Micah Hiner (Class of 2022)
Undergraduate Researcher
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Photo by Jerry Schudda
Mohave Rattlesnake – Crotalus scutulatus
A large bodied greenish-brown rattlesnake with a grey and black banded tail, Mohave Rattlesnakes range from Southern California to west Texas and deep into Mexico. These snakes were mistakenly given a bad reputation as the “Deadly Mohave Green” in the early 1900s but have since become more known for the two types of venom they carry which depends on their locality.
Some Mohave rattlesnakes contain a higher proportion of neurotoxins in their venom which can cause paralytic effects in conjunction with the local tissue injury. Others contain similar venom components to the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake and have more hemotoxic effects.
Micah is an undergraduate starting his sophomore year at the University of Arizona. He is double majoring in both Microbiology and Animal sciences with a focus in Biomedical research. Born in Grand Blanc, Michigan Micah moved across the country with his family in support of his father's career. In the past Micah has spent most of his free time either outdoors or volunteering at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. There he spent 4 years with hands on experience, getting to know both the struggles zoos face and the extraordinary animals they care for. Other parts of the country he volunteered at local pet shelters and animal clinics. Senior year in high school, Micah was invited to the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games held in Seattle, Washington where he taught as a coach for special education students in a high pressure, rigorous environment. Now living in Tucson and recently graduating High School, Micah focuses most of his time on academics and volunteering at Viper. He enjoys spending time hiking, playing sports, bouldering, working out at the gym, and spending time with his family. Micah has worked at a former PGA golf course for the past three years. Micah has also worked as a volunteer at Catalina Non-Profit IMPACT, Park Circle Animal Hospital, tutor for foster children, animal caretaker at Sunshine Farm, Harvest for Hope 5K Run food pantry benefit, SAS for fundraiser event with kids. Micah is starting his first project this year at Viper and is as ardent as ever.