Black-tailed Rattlesnake
The black-tailed rattlesnake can be found all across southern Arizona. It dwells in elevations ranging from sea level to over 8,000′ below Mogollon Rim and southeastern Arizona. In addition to Arizona, you can also find this snake in New Mexico and west and central Texas, but don’t go looking for it.
This large snake can reach up to 48″ in length including its rattle and its colors are prominently brown, yellow-brown, and gray with black or brown blotches on its back. The tail is black but sometimes has some dark, gray-brown rings. Its snout is typically dark brown or black as well.
If you tend to go hiking in in any of these areas and come across the Black-tailed Rattlesnake be aware that this snake is capable of delivering large amounts of venom. If you ever encounter one leave it alone and hopefully it will leave you alone in return.
Tiger Rattlesnake
The Tiger Rattlesnake can be found in central, south-central and southeastern Arizona. More specifically you can encounter one in Arizona Interior Chaparral, Chihuahuan Desertscrub, and Madrean Evergreen Woodland communities. An explorer may encounter one on a rocky slope or wash within foothills and rocky mountains.
It is a medium-sized rattlesnake that reached up to 35″ in length and its coloration is usually blue-gray or orange-brown. It has peach and orange coloration on the lower parts of its body. There are also “tiger” bands formed by dark flecks on the back and dark scales. The head is triangular and is small relative to the rest of the body.
Similar to other rattlesnakes in the region, its venom is very potent so if you were to get bitten by this rattlesnake you would need help as soon as possible.
