Herpetofauna: One Life's List

Crotalus atrox
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Val Verde Co. Texas. May 19, 1999.

Whatever else may fail you, a night's road cruising in the Southwest will more than likely turn up at least one atrox.  They can be common, and in the case of the rattler pictured here, quite beautiful.  Like most other venomous snakes in North America, they strive mightily to escape, rather than stand their ground.  This west Texas specimen was induced to coil and remain still by surrounding it with four men.  After taking photos, the serpent was allowed to crawl back into the thornscrub chapparal, and in seconds was gone from view.