Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Click image to enlarge) 
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Tail (Click image to enlarge) 
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Head (Click image to enlarge) |
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Crotalus atrox The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake shown above was photographed at Bandelier National Monument, in New Mexico. This snake was pretty long - probably pushing six feet. We were startled, to say the least, when we first saw it. We were walking along a trail and my wife spotted it slithering in our direction, just next to the path. After rapidly clearing out of the area we returned and took a few photos. On one occasion I apparently got a bit too close and it gave me a nice rattling warning, but for the most part the snake was minding its own business. In fact, it seemed to be looking for something. Another hiker said that he'd seen an obviously injured rodent nearby; perhaps the snake had bitten it earlier and was tracking down its victim. |
