Alternate Name(s):

Rattler

Venom Status:

Venomous

Characteristics:

This small subspecies of the western rattlesnake is adult at a length of 2 to 2 ½’. Ground color is yellowish to sand-tan or pale pinkish. Pale dorsal blotches are dark-edged, lateral blotches are not. Both are pale to absent. There are 2 poorly defined white facial stripes, the first beginning on the snout and passing diagonally beneath the eye to the rear of the mouth. The second stripe begins on top of the head between the eyes and runs rearward over the eye to the rear of the head. Anterior dorsal blotches are broad but the blotches narrow progressively as they approach the tail where they become bands connected to the lateral spots posteriorly including on the tail. Note the vertical pupils and infrared sensing pit between, but lower than, the nostril and eye. Ovoviviparous. Juveniles similar to adults but darker.

Unique Features:

Pale markings against a pale ground color, white facial stripes, and geographic location will identify this small rattlesnake.

Habitat and Diet:

This is a snake of the rocky cliff faces, rockslides, and rocky desert scrublands. Small rodents and lizards seem the principal prey species

Geographic Range:

CO, UT, WY,