Snakes

Mojave Rattlesnake

Crotalus scutulatus

Across the regions where it's common, the Mojave Rattlesnake peaks from July to September.

Shows up in 3 ecoregions and 5 states · venomous

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Snakes

Mojave Rattlesnake

Crotalus scutulatus

venomous

Venomous. Do not handle. Give it room and let it move on. If you're bitten, call 911 or go to an emergency room. Don't cut, suck or ice the bite.

Look, don't take. Many states regulate collecting reptiles and amphibians. Photograph it, log it on iNaturalist and leave it where you found it.

Description

Crotalus scutulatus is species of rattlesnake, a venomous pit viper in the family Viperidae. Crotalus scutulatus grows to an average total length (tail included) of less than 100 cm (3.3 ft), with a maximum total length of 123.6 cm (4.1 ft) for males and 92.2 cm (3.0 ft) for females.Wikipedia ↗

Habitat

It also occurs as far north as Lincoln County in Nevada, the southwest corner of Washington County in Utah, and portions of extreme southern New Mexico. Campbell and Lamar (2004) supported the English name "Mohave (Mojave) rattlesnake" with some reluctance because so little of the snake's range lies within the Mojave Desert.Wikipedia ↗

When it's active

Crotalus scutulatus is most active from April to September. Courtship begins in late summer/fall, is interrupted by winter, and resumes in the spring.Wikipedia ↗

Venom

Neurotoxic C. scutulatus venom is used in the manufacture of CroFab®, while the venom of a tropical rattlesnake (C. simus) that expresses a very similar neurotoxin, is used in the production of Anavip®.Wikipedia ↗

Mojave Rattlesnake — nmoorhatch · CC BY 4.0

iNaturalist ↗

Harmless look-alikes

Gopher Snake, Pine Snake, Eastern Hognose Snake, Plains Hognose Snake, Mexican Hognose Snake, Prairie Kingsnake, Desert Nightsnake, Chihuahuan NightsnakeSuperficially, gopher snakes resemble many species of rattlesnakes and are often mistaken for them. Animal Diversity Web ↗Non-human predators are likely to be discouraged from attacking gopher snakes when they are mimicing rattlesnakes. Animal Diversity Web ↗Rattlesnakes vs. gopher snakes, bullsnakes and hognose snakes →

When and where it's active

Each row is its own calendar, counted from records in that area. Seasons shift by place.

PeakShoulderQuiet

Ecoregions

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Arizona and New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Desert Sonoran Desert

States

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Arizona California Nevada New Mexico Texas

About the Mojave Rattlesnake

When is the Mojave Rattlesnake most active?

Across the regions where it's common, the Mojave Rattlesnake peaks from July to September.

Where does the Mojave Rattlesnake live?

It has enough records to show in 3 ecoregions and 5 states, including Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico.

Is the Mojave Rattlesnake venomous?

Yes. The Mojave Rattlesnake is venomous. Don't handle it, and give it room.

What snakes get mistaken for the Mojave Rattlesnake?

Harmless lookalikes include the Gopher Snake, Pine Snake, and Eastern Hognose Snake.