Living With Venomous Reptiles

[reptilist]

The truth of the matter is that all nearly all wild animals are in decline because of mankind's pervasive influence. Regarding the snakes of Arizona, the main reason, which by far eclipses any other supposed cause, is the destruction and fragmentation of suitable habitat. People kill the snakes, either deliberately, or as a consequence of "manifest destiny".

[LDMGOLD]

However, you might find a rattler in my tongs. Excuse me for that laughable error in grammar.

Yes, I do agree with you about the destruction of habitat and definitely the killing of snakes by the ignorant. Rattlers have always been a good predator (barrier) against carries of plague and rabies (at rodents). From what I understand the plague or rabies stop with the cold blooded reptiles and isn't passed on. I could be wrong, but that is what I have been told.

Tom K.

[rede2rock]

So with other types of wildlife, ie: deer, turkeys etc. people are setting up natural feeding habits, replanting to more remote safe areas and enhanced "home" spaces. Is there anything along those lines being done to encourage reptile growth in the wild?

Thom

[LDMGOLD]

TERRY:

My wife was out on the desert involved in a tracking class and came across this large Western Diamond-Back with a young Black-Tailed jackrabbit. This is her photo. No she isn't afraid of rattlesnakes. Thought you guys would enjoy looking at a healthy Western Diamond-Back enjoying breakfast. He was left to his breakfast and wasn't disturbed.

Tom K

[yuccahead]

Wow! Is that a great photo or what?
Life and death in the desert, it doesn't get any better.
Thanks for posting.

[reptilist]

Yes that is quite a shot!
Thanks for posting it!

[LDMGOLD]

TERRY:

Sharon wasn't the only one to take a photo of that snake consuming the jackrabbit. There were several tracking students that also took photographs at different times. I just want to mention that. Her photo was not an exclusive or the only one for this particular event. My wife is very ethical about her photography and photos she takes.

Now she is happy with me for letting you folks know that.

Tom K.

[Apache Devil]

LDMGOLD. Are you sure that is an atrox and not a c. ruber?

[LDMGOLD]

We live in the heart of the Sonoran Desert and most common species of rattlesnake here is Crotalus atrox. We have some Mohaves and a few Black-tails. The photo is of a Crotalus atrox or Western Diamond Back rattlesnake. I believe the ruber is common to California, not Arizona.

Take care,

Tom K.

[Apache Devil]

Whichever he may be, he is a beautiful and very ambitious snake.