Mojave Rattlesnakes in the United States

There are 16 species of rattlesnakes in the United States, and the Mojave is considered the most dangerous of the rattlers, though contrary to popular belief bites are not often fatal. While rattlesnakes can be found in each of the forty-eight continental United States they are predominantly found in the southwestern states such as California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. The Mojave rattlesnake occupies the southern portions of California and Nevada, nearly all of Arizona, the southwest tip of Utah, southern New Mexico and the western edge of Texas.

Two subspecies of Mojave rattlesnakes are recognized, the Mojave rattlesnake which occupies the United States and the Huamantlan rattlesnake found predominantly in the Mexican regions of its habitat. Like other rattlesnakes, the Mojave prefers the desert environment and can be found in elevations ranging from sea level to an altitude of 2500 meters. While Mojave rattlesnakes can be found in areas of dense vegetation their prime habitat is near scrub brush in arid, sparsely vegetated habitats.

The Mojave rattlesnake is most active between April and September. During the winter months they will hibernate alone or in small clusters. Their diet, like most other rattlers consists of small rodents and lizards. Females can produce a litter of up to seventeen live young, though the average is eight.

The venom of the Mojave rattlesnake is complex and varies not only varies between the two subspecies, but also between geographic locations among the same subspecies. The venom consists of two peptide subunits, and for the sake of producing the antivenin are labeled Venom A and Venom B. Venom A is mildly toxic and Venom B is acidic. While neither one is extremely toxic, the combination of the two is. Venom B produces similar side effects to other rattlesnake bites. Venom A can work on the body for hours before significant symptoms emerge, and these symptoms include skeletal muscle weakness and vision abnormalities.

The Mojave rattlesnake can be identified as bearing shades from brown to pale green depending on its surroundings. It has a dark diamond patterning along its back similar to the Western Diamondback rattlesnake. The main difference between the two is the white and black banding of the tail. In the Mojave rattlesnake, the white bands are thicker than the black bands. In the Western Diamondback rattlesnake, the white and black bands are more of an even thickness. It has an average length of about three feet.

While most snakes will leave you alone the Mojave is rumored to be more aggressive toward humans. If you find yourself trekking through the deserts of the southwest or Mexico be mindful of the rattlesnakes in the U.S, like the Mojave