Crotalus oreganus abyssus - Grand Canyon Rattlesnake

Description

This is a medium to large (16" to 54") rattlesnake with dark blotches on a variety of base colors ranging from reddish, pink, yellow/green, light tan, to gray. The blotches usually become bands near the tail.

The young usually have more prominent blotches and facial markings than the adults. Some adults have no body markings. The rostral scale usually comes into contact with more than 2 internasal scales.

Geographic range

Found in northwestern and north-central Arizona.

Habitat

The snake is found in a variety of habitats, including grassland, Great Basin Desert scrubland, bottoms in the Grand Canyon, rolling hills and bajadas in pinion-juniper woodland, and pine forests.

Behavior

It is primarily diurnal but can be active around the clock when conditions are favorable.

Feeding

It feeds on squirrels, mice, lizards, and birds.