ANIMAS RIDGENOSE RATTLESNAKE
Scientific name: Crotalus willardi obscurus
Size
The average size of a mature Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnake is 1.5 - 2 feet in length.
Description
The Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnake is a relatively small snake. The body of the snake is typically a chocolate to reddish-brown in color. There are narrow white crossbands that are edged in darker color. The crossbands are sometimes broken, appearing more as blotches. There are blotches/spots on the sides of the snake. The top of the head typically has dark spots. The nose has a row of upturned scales that form a ridge, which is where the snake gets its name.
The Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnake has elliptical pupils that look like cat's eyes and like all pit vipers, has a heat-sensing pit between the nostril and eye on each side of its head. The Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnake has a large, triangular head that is wider than the neck when viewed from above.
Distribution
In the United States, the Animas Ridgenose Rattlesnake is found in Arizona and New Mexico.
Map does not show area of true distribution, only the states in which there is a population.
Actual distribution in any highlighted state may be limited.
Photo used by permission:
© 2006 Dr. Stephen P. Mackessy
Department of Biological Sciences
University of Northern Colorado
http://www.unco.edu/nhs/biology/faculty_staff/mackessy_stephen.htm
For more information on venomous snakes, please see the Venomous Links page.
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