Reptile · GBIF taxon 2444480
Mojave Rattlesnake
Crotalus scutulatusAlso known as Mojave Green, Mojave Pit Viper
Mojave rattlesnakes navigate arid scrublands and high desert valleys, relying on thermoreceptive facial pits to strike warm-blooded prey in complete darkness. Their venom is famously potent, containing a lethal cocktail of neurotoxins and hemotoxins that rapidly disables small mammals. Distinctive wide white rings on the tail preceding the rattle help field observers separate them from other desert pit vipers.
VenomousReptileNocturnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Kangaroo Rats
- Pocket Mice
- Desert Spiny Lizards
Predators
- Red-tailed Hawks
- Greater Roadrunners
- Kingsnakes
ThreatsHabitat loss, road mortality, deliberate destruction
HabitatsDeserts, arid scrublands, grasslands, Joshua tree woodlands
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyViperidae
- SpeciesCrotalus scutulatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Highly venomous; maintain a distance of at least three meters and never corner or touch.
- Why it is dangerous
- Injects potent neurotoxic and hemotoxic venom that can cause systemic paralysis, muscle breakdown, and respiratory failure.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by broad white tail rings that are significantly wider than the dark rings just before the rattle.
- What to do
- Stop moving immediately upon hearing a rattle, locate the snake, and slowly step back at least three meters.
Responsible observation
- Give Space: Back away slowly if you hear a rattle or spot one along a trail.
- Watch Your Step: Use a flashlight when walking outdoors at night during warm months.
- Wear Footwear: Wear high leather boots and heavy trousers when hiking in dense desert brush.
Genus Member (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Genus Member Marshal Hedin / CC BY-SA 2.5 · cc-by-sa
Predator (c) Connor Long, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick · cc-by
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