed.

 

Habitat and Diet:

This rattlesnake is most often encountered in mountain canyons, arroyos, or rocky roadcuts and rock-strewn lowlands. It often crosses or basks on roads after dark. Preys on small rodents, ground nesting birds, and lizards

 

Geographic Range:

AZ, NM