Herpetofauna: One Life's List

Crotalus tigris
Tiger Rattlesnake

Maricopa Co., Arizona
July 26, 2013

We were making our way up a wash on a late night, where conditions seemed right but the herps had been far and few.  Suddenly we heard the distinct 'chk' sound that a single flick of a rattle makes, somewhere in the darkness ahead.  We knew there was a rattler out there, but just what kind of Crotalus was revealed in a flashlight beam.  I had missed out on Tigers on my two previous trips to Arizona, so I was pleased to finally make my  acquaintance with one on a short and impromptu visit.