Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake is one of the most commonly seen rattlesnakes in the west. Although it is normally most active at night during the hot summer months it can be encountered almost anytime. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake takes advantage of a wide variety of habitats from desert flats to mountain canyons. Its large size (up to 72 inches) makes this rattlesnake very dangerous. It eats mice, wood and kangaroo rats, and rabbits. I have found that in areas where they are present, the Western Diamondback may be the most common snake in that area. The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake usually seems dusty grey in color with indistinct diamond patterns. The diamond pattern is much sharper in younger snakes (like the one below).
