Judi Carrington, BA

^{Photo by Jerry Schudda}

Western Rattlesnake – Crotalus oreganus

Three subspecies of this generally large rattlesnake with highly variable background coloration and large dark blotches occur in Arizona. The Great Basin Rattlesnake is greyish with prominent dark blotches. The Grand Canyon Rattlesnake is a greyish tan with the blotches almost fading into the background color in older individuals. The Midget Faded Rattlesnake is the smallest of the three and a more sandy brown to straw color.

Western Rattlesnake bites result in similar complications to the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake but occur less frequently. This could be due to a number of reasons but is likely related to the animal being found less frequently in human dominated areas.