How many species of rattlesnakes are there in Arizona?
Arizona is home to 13 species of rattlesnakes as follows:
(1) Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox), the largest rattlesnake in the West, up to 66" long, responsible for more bites and deaths to humans than any other rattlesnake species in the US;
(2) Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus), up to 63" long;
(3) Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis), up to 64" long;
(4) Speckled Rattlesnake (Crotalus mitchelli), up to 51" long;
(5) Mojave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus), up to 50" long, widely considered most toxic rattlesnake in the US;
(6) Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus), up to 48" long;
(7) Arizona Black Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerberus), up to 42" long;
(8) Tiger Rattlesnake (Crotalus tigris), up to 35" long;
(9) Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus), up to 33" long, has a special protection in Arizona;
(10) Twin-spotted Rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei), up to 26" long, small rattle sounds like an insect, has a special protection in Arizona;
(11) Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake (Crotalus willardi), up to 26" long, an official state reptile, has special protection in Arizona;
(12) Sidewinder Rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes), up to 25" long;
(13) Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), up to 22" long, has special protection in Arizona.
Caution is advised even when snakes are believed to be dead; rattlesnake heads can see, flick the tongue, and inflict venomous bites for up to an hour after being severed from the body.
More Info:
www.azgfd.com