Description: A large (total length: 75-150 cm [3-5 ft], maximum to 225 cm [7.5 ft]), heavy-bodied rattlesnake with a wide, triangular-shaped head. The dorsal color generally is grayish (color may harmonize with habitat) with darker diamond-shaped marks set off by white borders. The scales are flecked with black, giving it a speckled appearance. The overall color is dull, with a faded appearance. The tail is banded with black and white rings; the black rings are as wide or wider than the white rings. There are two distinct, light-colored diagonal stripes on the side of the head, with the rear line extending from behind the eye to the corner of the mouth. This species may be identified from other species of rattlesnakes in southern Nevada by the presence of black and white rings on the tail that are approximately equal in width, and by the eye-line that ends at the
corner of the mouth. Generally crepuscular and nocturnal, but sometimes
diurnal.
Diet: Feeds on rodents and small rabbits; smaller individuals may eat lizards.
Habitat: This species occurs in a variety of habitats, especially in open Mojave desert scrub habitat and rocky foothills up to 2,100 m (7,000 ft) in elevation; also woodlands and sandy mesquite dune habitats.
Range: This species occurs throughout the southwestern U.S. (California to
Oklahoma) and northern Mexico. In Nevada, it is restricted to the southern tip of
the state and along the Colorado River.
Comments: This species is the largest of the western rattlesnakes. Also called the Coon-tail rattlesnake. It is a venomous snake.