Blacktail Rattlesnake
Crotalus molossus
A
large rattlesnake ranging up to 48". Background color is variable and
ranging from dull grayish brown to olive green, to bright yellow-green. The back
has darker brown to black blotches. Each blotch has one or two lighter blotches
in the center. Top of the head above the nose and the tail is usually dark brown
to black. There are color variations between the low-land and moutainous range
animals.
Northern
Blacktail Rattlesnakes inhabits a wide variety of habitats in Arizona ranging
from Sonoran desert up to pine/oak woodland. Most often found in mountainous
terrain.
This
snake is active around the clock when conditions are favorable. Eats mice, rats,
ground squirrels, and other small mammals.
This snake is found
across all of Arizona except for the northeast 1/4 and the western boundary
along the California border.